What Is Video Transcription: Everything There Is to Know

What Is Video Transcription? A Clear Guide for Beginners

Online media continues to grow each year. In 2023, video made up over 80% of all internet traffic (Cisco, 2023). But many viewers cannot always listen to video sound. People with hearing loss, those in noisy places, or users who prefer reading captions all rely on accessible video. Adding a transcript to your video or audio lets more people enjoy your content, helps boost your reach, and improves your website’s performance.

The Basics of Video Transcription

Video transcription is the process of converting spoken words in a video into written text. This transcript acts like a script for viewers or listeners.

• Transcripts can accompany movies, business meetings, interviews, and podcasts.
• They work as a reference, making it easy to search for quotes or key moments.
• Written transcripts provide clear documentation for events, calls, or presentations.

Why Do You Need Video Transcription?

Transcribing your video has many important benefits:

• Better accessibility: People with hearing loss can read the text, ensuring everyone has equal access.
• Improved understanding: Viewers from different backgrounds can grasp your message better with a transcript.
• Easy reference: Written transcripts help people search for specific topics or keywords quickly.
• Archiving and record-keeping: Transcripts are useful for keeping formal records of meetings and interviews.

Transcription and SEO: Boost Your Online Presence

Transcribing your videos can help your website appear in search results. That is because search engines, like Google, cannot index audio or video. But they can index text.

• Pages with transcripts or captions get more visits and higher rankings (3Play Media, 2022).
• Adding text allows your content to appear for a wider range of search queries.
• Transcripts lead to better user engagement and increase time spent on your site.

Transcription for Accessibility

The World Health Organization estimates that over 430 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss (WHO, 2021). Video transcripts make your content more inclusive and meet legal accessibility requirements.

• Transcripts and closed captions help people with hearing impairments follow the dialogue.
• Non-native English speakers can read along and improve comprehension.
• Transcripts offer a way to consume content in environments where audio is not possible (like crowded places or quiet offices).

Types of Video Transcription

There are two main types of transcription:

1. Manual Transcription

• Human transcribers listen to the video and type every word heard.
• This method is highly accurate—often above 99% when done by professionals.
• Manual transcription captures nuances like tone, accents, and background noise.
• It works best for projects that require high quality and exactness, such as legal or medical material.

2. Automated Transcription

• Software or artificial intelligence (AI) generates the transcript automatically.
• Automated transcription is faster and less expensive than manual methods.
• However, accuracy can range from 80–90%, especially if the sound quality is poor or speakers have strong accents (Sonix, 2022).
• AI solutions may struggle with technical vocabulary, multiple speakers, or crosstalk.

How to Transcribe Video Audio

There are several ways to convert video audio to text. Your ideal method depends on your needs, budget, and time constraints.

Using Automated Tools

• Automated transcription services can process files in minutes.
• Perfect for generating quick drafts or if you don’t need perfect accuracy.
• Popular tools include web apps, downloadable software, or mobile apps.

While automated transcription is fast and budget-friendly, you may need to edit or proofread the result for clarity.

Doing It Yourself

• If you have time and want to save money, you can type out the transcript manually.
• This method is time-consuming, especially for long videos or multiple speakers.
• Use media players with playback controls to help you pause and rewind as you go.

Hiring Professional Services

• Professional transcriptionists, like those at GoTranscript, handle all the work for you.
• This option delivers the most reliable and accurate results.
• It saves you valuable time and ensures your transcript is ready for use or publication.

Other Helpful Services Related to Transcription

Beyond basic text transcription, there are several other services you might need:

• Subtitling services add readable text directly to your video.
• Closed captioning services sync spoken words with video for TV, web, or streaming content.
• Text translation services adapt your transcript into different languages.
• Audio translation services convert entire audio tracks into another language.
• Transcription proofreading services review and correct transcripts for errors.

Transcription Costs and Speed

• Automated transcripts are usually less expensive than manual transcripts.
• Professional providers, like GoTranscript, offer clear pricing for transcription and captioning rates.
• You can also subscribe for AI transcription to save on large projects.

How to Order Transcription and Captioning

• You can order transcription or order captions online in just a few minutes.
• Upload your file, select your service, and receive your transcript or captions by email.

Conclusion: Make Your Content Accessible and Searchable

Transcribing your video content increases your audience, improves accessibility, and supports SEO. Whether you choose an automatic or manual method depends on your needs for speed and accuracy. For reliable, high-quality results without the hassle, GoTranscript offers professional solutions for all your transcription needs, including captions, subtitles, translations, and more.