How to Transcribe Audio to Text

Transcribing your audio to text shouldn’t feel like you just did a full day’s worth of hard labor. There are comprehensive transcription tools that make the transcription work easier and faster. This article will show you different ways to go about it, from using transcription software to outsourcing the work to a transcription service. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose the one that will work best for your needs.

Why You Should Transcribe Your Audio to Text 

There are many reasons why people transcribe audio files, including converting recordings of meetings and lectures into actionable notes. Lately, many people wonder how to transcribe a podcast to text. Whatever the reason, transcription can be a real lifesaver. 

Transcription is a great way to get more out of your recorded audio content, and it’s also a valuable tool for businesses. Imagine accessing your audio files from anywhere without having to listen to hours of audio recordings. Well, that’s the power of transcription! It helps you access critical information quickly and easily without worrying about missing anything. 

When you transcribe your audio files to text, you’re creating a searchable, editable document that you can access from any device at any time. Plus, it’s also a great way to keep track of your thoughts and ideas. Since transcription makes information more accessible, it is invaluable to students, researchers, business people, and anyone who wants to access digital data more efficiently.

Different Ways to Transcribe Audio to Text

Getting started with transcription can seem daunting, but it’s not as hard as rumor suggests. If you’re like most people, you probably have hours of recorded audio that you would love to reference, but it’s not feasible to go through all the files yourself. There are several ways to go about it, and choosing the one that’s right for you will depend on your experience level and the type of audio you’re transcribing. 

Automated Transcription Software

You can use automated transcription software, which is an excellent option if you have a lot of audio to transcribe. The software will automatically convert the audio into text, making the process much faster and easier. 

Automatic transcription is very fast and offers relatively high accuracy levels if the audio is clear. Some transcription sites provide this service for free, while others require you to pay. Most of the automatic transcription tools follow a general format. After signing up, upload the audio file as directed, select the language your transcription is in, and submit it. You will get the completed transcript in your email, where you can go ahead and edit it to perfection.

Microsoft Word’s Transcription Feature

Many people use Microsoft (MS) Word as their word processing program of choice. However, only a few know that Microsoft Word comes with a built-in transcription feature. You can use this feature to quickly and easily convert an MP3 or other audio file into text. It’s quick, easy, and reasonably accurate. 

Microsoft Word transcription feature allows various audio formats; all you need to do is insert the audio files, which will automatically be transcribed for you. Alternatively, you can record the audio directly onto MS Word.

You can also use other free transcription tools, like voice recognition and time stamps. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different text and speech settings until you find what you like best.

Manually Transcribing Your Audio Into Text

When doing manual transcription, you listen to the audio or video files, then type what you hear in a word processing document. If you are doing it yourself, you must understand how to transcribe audio files to text well to produce perfect transcripts. 

The advantage of manual transcription is that you have control over the final product. You can ensure that all the words are spelled correctly, and the transcript is accurate. You also can format the text however you want. 

The downside is that it can be time-consuming. You’ll need patience and practice since it can be pretty slow at first. Slowing down the audio or video speed allows you to type at a comfortable pace. This tends to take time, but there’s no other way to produce an accurate transcript.

Hiring a Human Transcriber

One of the most popular methods is to hire a human transcriber. Hiring a professional is arguably the most accurate method of transcribing your audio to text. This method is often seen as the most accurate because it allows for proper context and intonation to be captured in the transcription. 

When looking to hire a transcriptionist, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you’ll want to find someone with experience to ensure they have the skills necessary to produce a high-quality transcript. You’ll also want to consider the turnaround time you need. Some transcribers can provide same-day service, while others may take a few days to complete the project. Make sure to discuss your timeline with the transcriber before hiring them. 

Finally, you’ll need to agree on a price. Transcription services can vary in price, so it’s best to get quotes from different transcribers before deciding.

Google Keyboard

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to transcribe audio to text, you can’t go wrong with Google Keyboard. The Google Keyboard is a free app you can download from the Google Play Store. Simply open up the app, hit the Microphone button, and start speaking. 

Google will do its best to convert your speech into real-time text. The app even allows you to edit your text as you go. So if you make a mistake or want to change something, simply tap on the screen and make your edits. 

One thing to keep in mind is that Google Keyboard is designed for general transcription, so it’s not always going to be 100% accurate. If you need something more specialized, it’s best to consider one of the other methods on this list. But if all you need is a quick transcription, then Google Keyboard is the way to go!

How to Transcribe Audio to Text with GoTranscript 

Although transcribing audio to text is relatively straightforward, you need the right equipment to make the process as efficient as possible. The right tools will make you do your work faster and more effortlessly. You can use paid or free software. There are plenty of options available, so pick whatever works for you. 

GoTranscript offers a transcription tool that’s quite powerful and completely free to use. It is one of the best transcription services that make it easy to transcribe large audio files super fast. GoTranscript has a team of more than 20,000 transcriptionist experts who have worked with many renowned companies like Forbes and Netflix. GoTranscript also offers transcription, captioning, translation, and subtitling for over 60 languages with 99% or better accuracy. 

One significant advantage GoTranscript has over automated services is it allows you to leave notes for customization. It also has an app for Android and iOS that serves as a digital recorder, allowing you to upload any audio file directly before ordering the transcription service. It also allows you to track your existing orders. Using GoTranscript is easy: sign up, upload your files, and wait for your transcription. 

The Takeaway

There are a few different ways that you can go about transcribing audio to text. You can use a transcription service, or you can use transcription software. The best way to find a suitable transcription method for you is to try them out and see which one works best.