3 of the Best Online Audio Transcription Tools

If in the past, notes were taken during conferences and work meetings, it is now possible to benefit from a audio transcript fast and precise. This process is popularized thanks to online transcription tools, but also thanks to professional transcriptionists. It allows you to transcribe audio and video files into textual content, which is very practical in the digital age. However, transcription is a demanding job, which is why it is advantageous to turn to audio transcription software.

The basics of audio transcription

Audio transcription is the act of writing down audio recordings or extracts from video clips. It can be creating subtitles, transcribing what was said during a meeting or during an interview. The digital audio file is recorded on a computer and the transcriber listens to it and then captures what the voiceover says. Regarding the software audio-to-text transcription, just upload the file to the platform and wait for the result. There are two modes of audio transcription:

• manual transcription by a professional transcriptionist;
• automatic transcription, made by a digital tool. Some providers offer, in addition to automatic transcription, proofreading and verification by a transcriptionist for better accuracy.

The different types of audio transcription

Depending on the customer’s needs, it is possible to opt for different types of transcriptions:

• the verbatim, which is a full transcription of the audio file, with hesitations, French mistakes, laughter…;
• the stripped-down full transcript, which features enhancements to the original audio. The French is correct and hesitations and repetitions are eliminated;
• the transcription reformulated, the text is adapted to the written style and the speeches are in the third person;
• the synthesized transcription includes only the important elements in the recording.

Three Tools of Choice for Audio Transcription

happyscribe

Happyscribe is one of the best audio transcription software. The tool has a wide range of practical features, such as a workspace open to several collaborators, confidential and secure audio files and unlimited transcriptions. Pricing is per minute of recording and depends on whether it is a manual or automatic transcription. The user can integrate his vocabulary and can choose between automatic transcription or automatic transcription verified by a transcriber professional if greater accuracy is desired. Happyscribe has a good rating from users and the Trustpilot site, which gives it a high rating of 4.8/5.

Authot

Authôt is a French audio-to-text and subtitling transcription software. It offers the user an automatic transcription system coupled with a dedicated editor. Live transcription can also be used, an advantageous feature for meetings and interviews. Proofreading of text files is performed by native transcribers, editors or translators. 32 languages ​​are available for transcription, but there is no trial version, unlike Happyscribe. The software offers several packs whose prices vary.

Dictation

Dictation is more of a voice recognition tool than a transcription software. However, it is very easy to use, the default setting is the language of the Google Chrome browser. It is recommended for taking voice notes, to save time.