Upwork is an online freelance marketplace, a website where businesses hire independent workers for single projects or ongoing work. It is run by Upwork Global LLC. Freelancers offer skills in software development, AI and automation, design, marketing, data analysis, writing and administrative support, and each has a profile with a portfolio, ratings and work history.
A client posts a job, which is free, or searches the profiles. Freelancers send proposals with their rates, and the client screens and interviews them before hiring. Each contract has a project workspace for messages, files and status. Payment is protected by escrow: the client funds the work in advance, and the money goes to the freelancer only after the client approves the work, either for each milestone or at the end of the project. A Business Plus plan adds curated shortlists, freelancers vetted by Upwork, team roles and central billing.
Joining is free for clients. Upwork earns a fee on each payment that passes through the site.