Become an expert at video-to-text transcription with this guide. Learn tips and tricks for how to choose the best transcription service for your project.
Just finished recording an important training video for your team? Maybe you’ve got a video interview that you need transformed into text? Video-to-text transcription is your answer.
In this guide, we’ll explore how video transcription works, the best tools and services available, and how to determine the type of transcription needed for your project.
Ready to save time, make your content more accessible, and become the expert on video-to-text transcription for your team?
Awesome—let’s get started!
What is Video to Text Transcription?
Video-to-text transcription is the process of converting spoken words and other audible content from a video into written text. You can do this manually, using software, or through professional transcription services.
Who Uses Video to Text Transcription?
From the business sector to law enforcement and government agencies, turning video content into a transcript can be extremely useful.
- Business Transcription: Companies can use transcripts for meetings, training sessions, webinars, and to provide accessible records to facilitate better communication.
- Law Enforcement Transcription: For law enforcement agencies, video-to-text transcription is invaluable for creating detailed records of interrogations, interviews, and surveillance footage.
- Protective Services: Government agencies, including child protective services and social workers, use transcription services to document home visits, follow-ups, and interviews.
- Legal Transcription: Law firms transcribe depositions, court proceedings, and witness interviews to maintain precise records they can reference later.
- Educational Transcription: Educators and students benefit from transcriptions of lectures and seminars, making content easier to review and study.
- Media and Content Creators: Journalists, podcasters, and video producers use transcripts for creating subtitles, improving SEO, and repurposing content into articles or social media posts.
Why Use Video to Text Transcription?
The big question we all have in the workforce is how can I get more time back?
We are big believers in working smarter, not harder, and video-to-text transcription allows you to do just that. Less time spent on documentation means more time for billable hours.
Wondering just how much time transcription might save you? Check out this insanely cool transcription savings calculator to find out!
Beyond saving you a ton of time and money, here are a few more tremendous benefits when you convert video to text.
Accessibility
Did you know that 15% of Americans report some trouble hearing? That’s 32 million+ people who won’t have access to your video without transcripts! You don’t want to miss out on that audience—or make them feel isolated.
Having a text version of video content makes it accessible to all, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Searchability
Do you ever get frustrated when you’re trying to find that one clip you need for your documentation? Maybe you remember a witness mentioning something important in an interview and you need to find it fast?
Transcripts solve that dilemma.
Why? They’re searchable, allowing you to quickly find specific information without re-watching entire videos. Just hit “command” + “F” on your Mac keyboard or “control” + “F” on your PC keyboard.
SEO
Transcripts turn your one video into a goldmine of SEO content! Having a transcript of your video content can improve search engine optimization (SEO) by making it easier for search engines to index your content which will drive more traffic to your site.
Repurposing Content
Again, work smarter, not harder. A transcript allows you to repurpose video content into blogs, articles, social media posts, and other content, and in an age where content is king, transcripts are invaluable. Make that content go the extra mile!
User Comprehension
Video-to-text transcription will also help with viewer comprehension and information retention. Did you know that within one week most people will only remember 10% of what was said during a presentation or movie? We can keep your content fresh on the brain with video transcripts.
Record Keeping
Of course, providing a written record that can be easily shared and referenced is a great tool for legal accuracy, educational reinforcement, business efficiency, or content creation. Clearly video-to-text transcription is a valuable tool.
How to Transcribe Video to Text: Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Choose your transcription method.
Decide whether you want to DIY things with a transcription software or use a professional transcription service. You’ll also have to decide whether you prefer human transcription or A.I. transcription.
Each method has its pros and cons depending on your needs for accuracy, speed, and budget.
Step 2: Prepare your video.
You can shoot video with your iPhone, computer, or a professional camera. As long as there’s clear audio, you’ll be able to transcribe it.
Step 3: Upload your video.
Whether you’re using a DIY transcription software or a professional service, you’ll need to upload your video file to the platform in order to proceed. Follow the instructions provided by the service for file upload. Common video formats include MP4, AVI, and MOV.
Step 4: Set up your transcription settings and submit.
Configure your transcription settings such as language, speaker identification, and timestamps. If you’re working with human transcriptionists, you can get as detailed with your instructions as you wish, including giving instructions for formatting.
Step 5: Review your transcript.
Once the transcription is complete, carefully review the text for any errors or inaccuracies. Pay special attention to technical terms, names, and any industry-specific jargon.
Step 6: Edit and format your transcript.
Did you use human transcription services? Lucky you—you get to skip this step! Human transcriptionists take care of this part for you.
If you use speech-to-text transcription or any other kind of automated transcription software, you’ll need to spend some serious time editing and formatting. Check that all speaker labels are accurate, fix spelling errors, and add any necessary punctuation and paragraph breaks.
Step 7: Use your transcript!
Use the transcript for your intended purpose, whether it’s for winning a case, record keeping and documentation, accessibility, creating subtitles, or enhancing SEO.
How to Choose the Right Transcription Method: Machine vs. Human
There are a few different types of transcription: completely AI-generated transcription, human transcription, and a combo of both. All three types have pros and cons, so let’s look into what type of transcription method could be best for your project!
What is AI Transcription?
AI transcription tools are great for quick, cost-efficient projects. They are a strong choice when a project needs quick turnaround times for large volumes of content. However, they might struggle with accents, background noise, and complex terminology—most AI is only 80% accurate.
What is Human Transcription?
Human-generated transcription provides superior accuracy — 99%-100% actually —especially for detailed and technical content. Professional transcribers can handle multiple speakers, background noise, and unique formatting requirements.
AI vs. Human Transcription | ||
Features
| AI-Generated Transcription | Human Generated Transcription |
Accuracy | Struggles with accents and poor audio quality, high error rates | 99% accuracy even with accents and technical terms |
Speed | Fast, real-time, or near-real-time transcription | Medium, can take anywhere from 3 hrs to a day |
Cost | $0.10 a minute | Starts at just one and a half cents per word. |
Background Noise | Struggles with background noise | Background noise is not an issue |
Terminology | May misinterpret technical terms | Handles technical terms accurately |
Speaker Identification | Overlapping speech can cause inaccuracy | Accurately identifies and differentiates speakers |
Formatting | Basic, requires manual adjustments | Professionally formatted and ready to use. |
When is Human Transcription Best?
While AI-generated transcription can be a cost-effective and quick solution for artists, independent podcasters, and content creators who require basic transcription services, professional environments demand the higher accuracy and reliability that human transcription provides.
- Legal Proceedings: Transcribing depositions, court hearings, and witness interviews requires a high level of accuracy and an understanding of legal terminology. Human transcribers ensure that every detail is correctly captured and formatted according to legal standards.
- Medical Transcription: For transcribing medical reports, patient consultations, and clinical notes, the use of human transcriptionists is crucial. They are trained to accurately interpret complex medical terminology and ensure that patient information is recorded with the utmost precision.
- Market Research: During focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, multiple speakers and technical jargon are common. Human transcribers can accurately capture these conversations, even with overlapping speech and industry-specific terminology, providing high-quality transcripts for analysis.
- Corporate Meetings: Board meetings, shareholder meetings, and strategic planning sessions often involve multiple speakers and complex discussions. Human transcription ensures that all voices are accurately captured and the minutes are professionally formatted for official records.
- Educational Content: For academic conferences, lectures, and seminars, where technical content and multiple speakers are involved, human transcription provides the accuracy and clarity needed for educational materials and research documentation.
Video To Text Transcription vs. Audio to Text Transcription
Video transcription is a bit more detailed than audio-to-text transcription. Video-to-text transcription includes elements like visual context and body language, which adds a more complete understanding of the content.
Video-to-Text Transcription vs. Audio to Text Transcription | ||
Feature | Video-to-Text Transcription | Audio-to-Text Transcription |
Detail Level | More detailed, and includes visual context. | Focuses solely on spoken words/sounds. |
Visual Cues | Notes visual cues, speaker changes, and on-screen text. | Does not include visual elements. |
Content | Offers a fuller understanding by including visual and auditory information. | Limited to the audio content only. |
Use Cases | Ideal for video content that requires thorough documentation. | Suitable for podcasts, interviews, and audio notes. |
Advanced Features in Video to Text Transcription
Modern video transcription comes with some pretty cool advanced features that make the process even more useful and efficient. For instance, human or AI summarization can take long videos and boil them down to the key points, saving you tons of time.
Another neat feature is translation services. Your video content can be transcribed and then translated into multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience. This is perfect for professionals or educators who work with international teams or students.
Adding subtitles directly to videos is another cool video transcription enhancement. This not only makes your content accessible to those who are hard of hearing but also helps viewers who prefer reading along. The best part? Subtitles can boost your video’s engagement and SEO.
Tips On How to Choose the Best Video-to-Text Transcription Service
There are several factors to consider when choosing a transcription service. Here is our checklist to help us choose the best transcription service for our projects.
- Accuracy: Look for high accuracy rates, especially for technical terms or multiple speakers. This is also the time to decide if you want to go with AI or Human transcription based on the complexity of the video.
- Speed: Consider how quickly you need the transcripts. Some services offer near-instant results while others can take a few days. Again, it’s all about the scope of your project and what the transcript will be used for—if it’s just internal, maybe a quick output is best.
- User Support: Opt for services with robust customer support to help with any issues. We’ve all sat on the phone with a robot or someone across the ocean and it’s frustrating, to put it mildly. Find a company that offers quick resolutions and support.
- Unique Features: Check for AI summarization, translation, and subtitle integration for added value. You want the most out of your transcript, so being picky on the front end to make sure the service has everything you need is a must!
- Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and ask for recommendations to find a reliable service. Reviews are the best way to figure out if a transcription service is really worth your investment.
The SpeakWrite Difference: Video to Text Transcription Experts
If you’re looking for top-notch video transcription, SpeakWrite is your go-to solution.
- The SpeakWrite app is super convenient and provides 100% human-generated transcriptions.
- Get professionally formatted transcripts that cater to specific industry needs, like legal or corporate settings.
- Fast turnaround time—often within just three hours.
- SpeakWrite boasts a 99% accuracy rate, making it a trusted choice for precise and dependable service.
You can easily upload your video files, specify your requirements, and receive polished transcripts ready for use. SpeakWrite offers 24/7 availability, so no matter when you need your transcription, they’ve got you covered.
With SpeakWrite, you also benefit from enhanced security and transcription confidentiality measures, so that your sensitive information remains protected.
SpeakWrite combines speed, accuracy, and professional formatting with exceptional customer support, making it the best choice for all your video transcription needs.
Video to Text Transcription: Frequently Asked Questions
How can I turn a video into a text transcript?
You can turn a video into a text transcript by using transcription services like SpeakWrite, which provides human-generated transcripts, or by using automated transcription software that converts the spoken content into text.
How can I transcribe a video to text?
You can transcribe a video to text by using transcription services like SpeakWrite, which provides human-generated transcripts, or by using automated transcription software that converts the spoken content into text.
Is there a free AI to transcribe video to text?
Yes, tools like Otter.ai and Google Docs Voice Typing offer free transcription services. However, they may not be as accurate or feature-rich as paid professional services.
Can Microsoft Word transcribe a video to text?
Microsoft Word itself does not directly transcribe videos, but you can use Word’s built-in dictation tool to transcribe audio. For video, you would need to extract the audio and then use the dictation feature.
Is there an app that can transcribe a video to text?
Yes, several apps can transcribe video to text, such as Descript, Rev.com, and Otter.ai. These apps offer various features and levels of accuracy to meet different needs.
Get Started with Video to Text Transcription Today!
Now that you know the ins and outs of video-to-text transcription, you’re ready to tackle your projects with confidence.
Next time you need to turn that video content into a transcript look no further than SpeakWrite. With SpeakWrite, you can easily transcribe your video with high accuracy and professional formatting.
It’s time to get your time back and see the difference that human-powered transcription can make. Get started with a free trial today!
