Top 5 Ways You Can Transcribe Audio Files to Text

Who rules the information, rules the world. That’s why content makers are so popular these days, and it goes not about journalists only but about bloggers and vloggers, podcasters, directors. Even educators and students deal with various types of content all the time. Regardless of your final goals, you may face the situation when you need to transcribe the recording, i.e., convert your audio file into a text document. Such services as Transcriberry come in handy when you need a fast turnaround and a guaranteed quality. But are there some other solutions that will come in handy? Of course! Let us provide you with the top 5 ways to properly transcribe your recordings.

1. Rely on Automated Transcription Software

Actually, it is the simplest choice you can make. There are many companies that provide journalists, students, researchers, etc., with automatic transcription tools. One of the most popular solutions is Audext, a browser-based app with a user-friendly interface and easy navigation.

So, what do you need to do when you choose this option? First of all, create your personal account and upload the recording in any format. As soon as your file is ready, you’ll receive a notification. You can download the document and edit it or tailor it to your needs right in the app. Most tools like Audext offer 30 minutes of the trial so that you can give it a try.

What can go wrong with automatic transcription? Though artificial intelligence is very smart, machines are still not able to replace people. That’s why it is really important to proofread your document and ensure it doesn’t contain any mistakes.

2. Find the Balance: Choose the Combination of Audio Transcription Methods

If you understand that the previous way doesn’t work for you, you can try the second one. Such services like OTranscribe.com provide customers with a combination of manual and automated transcription.

The first thing you have to do is to upload your file. You can also paste a link to a video file if it is posted online. The next step is to choose the speed that is comfortable for the transcribing process. This service also provides you with some shortcuts so that you can pause your record, insert a timestamp, rewind it, and so on. As soon as you have your document transcribed, choose an extension and download it.

Comparing this method to the manual transcription, you can easily find out your advantages. If you have the opportunity to slow your audio down and make the necessary notes, why not choose it? Besides, it provides you with the desired level of accuracy since it is you who is responsible for the result. However, it really takes a lot of time, and you’ll have to pull an all-nighter, especially if your audio file is pretty long. Besides, you have to find a tool that supports all media formats.

3. Use an Application For Your Smartphone to Convert Audio into Text

Living in the modern world, you have to be an up-to-date person. Especially if you’re going to work in the media field, create or promote the content. So, your smartphone should be your “best friend.” It can combine functions of the recorder, notebook, camera, laptop, and, yes, audio to text transcription service. You don’t need your browser to install apps like Anchor, Cogi, Cassette, and even the Audext that we have already mentioned.

What do these apps have in common? They provide you with an opportunity to get real-time transcription! It means that you record a webinar, a Zoom meeting, a lecture, and you just get the text version on your smartphone right now. Besides, some apps are also able to provide you with keywords, quotes, text cards, pictures, and other features to make your content more interesting, engaging, and SEO attractive.

On the first hand, this method looks pretty fascinating. However, when you have a really big audio file, e.g., with 100 hours of recording, it would be better to rely on your laptop or even a computer that can guarantee decent performance.

4. Create subtitles for your audio or video file

The next way you can choose if you want to make your content more accessible is to create subtitles. Such video platforms like YouTube even provide you with an automated feature so that you don’t have to waste your time. However, if high quality is required, you’ll spend hours trying to write down all captions. Of course, there are some automated services as well, but they are rarely able to edit your file in an appropriate manner.

5. Hire a Human Transcript Service

Affordable transcripts of any volume can be your reality. Comparing all methods available, it is surely the best because you just outsource your assignment to real professionals. Whether you’re a blogger, a reporter, a marketer researcher, or a student, you surely value your time and efforts. Any of the ways that we have listed above have their flaws since there are a lot of undeniable benefits as well. For example, automated speech-to-text transcription requires your focus because you need to proofread and edit it. But when you hire professional human transcribers, you have absolutely no reasons to worry.

Why Do You Need to Transcribe Audio Files?

Don’t think that this feature is useless, and you can just skip it. Transcription has a lot of advantages that are impossible to refuse. Being a student, you have to deal with various assignments, and you surely don’t have enough time to listen to all records and make your own notes. When you’re a researcher, you need the text document because you can look through it quickly and find the necessary information.

It goes without saying that transcription services come in handy when you’re learning a foreign language and your listening comprehension isn’t the best. And, of course, people with hearing disabilities will surely appreciate your content if you take care of them and provide your audience with a high-quality record. Don’t miss your chance to receive this competitive edge and stand out among other content-makers!