Looking for the best Wu Chinese (Shanghainese) transcription service in 2026? Start with a provider that can handle dialect variation, speaker-heavy audio, and your required output format (verbatim, clean read, timestamps, or bilingual). Below is a transparent, practical comparison of five options, with GoTranscript as the top pick for teams that want reliable human transcription and straightforward ordering.
- Primary keyword: Wu Chinese (Shanghainese) transcription services
Note on “Shanghainese”: People often use “Shanghainese” to mean Shanghainese Wu, but Wu has many related varieties, and spelling/romanization can vary. A good service will confirm your exact variety and your preferred script (Simplified or Traditional) before work starts.
Key takeaways
- Choose a provider that can confirm Wu variety, script, and format (timestamps, speaker labels, verbatim vs clean).
- For high-stakes use (research, legal, broadcast), human transcription usually beats AI-only tools for Shanghainese.
- Run a short paid sample (5–10 minutes) and grade it with an accuracy checklist before committing to a big project.
- If you need subtitles or accessibility deliverables, prioritize providers that can deliver captions/subtitles to spec.
Quick verdict (top picks in 2026)
- Best overall: GoTranscript
- Best for media workflows (captions/subtitles add-ons): 3Play Media
- Best for enterprise transcription at scale: Rev
- Best budget option for basic needs: Scribie
- Best for multilingual translation add-ons: Tomedes
These picks assume you need Shanghainese/Wu transcription as a deliverable (not just Mandarin). Availability can depend on your content, turnaround, and whether you need romanization, tone marking, or bilingual output.
How we evaluated (transparent methodology)
Dialect transcription is not “one size fits all,” so we used criteria that map to real deliverables and real risk. We did not run lab tests or publish accuracy percentages, because results vary by audio quality, speakers, and vocabulary.
Evaluation criteria (what matters for Shanghainese/Wu)
- Dialect fit: Can the provider accept Wu/Shanghainese projects and clarify which variety you need?
- Output flexibility: Speaker labels, verbatim/clean read, timestamps, and file formats (DOCX, TXT, SRT, VTT).
- Quality controls: Clear style guidance, revision policy, and proofreading options.
- Turnaround & scalability: Can they handle longer interviews, meetings, or multi-episode series?
- Security & privacy basics: Practical measures like controlled access, NDAs, and secure upload.
- Cost clarity: Transparent pricing pages and predictable add-on fees.
- Ease of ordering: A simple upload flow and clear instructions for special terms.
How to use this list
- If you need research-grade transcripts, weight dialect fit and QC higher than speed.
- If you need subtitles/captions, weight formatting deliverables (SRT/VTT, line length, timing rules).
- If you need bilingual output (Wu audio → Chinese + English), weight translation and review process.
Top 5 Wu Chinese (Shanghainese) transcription services (pros/cons)
1) GoTranscript (Best overall)
GoTranscript is a strong starting point when you want human transcription with clear deliverables and a straightforward ordering process. It also works well when your project needs add-ons like proofreading or captions.
- Pros
- Human transcription option for dialect-heavy audio.
- Flexible deliverables (timestamps, speaker labels, and common transcript formats).
- Helpful add-ons if you need a second pass (see transcription proofreading services).
- Easy to start with a small test file via order transcription.
- Cons
- Like any provider, dialect success depends on the match between your Wu variety and available linguists.
- You may need to supply a glossary for names, places, and slang to reduce back-and-forth.
2) 3Play Media (Best for media workflows)
3Play Media is widely used for captioning and subtitle workflows. If your end goal is on-screen text and accessibility deliverables, its production flow may fit well.
- Pros
- Strong caption/subtitle orientation and delivery formats (varies by order).
- Designed for teams publishing lots of video.
- Cons
- Dialect availability and turnaround can vary by language request.
- May be more than you need if you only want simple interview transcripts.
3) Rev (Best for enterprise transcription at scale)
Rev is a well-known transcription platform with options that can suit larger teams. It can be a fit when you need a familiar procurement path and consistent workflow.
- Pros
- Scales for ongoing transcription programs.
- Clear ordering and file management experience.
- Cons
- Specialized dialect work may require extra up-front clarification and screening.
- Costs can rise with add-ons (timestamps, rush turnaround, or extra review).
4) Scribie (Best budget option for basic needs)
Scribie can work when your audio is clean, your requirements are simple, and budget is the top constraint. It may not be the best first pick for complex Wu dialect audio.
- Pros
- Budget-friendly for straightforward jobs.
- Useful if you can accept simpler formatting.
- Cons
- Dialect-heavy Shanghainese may be challenging depending on transcriber availability.
- May require more client-side cleanup for proper nouns and local terms.
5) Tomedes (Best for multilingual translation add-ons)
Tomedes focuses on translation services and can be a good option when your Shanghainese transcription sits inside a larger translation workflow (for example, transcripts that need English subtitles later).
- Pros
- Good fit for projects that bundle transcription with translation deliverables.
- Can support multilingual documentation workflows.
- Cons
- Confirm dialect coverage and deliverable details before ordering.
- May not be as fast to iterate if you need lots of formatting revisions.
How to choose the right provider for your use case
Shanghainese/Wu projects fail most often because the buyer orders “Chinese transcription” and assumes the provider will infer the dialect and script. Use the steps below to avoid that mismatch.
Step 1: Define your deliverable (not just the language)
- Transcript type: verbatim, clean read, or intelligent verbatim.
- Script: Simplified or Traditional Chinese, or romanization if required.
- Speaker handling: speaker labels, unknown speaker tags, or diarization needs.
- Timestamps: none, periodic (every 30–60 seconds), or per speaker change.
- Output file: DOCX/TXT for documents, SRT/VTT for subtitles/captions.
Step 2: Clarify “Wu Chinese” upfront
- Specify Shanghainese Wu (or your local Wu variety) in the order notes.
- Share a 1–2 minute sample clip if the platform allows, especially if speakers mix Wu and Mandarin.
- List known code-switch points (for example, “Speaker 2 switches to Mandarin when discussing work”).
Step 3: Provide a glossary (this is the fastest accuracy win)
- Names (people, streets, neighborhoods, schools).
- Brand names and product terms.
- Local slang, nicknames, and repeated phrases.
- Preferred spellings in English if you need bilingual output.
Step 4: Pick the right workflow for your stakes
- Low-stakes: Clean audio, single speaker, internal notes → a budget provider may work.
- Medium-stakes: Multiple speakers, interviews, podcasts → choose a provider with strong QC and revision steps.
- High-stakes: Research, legal, compliance, or publication → prioritize human transcription and add proofreading.
Step 5: Run a scored pilot before you commit
- Order 5–10 minutes from your hardest file (overlap, slang, background noise).
- Grade it using the checklist below.
- Only then send the full batch, with updated notes and glossary.
Specific accuracy checklist for Shanghainese/Wu transcription
Use this checklist to evaluate any provider, even if you plan to proofread in-house. It focuses on the errors that hurt Wu dialect transcripts most.
Dialect and language handling
- Does the transcript correctly represent Wu/Shanghainese words instead of “normalizing” everything into Mandarin?
- When speakers code-switch, does the transcript keep each language consistent?
- Are unclear segments marked consistently (for example, [inaudible 00:12:31])?
Names, places, and proper nouns
- Are names spelled the way you requested (Chinese characters or English)?
- Are Shanghai-specific place names handled consistently?
- Do repeated names stay identical across the whole transcript (no drift)?
Speaker tracking
- Do speaker labels stay accurate after interruptions?
- Does the transcript flag overlaps rather than merging two speakers into one line?
- If you requested timestamps, do they align with speaker changes?
Readability and formatting
- Are numbers, dates, and units consistent (especially when spoken informally)?
- Is punctuation used to reflect meaning (questions, emphasis, pauses)?
- If you need subtitles, do line breaks keep phrases readable?
Quality control steps you can request
- A second pass review for names and technical terms.
- A glossary lock so key terms never change mid-project.
- A style sheet (how to handle fillers, false starts, and code-switching).
Common pitfalls (and how to avoid them)
- Ordering “Chinese” without specifying Wu/Shanghainese: Put the dialect in the first line of your instructions.
- No reference spellings for names: Provide a glossary and one “gold standard” transcript page if you have it.
- Assuming AI-only tools will capture dialect speech: Use human transcription for dense dialect audio, then apply automation for search and highlights if needed.
- Ignoring audio quality: Reduce echo, avoid speakerphone, and record each speaker on a separate mic when possible.
- Not defining the end format: Documents, captions, and subtitles have different rules, so specify upfront.
Common questions
1) Is Shanghainese the same as Wu Chinese?
Shanghainese is usually described as a Wu variety, but Wu includes many related varieties. If your speakers come from different areas, ask your provider how they handle mixed Wu varieties and code-switching.
2) Can I get a transcript in Chinese characters for Shanghainese audio?
Often yes, but confirm the expected script (Simplified or Traditional) and how the provider represents dialect-specific terms. Ask for a short sample to confirm style before the full order.
3) Should I choose verbatim or clean read for interviews?
Choose verbatim if you need every false start and filler for analysis. Choose clean read if you want a readable document that keeps meaning but removes most fillers.
4) What if my audio mixes Shanghainese and Mandarin (or English)?
Tell the provider upfront and specify whether you want mixed-language transcription as spoken or normalized into one language. A glossary helps a lot when speakers switch between languages.
5) How do I check accuracy without speaking Shanghainese myself?
Ask for timestamps and a list of unclear sections, then have a bilingual reviewer spot-check those parts. You can also verify names, dates, and key decisions against meeting notes or written materials.
6) Do I need subtitles instead of a transcript?
If your content will be watched, subtitles/captions may be more useful than a document transcript. If accessibility is a requirement for your audience, captions can help support inclusive viewing; for general U.S. guidance on accessible video, see the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative guidance on audio and video.
7) What should I send with my order to get the best result?
Send a glossary, speaker list, topic summary, and any brand or place spellings. If relevant, also share a reference style (for example, how you want numbers, dates, and acronyms handled).
Conclusion: picking the best Shanghainese transcription service in 2026
The “best” Wu Chinese (Shanghainese) transcription service is the one that matches your dialect, confirms your script and formatting needs, and supports a repeatable workflow with glossary-based consistency. Start with a short pilot, grade it with the checklist, and scale up once the results match your standards.
If you want a clear ordering path and human transcription options for dialect-heavy audio, GoTranscript offers the right solutions, including professional transcription services designed for real-world deliverables.
Verified Order