> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.dscout.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.dscout.com/guides/courses/from-usertesting-to-dscout/recruitment-in-dscout-vs.-usertesting.md).

# Recruitment in Dscout vs. UserTesting

Now that you’re familiar with how Dscout’s research framework compares to that of UserTesting, let’s look at the similarities and differences in each platform’s recruitment options. Let’s take a look at where you can find participants for your Dscout studies and compare them to what you might be used to from UserTesting.

## Recruitment options in Dscout

When it comes to recruitment, Dscout strives to connect you with the right people at the right time. So, you have a wide range of participant sources to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of each:

| Recruitment option       | Description                                                                                               | UserTesting equivalent                   | Best for                                                                                           |
| ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Dscout’s Scout Panel** | Dscout’s pool of on-hand participants, already vetted and ready to offer their insights and opinions.     | **UserTesting Contributor Network**      | When you need to fill studies quickly but still want high-quality responses.                       |
| **Partner Panels**       | Dscout’s trusted third-party participant platforms (including **Respondent**).                            | N/a                                      | When your study requires niche expertise or hard-to-find participants.                             |
| **Bring your own (BYO)** | Your participants (customers, clients, etc.), invited to studies through study share links.               | **Invite network** or **custom network** | When you already have participants in mind and just want to build, field, and analyze in Dscout.   |
| **Private Panels**       | Your pool of on-hand participants, curated and managed by your team using Dscout’s Private Panels add-on. | N/a                                      | When you want to tap into your existing panel of participants for a new study or ongoing research. |

Depending on which participant source you want to utilize, you can create a **screener** to further vet applicants or simply **generate a share** link to invite participants to your study directly. You can also use multiple screeners to find participants from different sources to fill a single study. No matter who you’re looking for, Dscout offers a way to find your perfect audience.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** You can learn more about building screeners in the [Recruit and manage participants](https://help.dscout.com/hc/en-us/categories/37242114981396-Recruit-and-manage-participants) section of our help center or through our dedicated recruitment-focused learning path (coming soon!).
{% endhint %}

Now that you know where you can find participants to fill your Dscout research, let’s dive deeper into the research itself by looking at study types in Dscout compared to those in UserTesting.


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