General Questions About Handshake AI
What is Handshake AI?
Handshake AI is a technology company that operates a fellowship program where individuals help train artificial intelligence systems through tasks like data labeling, response evaluation, content classification, and quality assessment. Workers provide human feedback that helps AI models learn and improve their performance.
Is Handshake AI the same as the Handshake career platform?
No, they are completely different platforms. Handshake (without “AI”) is a career networking platform used by universities to connect students with employers. Handshake AI specifically focuses on AI training and data annotation work. The similar names often cause confusion, but they serve entirely different purposes.
What does Handshake AI actually do?
Handshake AI partners with major AI development companies to provide human evaluation and training services for artificial intelligence models. The company recruits workers to review AI outputs, label data, assess content quality, and provide feedback that helps improve AI system accuracy and reliability.
Is Handshake AI a legitimate company?
Yes, Handshake AI is a legitimate company operating in the AI training and data annotation industry. However, like any online opportunity, workers should verify they’re accessing the official platform and not scam sites impersonating the company.
Who owns Handshake AI?
Specific ownership details of Handshake AI are not widely publicized, as is common with many private technology companies in the AI training sector. The company operates as part of the broader ecosystem of firms supporting AI development through human-in-the-loop training services.
Availability and Access in Kenya
Does Handshake AI work in Kenya?
Currently, Handshake AI fellowship opportunities are primarily limited to workers based in the United States. Kenyan workers cannot directly access the main Handshake AI program due to geographic restrictions implemented by the company.
Is Handshake AI available in Kenya?
No, as of early 2026, Handshake AI is not available for workers in Kenya. The platform has geographic limitations that currently exclude most international locations including Kenya.
Why isn’t Handshake AI available in Kenya?
Geographic restrictions exist due to several factors including payment infrastructure challenges, international tax compliance requirements, quality control considerations, and legal regulations that vary by country. Companies often start with limited regions before expanding internationally.
Will Handshake AI expand to Kenya in the future?
While there’s no official announcement about expansion to Kenya, AI training platforms often expand their geographic reach over time. Monitor official Handshake AI communications and Kenya tech forums for any updates about potential future availability.
Can I use a VPN to access Handshake AI from Kenya?
No, using a VPN to misrepresent your location violates the terms of service and can result in immediate account termination and loss of earnings. Payment verification processes also require proof of actual location, making VPN use ineffective and risky.
Are there any ways for Kenyans to work with Handshake AI?
Currently, there are no legitimate ways for Kenyan residents to work directly with Handshake AI. However, similar platforms like Remotasks, Appen, and Lionbridge do accept Kenyan workers and offer comparable AI training opportunities.
What should Kenyans do instead of Handshake AI?
Kenyans should focus on alternative AI training platforms that currently operate in Kenya, including Remotasks, Appen, Lionbridge AI, DataAnnotation Tech, and Scale AI. These platforms offer similar work types and earning opportunities.
Eligibility and Requirements
What are Handshake AI requirements?
For those in eligible locations, requirements typically include being at least 18 years old, having work authorization in your country, strong English language proficiency, reliable internet access, a functional computer, and availability to complete tasks consistently.
Is Handshake AI only for students?
No, Handshake AI is not exclusively for students. The fellowship program accepts professionals, recent graduates, career changers, and anyone meeting the basic eligibility requirements. The flexible schedule appeals to students, but the program is open to all qualified adults.
Do I need a degree to work for Handshake AI?
A college degree is not always mandatory, though some projects prefer candidates with some college education or equivalent experience. Requirements vary by specific project, with some accepting workers regardless of educational background if they demonstrate necessary skills.
What skills do I need for Handshake AI work?
Essential skills include strong English reading and writing abilities, critical thinking, attention to detail, ability to follow complex guidelines, consistency in applying standards, basic computer literacy, and capacity to work independently without direct supervision.
Can I work for Handshake AI part-time?
Yes, Handshake AI fellowship work is inherently flexible. Workers can choose when and how much to work based on task availability and personal schedules. However, some projects may require minimum weekly hour commitments.
What equipment do I need to work for Handshake AI?
You need a reliable computer (laptop or desktop), stable internet connection with reasonable speed, updated web browser, and sometimes specific software depending on task requirements. Mobile devices are typically insufficient for most tasks.
Do I need previous experience in AI or technology?
No previous AI or technical experience is required for most entry-level tasks. The platform provides training on how to complete tasks according to specific guidelines. However, some specialized projects may prefer workers with technical backgrounds.
Application Process
How do I apply for Handshake AI fellowship?
For those in eligible regions, visit the official Handshake AI website, create an account with personal information, complete the application form with details about education and experience, pass any required assessments, complete training modules, and begin working once approved.
How long does the Handshake AI application process take?
The application and approval process typically takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on current demand, hiring needs, and how quickly you complete required assessments and training.
What happens after I apply to Handshake AI?
After applying, you’ll receive communication about your application status. If accepted, you’ll complete required training modules, pass qualification assessments, and gain access to the platform where you can start claiming and completing available tasks.
Can my Handshake AI application be rejected?
Yes, applications can be rejected based on location restrictions, failure to meet basic requirements, poor performance on assessment tasks, or current lack of available positions. Rejection doesn’t necessarily reflect on your abilities but often relates to capacity limitations.
How can I improve my chances of being accepted?
Provide accurate and complete information, demonstrate attention to detail in assessment tasks, showcase strong English language skills, follow all instructions carefully, and ensure you meet all stated requirements before applying.
Training and Onboarding
What is Handshake AI training like?
Training involves learning platform navigation, understanding task guidelines and quality standards, completing practice exercises with feedback, reviewing examples of good and poor work, and passing calibration tests before accessing paid tasks.
How long does Handshake AI training take?
Training duration varies by project complexity. Simple projects may require just a few hours of training, while more complex or specialized projects could take several days to complete all required training modules.
Do I get paid during Handshake AI training?
Training payment policies vary by project. Some projects pay for training completion, others offer unpaid training with paid work following approval, and some provide bonuses for passing training with high scores.
What happens if I fail Handshake AI training?
Failing training may result in being unable to access that specific project. Some platforms allow retaking training after a waiting period, while others may permanently restrict access to that project type. Multiple training failures across projects could affect overall account standing.
Can I skip Handshake AI training if I have experience?
No, training cannot be skipped even for experienced workers. Each project has specific guidelines that differ from other projects, and training ensures all workers understand the unique requirements and standards for that particular work.
Types of Work and Tasks
What kind of work does Handshake AI offer?
Handshake AI offers various AI training tasks including evaluating AI-generated responses, classifying and categorizing content, labeling images and text data, verifying factual accuracy, assessing conversational quality, and reviewing content for safety and policy compliance.
What is Handshake AI data labeling?
Data labeling involves adding informative tags or annotations to raw data like images, text, audio, or video. These labels help AI systems learn to recognize patterns and make accurate predictions. Tasks might include identifying objects in images, categorizing text sentiment, or transcribing audio.
Are Handshake AI jobs remote?
Yes, all Handshake AI work is fully remote. Workers complete tasks from anywhere with internet access within eligible geographic regions. There are no physical office locations workers need to visit.
How complex are Handshake AI tasks?
Task complexity varies significantly. Some tasks are simple and repetitive, requiring basic judgment and categorization. Others are complex, requiring research, critical analysis, and detailed written feedback. Workers typically start with simpler tasks and progress to more complex work.
How long do Handshake AI tasks take to complete?
Individual task duration varies widely. Simple classification tasks might take 30 seconds to 2 minutes, while complex evaluation tasks requiring research and detailed feedback could take 10-30 minutes or longer.
Can I choose what type of tasks I work on?
Task selection depends on your qualifications, training completions, and quality ratings. Workers generally can choose among available tasks they’re qualified for, but cannot access tasks requiring specialized training they haven’t completed.
Payment and Earnings
How does Handshake AI pay?
Handshake AI typically pays on a task-based or project-based model rather than hourly wages. Workers earn a specified amount for each completed task that meets quality standards. Payment amounts vary based on task complexity, length, and skill requirements.
When does Handshake AI pay?
Payment schedules vary by project. Common arrangements include weekly payments, bi-weekly payments, or monthly payments. Some projects also have minimum earning thresholds that must be reached before payment is processed.
How much does Handshake AI pay?
Payment varies significantly based on task type and worker efficiency. Most workers report effective hourly rates between $5 and $20. Monthly earnings typically range from $200 to $1,000 for those working consistently, though this varies greatly with task availability.
What are realistic Handshake AI earnings?
Realistic expectations involve viewing this as supplemental rather than primary income. Most workers earn between $200-$600 monthly with part-time effort. Full-time dedication with consistent availability might yield $800-$1,500 monthly, but task availability fluctuations make this inconsistent.
Why do Handshake AI earnings vary so much?
Earnings fluctuate due to variable task availability based on client demand, individual work speed and efficiency, quality ratings affecting task access, qualification levels opening higher-paying opportunities, time investment, and competition from other workers.
Does Handshake AI pay hourly or per task?
Payment is primarily per task rather than hourly. Each task has a set payment amount. Workers who complete tasks quickly earn higher effective hourly rates, while those who work more slowly earn lower rates per hour invested.
What payment methods does Handshake AI use?
Payment methods vary by region and project. Common options for U.S. workers include direct deposit to bank accounts, PayPal, or other electronic payment services. Specific methods depend on the project and location.
Is there a minimum payout threshold for Handshake AI?
Many projects have minimum earning thresholds before payment is processed, commonly ranging from $20 to $50. Once you reach the threshold, payment is processed according to the project’s payment schedule.
Can I track my Handshake AI earnings in real-time?
Most platforms provide dashboards where workers can track completed tasks, pending earnings, payment history, and quality metrics in real-time or with minimal delay.
Work Availability and Scheduling
Is work always available on Handshake AI?
No, task availability fluctuates significantly based on client project demands. Some periods offer abundant work, while others have limited tasks available. This variability is one of the main challenges of AI training work.
How many hours can I work on Handshake AI?
There typically aren’t strict maximum hour limits, but practical work hours are constrained by task availability. During high-demand periods, dedicated workers might complete 20-40 hours weekly, while low-demand periods might offer only a few hours of work.
Can I work on Handshake AI whenever I want?
You have flexibility in choosing when to work, but can only work when tasks are available. Some workers monitor the platform throughout the day to claim tasks as they become available, especially during competitive periods.
Do I need to commit to a schedule with Handshake AI?
Most projects don’t require rigid schedules, but some may have minimum weekly hour commitments or requirements to complete certain numbers of tasks within timeframes. Requirements vary by specific project.
What happens if I don’t work for a while on Handshake AI?
Extended inactivity might result in account deactivation or removal from specific projects. However, policies vary by platform. Brief absences are typically fine, but months of inactivity may require requalification or reapplication.
Can I work for Handshake AI and other platforms simultaneously?
Yes, most platforms allow workers to maintain accounts with multiple services. Many workers diversify across several platforms to maximize opportunities and reduce income variability when individual platforms have low availability.
Quality and Performance
How is work quality measured on Handshake AI?
Quality is measured through accuracy metrics comparing your work against expert evaluations or consensus among multiple workers, adherence to guidelines, consistency across tasks, and sometimes spot-checks by quality assurance teams.
What happens if my work quality is poor?
Poor quality typically results in reduced task access, assignment to lower-paying tasks, mandatory retraining, performance warnings, and in severe cases, account suspension or termination. Maintaining high quality is essential for continued success.
Can I improve my quality rating on Handshake AI?
Yes, quality ratings typically improve by carefully reviewing feedback, paying closer attention to guidelines, working more slowly and deliberately, asking questions when guidelines are unclear, and learning from mistakes identified in quality reviews.
How strict are Handshake AI quality standards?
Quality standards are generally quite strict, as training data quality directly affects AI model performance. Most platforms expect accuracy rates above 85-95% depending on task type. Consistent performance below standards results in consequences.
Do I get feedback on my Handshake AI work?
Most platforms provide some form of feedback, ranging from simple accuracy scores to detailed explanations of errors. The depth and frequency of feedback vary by project and platform capabilities.
Comparison with Other Platforms
How does Handshake AI compare to Remotasks?
Both offer similar AI training and data labeling work. The main difference for Kenyan workers is that Remotasks operates in Kenya while Handshake AI currently doesn’t. Task types, payment structures, and earning potential are comparable between the two platforms.
Is Handshake AI better than Appen?
Neither is objectively “better” – they’re different platforms with varying strengths. Appen has broader international availability and more established infrastructure, while Handshake AI may offer different project types. For Kenyan workers, Appen’s availability makes it the more practical choice currently.
What are Handshake AI competitors?
Major competitors include Remotasks, Scale AI, Appen, Lionbridge AI, DataAnnotation Tech, and other AI training and data labeling platforms. These companies compete for both AI development clients and qualified workers.
Should I choose Handshake AI or other platforms?
For Kenyan workers, the choice is currently made for you – focus on platforms that operate in Kenya like Remotasks, Appen, and Lionbridge. For workers in eligible regions, consider working with multiple platforms simultaneously to maximize opportunities.
Tax and Legal Considerations
Do I pay taxes on Handshake AI income?
Yes, income earned through Handshake AI or similar platforms is taxable. Workers are typically classified as independent contractors responsible for calculating and paying their own income taxes according to their country’s laws.
Does Handshake AI withhold taxes?
No, as independent contractors, workers receive gross payments without tax withholding. Workers must set aside money for tax obligations and make payments according to their local tax requirements.
What tax forms does Handshake AI provide?
U.S.-based workers earning above certain thresholds typically receive Form 1099-NEC documenting annual earnings. Tax documentation varies by country and platform. International workers should consult local tax professionals regarding reporting requirements.
Am I an employee or contractor with Handshake AI?
Workers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. This means no employment benefits, no tax withholding, responsibility for your own taxes, flexibility in when and how much you work, and no guaranteed minimum income.
What are the tax implications for Kenyan workers on similar platforms?
Kenyan workers earning income through international platforms must comply with Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) requirements regarding foreign-sourced income. This may include registering for a PIN, declaring income, and paying appropriate taxes. Consult a Kenyan tax professional for specific guidance.
Technical Issues and Support
What do I do if I have technical issues with Handshake AI?
Most platforms provide support channels including help centers with documentation, email support, community forums, or chat support. Check the platform’s official support resources for specific assistance with technical problems.
How do I contact Handshake AI support?
Contact methods vary by platform but typically include support email addresses, help desk ticket systems, or FAQ sections. Check the official Handshake AI website or platform interface for current support contact information.
What if I disagree with a quality assessment?
Most platforms have appeals or dispute processes for workers who believe quality assessments were incorrect. Follow the platform’s specific procedures for contesting decisions, usually involving explaining your reasoning and providing evidence.
Can my Handshake AI account be suspended?
Yes, accounts can be suspended for poor quality work, violations of terms of service, fraudulent activity, extended inactivity, or other policy violations. Suspension may be temporary with opportunity for reinstatement or permanent depending on severity.
Safety and Scam Prevention
How do I know if a Handshake AI opportunity is legitimate?
Verify you’re on the official website, check that you’re never asked to pay money to access work, research company reviews from multiple sources, be skeptical of unrealistic income promises, and ensure payment methods are legitimate and secure.
Are there scams related to Handshake AI?
Yes, scammers sometimes impersonate legitimate platforms. Warning signs include requests for payment to access work, promises of guaranteed high income, suspicious URLs or unofficial websites, requests for excessive personal information upfront, and poor communication quality.
Should I pay to join Handshake AI?
Absolutely not. Legitimate AI training platforms never charge workers to join, access training, or complete tasks. Any platform requesting payment for work opportunities is likely fraudulent. Real companies pay workers, not the reverse.
Is my personal information safe with Handshake AI?
Legitimate platforms implement security measures to protect worker information. However, only provide necessary information, use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication if available, and be cautious about sharing sensitive personal details beyond what’s required for payment and verification.
What should I do if I suspect a Handshake AI scam?
Stop all interaction with the suspicious site, do not provide payment or sensitive information, report the scam to relevant authorities, warn others through community forums or social media, and verify the official Handshake AI website through trusted sources.
Success Tips and Best Practices
How can I succeed with Handshake AI work?
Success requires maintaining high quality through careful attention to guidelines, working efficiently without sacrificing accuracy, diversifying across multiple platforms, staying updated on project changes, managing time effectively, and maintaining realistic income expectations.
What are common mistakes to avoid with Handshake AI?
Common mistakes include rushing through tasks to complete more volume, not reading guidelines carefully, working while distracted, ignoring feedback, expecting consistent income, relying solely on one platform, and not tracking earnings for tax purposes.
How do I increase my earnings on Handshake AI?
Increase earnings by improving work speed while maintaining quality, completing specialized training for higher-paying tasks, working during peak availability periods, maintaining high quality ratings for better access, and supplementing with multiple platforms.
Should I make Handshake AI my primary income source?
No, AI training work is better suited as supplemental income due to variable task availability and income instability. Most workers use it to supplement primary income from traditional employment, freelancing, or other sources.
How long does it take to become proficient at Handshake AI work?
Most workers become comfortable with basic tasks within 1-2 weeks of regular work. Achieving high efficiency while maintaining quality typically takes 1-3 months of consistent practice, depending on task complexity and individual learning speed.
Final Thoughts on FAQs
These frequently asked questions address the most common concerns and inquiries about Handshake AI, with special attention to the Kenyan context. The key takeaway for Kenyan readers is that while Handshake AI itself isn’t currently available in Kenya, the broader AI training industry offers numerous alternatives that do operate in the region.
Success in this field, whether through Handshake AI or competitor platforms, requires realistic expectations, consistent quality, adaptability, and a willingness to view this work as supplemental rather than primary income. Always verify platform legitimacy, protect your personal information, and never pay to access work opportunities.
For the most current information about Handshake AI’s availability, policies, or potential expansion to new regions, always check official company communications rather than relying solely on third-party information.
