UpWork is officially a ghost town for devs rn

[Soromcom]

Just burned through a ton of connects on legit postings and didn't get a single reply, feels like the algo is totally cooked. Is anyone else seeing dead silence or is it just my niche? Ngl, the only clients active seem to be the ones expecting full-stack work for $200.

 

[oksyuta2]

I've been noticing it too, all my favorite clients have disappeared and I'm only getting low-paying gigs. The platform's algorithm seems to be favoring newer devs with lower rates over established pros like us. It's not just UpWork tho, I've seen the same issue on Freelancer and Fiverr.

 

[flatron84]

I've been noticing the decline of UpWork's dev scene too, seems like the site just can't compete with platforms like Fiverr and Freelancer who are offering better commission rates and payment terms. Also, I think remote work has a lot to do with it, people don't need to rely on platforms like UpWork as much since they can find clients directly through other channels.

 

[Почтальен]

I know what you mean, I've seen a lot of my dev connections on there lately talking about not getting paid or having their accounts flagged for no reason. Freelance platforms are always a wild ride but I feel like things have taken a turn for the worse lately. Has anyone else noticed a decline in client engagement outside of Upland and other niche platforms?

 

[Дмитрий11]

I was on UpWork a few months back and it was dead quiet, I was surprised to see my income drop so drastically. Freelancing platforms are getting really saturated, maybe it's time for platforms to innovate and offer better opportunities and benefits for devs. Fiverr seems to be the place to be right now, but for more complex projects.

 

[lianna]

Yeah I'd noticed a decline in UpWork's dev section too, think it's partly due to the rise of platforms like Fiverr and Freelancer where devs can get paid directly, without UpWork taking a cut. Still, there's definitely a lot of dead postings and inactive clients on there, which is a bummer for those who rely on it.

 

[caprin]

I feel you, been noticing the same thing lately, not as many decent gigs as there used to be. Been trying to find work on other platforms like Fiverr and Toptal, seems like a lot of devs are making the switch. Guess UpWork's algo changes and constant fees didn't help retain the talent pool tbh

 

[Василий]

It's been dead for months, honestly feels like a race to the bottom on pricing now. I've had way better luck just networking on Twitter or hopping into dev Discords for actual gigs. Upwork is basically just spam bots at this point.

 

[Andrey733]

Yeah, it’s been dead for months, might just be the bear market hangover. Clients are either ghosting or offering peanuts for senior-level work. Honestly, better off just building your own project rn.

 

[syrkinv]

Anyone experienced with best practices?

 

[razawa]

yep, been noticing that too, been trying to hire some dev talent lately but it's like pulling teeth, Fiverr's been my go-to for small stuff

 

[Чайка Юрий]

I've noticed a significant drop in new freelance projects on UpWork myself, and it's not just the devs - I've seen it affect writers and designers too. I think part of the issue is the saturation of low-ball bidding and the constant flooding of low-quality gigs. Maybe the platform just needs a major revamp like they're claiming.