The COVID-19 pandemic may feel like a distant memory, but its impact on the translation and interpreting industry is still very much present. One of the most profound and lasting changes has been the widespread adoption of remote interpreting.
Back in 2020 and 2021, the world was forced to adapt rapidly to a distance-based way of operating. Meetings, conferences, and essential services all moved online — and interpreting services had to follow suit. Suddenly, interpreters were connecting healthcare providers with patients, lawyers with clients, and global teams with one another — not in person, but over video calls and phone lines.
Of course, remote interpreting wasn’t invented during the pandemic. It had been gaining ground for years, quietly supported by advances in technology and growing global connectivity. But the events of 2020 catapulted it into the mainstream, turning what was once a flexible alternative into a daily necessity.
Four years on, the urgency of the pandemic has faded. But the changes it brought have endured. Remote interpreting is no longer viewed as a stopgap. It’s a core part of how language services are delivered in today’s hybrid, globalised world.
As we look ahead, the question is no longer whether remote interpreting will remain. It’s how it will continue to evolve — and how it will shape the future of multilingual communication.
Onsite Interpreting vs Remote Interpreting
Before 2020, onsite interpreting dominated the global language services market. Well into the mid-2010s and even the years just prior to the pandemic, in-person interpreting accounted for around 80% of all spoken language services delivered worldwide.
But the arrival of COVID-19 turned those figures on their head. Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and public health concerns made face-to-face meetings all but impossible — and interpreting services had to adapt instantly. While exact data for that turbulent period is now available, what’s clear in hindsight is that 2020 marked a dramatic turning point.
Today, the balance has not entirely returned to what it was. Many organisations continue to favour remote or hybrid interpreting models due to the efficiency, accessibility, and scalability they offer.
It’s worth clarifying the distinction between the two main formats:
Onsite interpreting is the traditional, face-to-face method of delivering spoken language services. It’s a practice as old as multilingual communication itself — when one group needed to speak to another, they turned to someone fluent in both languages to interpret in person.
Today, onsite interpreting still plays a vital role, especially in settings where physical presence enhances communication. What all forms of onsite interpreting share is that the interpreter is present in the same space — often the same room — as the people they’re supporting.
There are a few key modes of onsite interpreting:
- Simultaneous interpreting
Commonly used during conferences or formal presentations, simultaneous interpreting happens in real time. The interpreter translates while the speaker is still talking, and listeners hear the interpretation through headsets without interrupting the flow of speech. - Consecutive interpreting
Often chosen for meetings, interviews, or legal proceedings, this method involves the speaker pausing every few minutes to allow the interpreter to deliver the translation. It enables a structured, back-and-forth dialogue between parties. - Whispered interpreting (chuchotage)
Similar to simultaneous interpreting, this approach is suited for one or two listeners. The interpreter stands or sits nearby and quietly whispers the translation, making it ideal for smaller or more discreet settings.
Even in today’s hybrid world, onsite interpreting remains indispensable in situations where non-verbal cues, emotional nuance, or sensitive conversations require a human presence.
What Is Remote Interpreting?
Remote interpreting provides the same types of spoken language support as onsite interpreting — but with one key difference: the interpreter and the participants are not in the same physical location. In fact, none of the parties involved need to be.
Even before the pandemic, remote interpreters were commonly used in healthcare, legal, diplomatic, and conference settings. What’s changed since then is how widespread and accessible these services have become.
In the past, remote interpreting could be costly and technically demanding. Today, thanks to improved connectivity and specialised platforms, it’s often the more affordable and flexible option — especially for organisations managing multilingual communication across borders.
There are several main types of remote interpreting:
- Over-the-Phone Interpreting (OPI)
Just as the name suggests, this involves the interpreter and the parties in conversation speaking via a shared phone line. It’s one of the most cost-effective options, but it does have limitations — notably, the absence of visual cues, which can be important for understanding tone and context. - Video Remote Interpreting (VRI)
VRI uses video conferencing software to add a visual layer to the interaction. This helps bridge communication gaps by allowing the interpreter to pick up on facial expressions and gestures, reducing the risk of misunderstandings. - Remote Simultaneous Interpreting (RSI)
RSI is used when real-time interpreting is needed — for example, during webinars, live broadcasts, or virtual conferences. The interpreter translates as the speaker talks, ensuring the flow of the presentation isn’t disrupted. - Remote Consecutive Interpreting (RCI)
This is consecutive interpreting delivered over a video or voice platform. It’s commonly used in virtual meetings, negotiations, medical appointments, and legal interviews — situations where a pause-and-translate format works well.
In 2025, remote interpreting is no longer seen as a temporary workaround. It’s an integral, often preferred, part of the interpreting toolkit — offering scale, speed, and accessibility without compromising quality.
What Are the Benefits of Remote Interpreting?
Remote interpreting has been steadily increasing its share of the global spoken language services market for over a decade. Much like in other industries, this shift has been powered by rapid technological advancements and the growing need for seamless cross-border communication.
In an increasingly globalised economy, organisations from different linguistic backgrounds need to collaborate, trade, and connect. As a result, demand for interpreting continues to grow — and remote solutions such as OPI, VRI, RSI, and RCI are now the go-to choice for many. Here’s why:
- Convenience
Remote interpreting offers unparalleled convenience. With just a short lead time, a qualified linguist with subject-matter expertise can be added to any call — no travel, no delay. This responsiveness is a game-changer in fast-paced environments.
That’s why remote interpreters are now a standard part of multilingual support teams in industries ranging from healthcare and finance to travel and customer service.
- Cost-Effectiveness
Remote interpreting is often significantly more affordable than onsite services.
- Over-the-phone interpreting (OPI) is usually the least expensive option.
- Video interpreting (VRI) comes at a slightly higher cost but adds valuable visual context — and thanks to user-friendly platforms, it’s now more accessible than ever.
Because there are no travel or accommodation expenses and often no fees when interpreters aren’t used, businesses can reduce overheads without compromising service quality.
- Flexibility and Scalability
Remote solutions scale easily. Businesses can adjust interpreter usage based on real-time needs — whether that means a single ad hoc call or support for a large multilingual webinar.
This flexibility is especially useful for smaller organisations or those with fluctuating demand. Remote interpreting makes it possible to provide language access without long-term commitments or fixed costs.
- Reduced Complexity and Setup
Onsite interpreting often requires physical infrastructure: booths, headsets, microphones, and space. Remote interpreting removes those logistical challenges.
Modern platforms like Interprefy and KUDO provide secure, cloud-based environments that participants can join using a simple app or browser. There’s no compromise on quality — and far less stress on technical teams.
In 2025, remote interpreting isn’t just an alternative to onsite. For many businesses, it’s the first and most practical choice — combining professional-level language support with the speed, agility, and efficiency today’s world demands.
Are There Situations Where Onsite Interpreters Are Still Preferable?
Absolutely. While remote interpreting has become a widely adopted solution, there are still many scenarios where having an interpreter physically present remains the preferred — or even essential — option.
These are typically high-stakes situations where emotional nuance, human presence, or complex dynamics demand more than a voice or face on a screen. Examples include:
- Traumatic or emergency medical care
- End-of-life conversations
- Lengthy legal trials or hearings
- Sensitive diplomatic negotiations
- Ceremonial events or meetings governed by formal diplomatic protocol
During the pandemic, many of these settings temporarily shifted to remote interpreting to mitigate health risks. But in the years since, there has been a noticeable return to in-person interpretation in situations where empathy, subtle communication cues, or cultural diplomacy play a key role.
For these contexts, the physical presence of an interpreter can help build trust, manage delicate exchanges, and respond to the tone and body language of participants in ways that remote platforms still struggle to replicate.
In short, while remote interpreting has proven its value and reliability, onsite interpreting remains irreplaceable in certain human-centred or highly formal environments.
When Is Using a Remote Interpreter the Best Solution?
Even before the pandemic, remote interpreting was gaining popularity across a range of industries. Today — several years after COVID-19 reshaped how we work and connect — few organisations are looking to return to more rigid, onsite-only models.
Remote interpreting continues to be the best solution in many situations due to its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and speed of deployment. Some of the most common — and impactful — use cases include:
- Healthcare
Language barriers in healthcare settings can have serious consequences. Studies show that patients who don’t receive care in their native language are more likely to:
- Misunderstand prescriptions
- Disregard medical advice
- Avoid preventive care
- Be readmitted unnecessarily
Even before COVID-19, healthcare providers were turning to remote interpreting — particularly video remote interpreting (VRI) and over-the-phone interpreting (OPI) — to ensure critical access to care.
In 2025, these services are deeply integrated into telehealth and emergency care systems. VRI is especially preferred, as it enables interpreters to pick up on visual cues like facial expressions and gestures — crucial for accuracy and empathy. It’s also essential for working with Deaf or Hard of Hearing patients.
- Virtual Meetings
As virtual meetings became the norm during the pandemic, interpreting services followed. Remote consecutive interpreting (RCI) is now widely used in:
- International business negotiations
- Cross-border team meetings
- Client calls and stakeholder discussions
This ensures that language is no longer a barrier to collaboration — no matter where your team is located or what their native language may be.
- Virtual Events and Conferences
It’s increasingly rare to find an international event without interpreting support — even more so now that many of these events take place online.
Remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) has become the go-to for:
- Webinars
- Online summits
- Live virtual panels
When paired with features like multilingual captions and subtitling, RSI enhances accessibility and global engagement — helping organisers attract a wider, more diverse audience.
- In-Person Events Using Remote Interpreters
Even physical events are leveraging the advantages of remote interpreting. Well before the pandemic, event organisers were using apps and cloud-based platforms to offer live interpretation through attendees’ mobile devices — no need for bulky headsets or onsite booths.
Today, this approach remains popular because it:
- Reduces logistics and cost
- Offers greater language coverage
- Provides a seamless experience for multilingual audiences
In Summary
Remote interpreting is not just a response to past challenges — it’s an agile, modern solution that continues to prove its value in healthcare, business, events, and beyond. As technology continues to evolve, so too does the potential for remote interpreters to make communication truly borderless.
Using Remote Interpreters: Best Practices
Remote interpreting offers clear advantages when it comes to convenience, flexibility, and cost. But like any professional service, getting the most from it depends on good planning and informed choices. Here are six key best practices to ensure your remote interpreting sessions run smoothly and effectively:
- Choose the Right Professional
Accuracy starts with selecting the right interpreter. This is especially critical in fields like healthcare, legal, finance, or technical sectors, where specialised knowledge and field-specific terminology are essential.
At Kwintessential, we apply the same rigorous standards to remote interpreters as we do to onsite ones. That means:
- Fluency in both working languages
- At least five years of professional experience
- Preferably postgraduate-level qualifications in the relevant field
- And deep cultural awareness to interpret gestures, tone, and non-verbal cues that aren’t always universal
Don’t compromise here — the cost of a mistake can be far greater than the cost of hiring the right expert.
- Plan Ahead Where Possible
While remote interpreting allows for quicker turnaround than onsite setups, it’s always best to book in advance.
Giving your Language Service Provider (LSP) time to match you with the right linguist — and time for proper briefing and preparation — improves quality, reduces pressure, and ensures a more tailored experience.
- Always Provide a Briefing
Even the most skilled interpreters perform better when they understand the full context. A strong briefing should include:
- The purpose of the session
- Any technical or domain-specific terminology
- Key participants and roles
- Desired tone or sensitivities to be aware of
Unsure what to include? A reputable LSP can guide you on what your interpreter needs to know.
- Build a Relationship with a Trusted LSP
You don’t need to work with the same agency every time — but it helps. Establishing a relationship with a language partner who understands your industry, company culture, and typical needs leads to better service over time.
The more familiar your LSP is with your processes, the quicker and more accurately they can respond — saving time and reducing stress.
- Look for Accreditation and Standards
If you’re comparing providers, one of the easiest ways to assess credibility is to look for:
- ISO:9001 certification – for quality management
- Membership in recognised industry bodies, such as the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) in the UK or the American Translators Association (ATA) in the US
These demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and accountability.
- Pick the Right Type of Remote Interpreting
Each remote interpreting format has its strengths:
- OPI (Over-the-Phone Interpreting) – Ideal for quick, low-tech setups or budget-conscious situations.
- VRI (Video Remote Interpreting) – Best when visual cues are important, such as in healthcare or with Deaf/Hard of Hearing users.
- RSI (Remote Simultaneous Interpreting) – Suited to webinars, live events, or conferences with no room for pauses.
- RCI (Remote Consecutive Interpreting) – Works well in structured discussions, interviews, and virtual meetings.
If you’re unsure which option fits best, your LSP should help you decide based on your needs, audience, and platform.
Remote Interpreting Services: The Future Is Already Here
At Kwintessential, we’ve been organising remote interpreting services for global clients long before the world was forced online. That experience proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic — and even more so in the years that followed.
Today, the question is no longer whether remote interpreting will remain relevant. The answer is clear: it already has. What began as a reactive shift has evolved into a long-term transformation in how organisations approach multilingual communication.
Major companies — from tech giants like Meta and X(Twitter) to hospitals and courts — have embraced hybrid and remote-first models. The same is true for interpreting. The pandemic didn’t create the demand for remote services — it simply accelerated a shift that was already underway.
While onsite interpreters will always have a role in sensitive or high-stakes situations, remote interpreting has proven itself as a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution for day-to-day communication needs across every sector.
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