Translation’s Not Dead. It Just Got an Upgrade.
Our Take on the 2025 Nimdzi 100
The 2025 Nimdzi 100 report just dropped, and it’s serving up more than rankings. It’s a full-on reality check for the language services world. AI is on the rise. Pricing models are shifting. And the gap between “just translating” and actually connecting is getting wider.
Here’s what we saw, what surprised us (and what didn’t), and why PTIGlobal is feeling more ready than ever for what’s next.
Still Growing. Just Smarter.
The language services industry hit $71.7 billion last year and is on track for $75.7 billion in 2025. But this isn’t the growth sprint we saw pre-AI.
It’s more thoughtful now — driven by strategy, not just scale.
More companies are asking smarter questions:
- How fast can we go?
- How much can we automate?
- What’s actually worth localizing?
That’s the kind of growth we like.
AI Isn’t Just a Tool. It’s Part of the Team.
AI is no longer an “extra.” It’s baked into everything from workflows to content creation. LSPs (Language Service Providers) are building full-on AI platforms. But here’s the catch: AI isn’t replacing humans. It’s partnering with them.
The best outcomes still come from blending automation with creativity, cultural insight, and judgment.
That’s our comfort zone at PTIGlobal. We’ve been using AI to boost quality and efficiency in QA, internationalization, and multimedia for years, always with a human in the loop.
Our approach has even caught the attention of the media. PTIGlobal was recently featured by a CBS affiliate, highlighting how we help clients handle high-volume content with AI-powered workflows and still maintain quality. It’s a great example of what’s possible when smart tech meets real-world localization experience.
Per-Word Pricing? Time for Something Better.
Only a handful of LSPs are still clinging to per-word pricing. And honestly, it’s time we all let that go.
Clients today want pricing models that match the value of the content, not just the volume. A single sentence in a global campaign might matter more than a five-page manual.
It’s not about how much you translate. It’s about what that translation does.
It’s a Good Time to Be Mid-Sized and Nimble
Some of the biggest movers in the Nimdzi 100 weren’t the usual giants. They were mid-sized LSPs with smart tech, flexible teams, and the ability to pivot fast.
That’s right where PTIGlobal lives. We’re built for adaptability. Big enough to support global programs, small enough to actually care about the details.
More Content, More Pressure, More Opportunity
AI is making it cheaper and easier to localize content, which means companies are doing it more often. Think UI strings, marketing blurbs, internal docs, chatbots.
The price per piece is shrinking, but the pile is growing.
And here’s the thing: even if machines handle the first pass, clients still want their brand to sound like them. That’s where the human touch still wins.
Interpreting Is Having a Moment (Quietly)
While everyone’s buzzing about translation tech, interpreting is quietly booming. Healthcare, public services, crisis responses is where the demand is growing fast.
AI tools are improving here too, but in high-stakes conversations, nothing beats a live human. And that’s not changing anytime soon.
Good Talent Is Getting Harder to Find
With fewer people entering the field, and more companies demanding specialized skills, the talent pool is getting tighter. Especially for areas like legal, life sciences, and transcreation.
Automation helps, but it can’t replace deep expertise or nuanced understanding.
That’s why we invest in real relationships with top linguists. We carefully qualify them, and they bring deep subject matter expertise to every project. We know that quality starts with the people behind the work.
So What’s the Big Picture?
Localization has been shifting fast. The tools are changing. The expectations are higher. And the room for error? Smaller than ever.
But here’s the good news: companies that combine smart tech, great people, and a clear purpose are thriving. The ones that stay flexible, think globally, and act locally are building real connections.
That’s what we’re about at PTIGlobal. We’ve been preparing for this shift all along. And we’re ready to help our clients ride the wave, not get swept under it.
Thinking about how your global content strategy needs to evolve?
We’re here to help you localize with impact, not just accuracy.
