Free Video Transcription Tools: Top 10 Reviewed 2024

Top Transcription Tools at a Glance

Lets get straight to the point, here are the top 10 tools for video transcription ranked and sorted.

Choosing the Right Transcription Tool

The best transcription tool for you depends on your needs. Consider these factors:

• Accuracy: How well does it understand different accents and handle background noise?
• Speed: How quickly does it generate transcripts?
• Ease of use: Is the interface intuitive?
• Features: Does it offer speaker identification, timestamps, or editing tools?

Top 10 Free Video Transcription Tools

1. ScreenApp Transcriber

ScreenApp is a video platform that allows users to record their screen, transcribe their videos, and search and summarize their audio and video content. ScreenApp's transcription feature uses advanced speech recognition technology to automatically transcribe videos, making it easy to search and summarize content, as well as create captions and subtitles for videos.

Features

• Automatic transcription: ScreenApp automatically transcribes videos, eliminating the need for manual transcription.
• Speaker identification: ScreenApp identifies different speakers in a video and assigns labels to each speaker's transcript, making it easy to follow conversations in multi-speaker videos.
• Searchable transcripts: Transcripts are fully searchable, allowing users to find specific information quickly and easily.
• Export options: ScreenApp offers a variety of export options, including PDF, TXT, and DOCX, making it easy to share transcripts with others.
• Time stamps: Transcripts include synchronized timestamps, so users can easily jump to specific points in a video.

Pros

• Automatic transcription: ScreenApp's automatic transcription feature saves users a significant amount of time and effort.
• Speaker identification: Speaker identification is a valuable feature for multi-speaker videos, making it easy to follow conversations.
• Searchable transcripts: Searchable transcripts make it easy to find specific information in long videos.
• Export options: The variety of export options makes it easy to share transcripts with others or use them in different workflows.
• Time stamps: Synchronized timestamps make it easy to jump to specific points in a video.

Cons

• Accuracy: While ScreenApp's transcription accuracy is generally good, it may struggle with heavy accents, fast speech, or low-quality audio.
• Pricing: ScreenApp's pricing plans may be too expensive for some users, especially those who only need to transcribe a few videos occasionally.

User Experience

Users generally report that ScreenApp is easy to use and produces accurate transcripts. However, some users have noted that the accuracy can suffer with heavy accents, fast speech, or low-quality audio. Additionally, some users have found that ScreenApp's pricing plans are too expensive.

Overall, ScreenApp is a good transcription service for users who need to transcribe a large number of videos or who need transcripts with speaker identification. However, users who only need to transcribe a few videos occasionally or who are on a tight budget may want to consider other options.

Score: 10/10

2. Transcript.LOL

Transcript.lol aims to simplify the process of transcribing both audio and video content. It emphasizes speed and convenience through its web-based interface. Let's break down its functionality and user experience.

Features

• Automated Transcription: Transcript.lol converts audio and video files into text transcripts without requiring manual effort.
• Multiple Source Support: Import content directly from platforms like YouTube or Vimeo using links, or upload your local audio/video files.
• Timestamping: The tool keeps track of timestamps within the transcript, making it easy to reference specific moments in the original content.
• Export Options: Choose from multiple formats (TXT, DOCX, etc.) when exporting your transcripts.
• Summaries and Insights: (Depending on subscription tier) Transcript.lol can generate summaries or extract core insights from your media.

Pros

• Speed: Users generally praise Transcript.lol for its rapid transcription turnaround.
• Ease of Use: The web-based interface is intuitive and straightforward.
• Versatility: The ability to work with both local files and online video links offers flexibility.

Cons

• Accuracy: As with most AI transcription tools, accuracy can be affected by factors like background noise, accents, or complex terminology.
• Pricing: Some subscription tiers may be considered expensive depending on usage requirements.

User Experience

Transcript.lol receives predominantly positive feedback in terms of its efficiency and user-friendly design. However, the concerns regarding accuracy and pricing echo common considerations within the transcription software market.

Overall, Transcript.lol is a worthwhile option if you prioritize speed and convenience in your transcription workflows. Those with more robust accuracy requirements or tighter budgets may want to explore alternatives.

Score: 9.5/10

3. Whisper v2

While tools like ScreenApp offer convenient screen recording and transcription, there are powerful open-source solutions worth exploring. One such tool is Whisper, created by OpenAI. The 'v2 Large' model offers compelling transcription features that could be a great choice depending on your needs.

Features

• Open-source Accuracy: Whisper v2 Large leverages advanced AI models for its transcription, boasting impressive accuracy even in challenging audio situations.
• Multilingual Support: Whisper isn't limited to English; it can transcribe a wide range of languages.
• Customizability: Being open-source, developers and users can fine-tune Whisper for specific audio domains or accents, potentially improving accuracy even further.

Pros

• Cost-Effective: Whisper is open-source, meaning no subscription fees.
• High Accuracy: Whisper v2 Large competes with, and often exceeds, commercial transcription solutions in terms of accuracy.
• Flexibility: Open-source nature allows for extensive customization.

Cons

• Technical Setup: Whisper requires some technical knowledge to implement. It's not a simple plug-and-play tool like ScreenApp.
• Resource-Intensive: Running Whisper v2 Large may demand a powerful computer setup for optimal performance.

User Experience

Whisper v2 Large's user experience caters heavily towards developers or those with technical aptitude. There's no streamlined graphical interface – its primary interaction is through coding and command-line tools.

Is it the Right Choice?

Whisper v2 Large is an excellent choice if you:

• Prioritize transcription accuracy over ease of use.
• Want to save money on transcription costs.
• Need multilingual transcription capabilities.
• Value the ability to adapt a transcription tool to specific use cases.

Whisper might not be ideal if you need a  user-friendly solution without a technical learning curve.

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4. Otter.ai

Otter.ai has positioned itself as a leading transcription tool by leveraging AI for real-time transcriptions. It’s recognized for its intelligent voice recognition technology that accurately transcribes speech from various sources such as meetings, interviews, and lectures. Its advanced technology is capable of handling long recordings and even distinguishes between different speakers, offering a comprehensive solution for transcription needs.

Features of Otter

• Real-time transcription: Otter.ai transcribes voice-to-text in real-time, allowing users to see transcriptions live as they happen.
• Free minutes: It provides 600 free minutes of transcription each month, making it an excellent choice for occasional users.
• Speaker Identification: It differentiates between various speakers in a conversation, assigning different labels to each, which is particularly useful in multi-speaker situations like meetings or interviews.
• Searchable Transcripts: Transcripts are fully searchable, allowing users to locate key points or topics easily.
• Export Options: Otter.ai offers versatile export options, supporting various formats like PDF, TXT, and DOCX.
• Timestamps: Every transcription comes with synchronized timestamps, which can be very helpful for cross-referencing against the audio.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Otter.ai is praised for its intuitive user interface that's easy to navigate.
• The real-time transcription feature is highly valued as it aids in note-taking during live events.
• Its ability to distinguish between different speakers is a feature not found in many other transcription services.

Cons:

• While Otter.ai is generally accurate, it may struggle with heavy accents, fast speech, or low-quality audio.
• Its free version comes with a limit of 600 minutes per month, which may not be sufficient for heavy users.

User Experience

• Users often comment on the ease of use and intuitive nature of the Otter.ai interface, noting it's simple to get started with the tool.
• Real-time transcription is noted as a particularly standout feature, assisting in live meetings, lectures, and events.
• Its integration with other tools such as Zoom and Dropbox has been commended.
• On the other hand, some users have pointed out that Otter.ai could improve its accuracy with complex terminologies or names.
• Some users have also mentioned that an increase in the free minutes provided per month would be beneficial.

Score: 9/10

5. Rev.com

Overview

Rev.com is renowned for its high-quality transcription services, including human and automatic transcriptions. The automatic transcription service, although less accurate than the manual one, offers a quick and cost-effective way to convert audio and video to text. It's a go-to choice for professionals needing a fast turnaround.

Features

Rev's Automatic Transcription comes with the following features:

• Fast Turnaround: The service can transcribe audio and video files in just a few minutes, making it ideal for those who need quick results.
• Wide Range of File Formats: Rev supports a multitude of file formats, including .mp3, .wav, .m4a, and .aif.
• Inbuilt Editor: After transcription, users can use the inbuilt editor to make necessary corrections and modifications.
• Speaker Identification: The service can differentiate between speakers, tagging them accordingly in the transcription.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Quick turnaround, usually within minutes.
• The interface is straightforward and user-friendly.
• Support for a variety of file formats.

Cons:

• Automatic transcription accuracy is lower than Rev's human transcription service.
• No free version is available; only offers paid services.
• It may struggle with poor audio quality or heavy accents.

User Experience

Users of Rev's Automatic Transcription service often praise its speed, citing the quick turnaround as a significant advantage, especially for time-sensitive tasks. They also appreciate the user-friendly interface and the service's ability to handle various file formats. On the flip side, some users note that the automatic service's accuracy can be hit-or-miss, particularly with poor audio quality or heavy accents. However, the ease of use and rapid results make it a popular choice among many users.

Score: 8/10

6. Headliner

Headliner.app is an audio and video tool helping creators transform existing content into repurposable formats. A standout feature is its transcription capability, which leverages AI to turn audio and video files into text. Here's a breakdown:

Features

• Automatic Transcription: Effortlessly convert your audio or video into text, bypassing manual effort.
• Article to Video: Headliner's interesting feature allows you to turn blog posts or written content into engaging videos.
• Audiograms: Create short, eye-catching videos featuring soundbites with visual waveforms to boost social sharing.
• Subtitle Creation: Quickly add subtitles to your videos to increase accessibility.
• Customization: Headliner offers options for font, color, and visual styling to brand your transcriptions.

Pros

• Time-saving: The automated processes accelerate content repurposing.
• Search-Friendly: Transcripts make content more discoverable for search engines and viewers alike.
• Social Boost: Audiograms and subtitled videos are a plus for shareability.
• Accessibility: Subtitles make your content accessible to a wider audience.

Cons

• Accuracy: As with most AI transcription, accuracy may vary with accents, clarity of audio, or background noise.
• Free Version Limitations: The free plan offers limited features and may include watermarks.

User Experience

Headliner generally garners praise for its intuitive interface. Some limitations are expected in the free tier, and, like most AI tools, transcription quality relies on the source input.

Overall

Headliner.app's strength lies in content repurposing. It's a valuable asset for those who:

• Regularly create audio/video content
• Aim to expand their content reach
• Want to save time in production workflows

If budget constraints are a concern or your transcription needs are infrequent, free or lower-tier alternatives may suffice.

Score: 7.5/10

7. Descript

Overview

Descript is a collaborative audio/video editor that includes transcription, screen recording, and podcasting tools.

Features

Descript provides:

• Multifunctional Editing Suite: Enables users to edit audio by editing the transcribed text.
• Screen Recording: Offers a built-in screen recording feature.
• Automatic Transcription: Transcribes audio and video files automatically with decent accuracy.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• A complete suite for audio and video editing and transcription.
• Unique editing features based on transcribed text.

Cons:

• Might be overkill for users who just need a simple transcription tool.
• Transcription accuracy can be affected by poor audio quality.

User Experience

Descript's unique approach to audio and video editing (editing by modifying transcribed text) has been highly appreciated by its users. However, for users who are looking for just a transcription tool, it might seem complex.

Score: 7.5/10

8. Notta

Key Features:

• Advanced Transcription Technology: High accuracy and fast turnaround time.
• Global User Base: Over 2 million registered users worldwide.
• AI-Powered Summarization: Offers summaries of transcription for enhanced productivity.
• Seamless Cloud Integration: Synchronizes across desktop, mobile, and web browsers.
• Meeting Recording and Scheduling: Facilitates recording and scheduling of online meetings.
• Collaborative Tools: Supports co-editing, marking, and easy sharing within teams.
• Integration with Major Platforms: Works seamlessly with Notion and Salesforce.

Notta is an AI-based voice-to-text transcription software that supports 104 languages, including English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, and more. With an automatic transcription accuracy of 98.86% and swift transcription speed, Notta efficiently converts your audio or video files, interviews, podcasts, virtual meetings, and sales call recordings into instant written transcripts. Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, iPad, Chrome extension, and more, Notta ensures seamless synchronization of your transcriptions across any device.

The platform goes beyond traditional transcription by offering AI-powered summarization. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who deal with large volumes of data, as it helps distill key information and improve productivity. Notta's cloud-based nature allows for seamless synchronization across multiple platforms, ensuring accessibility and convenience for users on the go.

Notta also provides essential tools for professionals, including meeting recording and scheduling capabilities, making it indispensable for those regularly participating in online meetings. Its collaborative tools, such as co-editing and easy sharing, foster teamwork, and efficient workflow management.

Unique to Notta is its automated attendance feature for online meetings, where Notta Bot can be set to attend meetings on popular platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Teams, ensuring comprehensive documentation and recording. Furthermore, its integration with major platforms like Notion and Salesforce highlights Notta's commitment to offering a comprehensive productivity suite, enhancing its utility in business environments.

Score: 7/10

9. AssemblyAI

AssemblyAI is a powerful platform harnessing cutting-edge AI models for speech-to-text transcription and audio/video analysis. If you regularly work with audio or video files, it can be an invaluable tool for tasks like making those recordings searchable, extracting key ideas, and much more.

Features

• Automatic Transcription: AssemblyAI's core functionality is extremely accurate transcription. It handles various accents, background noise, and technical terminology with impressive results.
• Speaker Diarization: For recordings with multiple people, AssemblyAI separates and labels individual speakers, making it easier to understand who said what.
• Customization: You can upload custom vocabulary lists to improve the accuracy of transcription, especially if you frequently deal with specialized terms.
• Summary and Sentiment Analysis: AssemblyAI's AI models can generate concise summaries of your content and even detect overall sentiment (positive, negative, neutral).

Pros

• High Accuracy: Assembly consistently delivers high-quality transcription results.
• Advanced Features: Speaker diarization, summarization, and sentiment analysis go beyond basic transcription.
• Developer-Friendly: Its robust API makes it easy to integrate with your applications and workflows.

Cons

• Price: AssemblyAI's pay-as-you-go pricing structure might not be ideal for those with occasional or light transcription needs.
• Potential Complexity: Extensive features can require some onboarding time for those without a technical background.

User Experience

AssemblyAI is well regarded for its intuitive interface and reliable transcriptions. Users note that additional features add significant value.  However, pricing and the initial learning curve, particularly for non-developers, might be considerations for some.

Overall, AssemblyAI is an excellent choice for individuals and teams who heavily rely on audio and video content and want powerful analysis features. Those who value a streamlined transcription process with extras like speaker labeling and sentiment analysis will be drawn to this platform.

Score: 6/10

10. Tactiq.io

Tactiq.io brings the power of automation and artificial intelligence to online meetings. It simplifies engagement and follow-up with features that capture every word and help with post-meeting tasks. Here's a breakdown of what Tactiq.io offers:

Features

• Live Transcription: Tactiq transcribes Google Meet, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams calls in real time, eliminating the need for laborious note-taking.
• AI-Powered Actions: Create customizable commands for generating meeting summaries, follow-up emails, or to-do lists directly from your transcripts with just a click.
• In-Transcript Collaboration: Highlight, comment, and assign action items within the transcript, promoting quick team alignment.
• Search Functionality: Quickly find relevant information within your transcripts using keyword searches.

Pros

• Time-saving: Automatic transcriptions and AI-powered actions free up significant time during and after meetings.
• Collaboration: In-transcript features facilitate seamless team collaboration on action items.
• Integration: Tactiq works with popular tools like Google Docs, Notion, and Slack.
• Accessibility: Live transcription assists those with hearing impairments and makes it easier to follow along in busy meetings.

Cons

• Accuracy: Like most transcription tools, accuracy can vary with background noise, accents, and fast speech.
• Pricing: While it offers a free plan, more extensive use will likely require one of Tactiq's paid plans.

User Experience

Tactiq boasts a user-friendly interface and is generally well-received for increasing meeting productivity. However, it's important to manage expectations about transcription accuracy in less-than-ideal audio situations.

Overall

Tactiq.io is a valuable tool for anyone looking to streamline meetings and  reduce post-meeting workload, especially those in collaborative, meeting-heavy environments. If you prioritize efficiency and maximizing meeting value, it's worth considering.

Score: 5.5/10

Choosing the Perfect Transcription Tool for You

Finding the right transcription tool can save you tons of time and ensure your transcripts are accurate and usable. Here's a breakdown of key factors to consider:

• Accuracy is King:
  • This is the most important factor. Inaccurate transcripts can be frustrating and costly to fix. Look for tools that boast high accuracy rates, especially for your specific needs (accents, technical jargon).
  • Some tools allow you to test their accuracy with a free trial or demo. This lets you see how well they handle your audio before you commit.
• Speed Matters:
  • If you have a lot of audio to transcribe, speed is crucial. Consider how long it takes a tool to transcribe an audio file and choose one that fits your workflow.
  • Many tools offer different turnaround times based on pricing.
• Language Skills:
  • Does the tool support the languages you need? Transcription tools come in all language varieties, so ensure yours covers everything from basic business English to complex medical terminology in Hindi.
• Easy Does It:
  • A user-friendly interface is essential, especially if you're not tech-savvy. Look for a tool with a clean layout, intuitive controls, and clear instructions.
• Support When You Need It:
  • Reliable customer support can be a lifesaver if you encounter issues. Choose a tool with a responsive support team that can answer your questions and troubleshoot problems.

Understanding Transcription Technology

Modern transcription tools use a powerful combo of technologies:

• Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR): This is the engine that converts spoken words into text. Accuracy here is key!
• AI and Machine Learning (ML):  These make ASR even smarter.
  • AI helps the tool understand the context of speech, including accents and slang.
  • ML allows the tool to continuously learn and improve its accuracy over time, especially when exposed to your specific speaking style or industry jargon.

Keeping Your Data Safe

• Since transcription tools often handle sensitive information, security is paramount. Look for tools that:
  • Encrypt your data during transfer and storage.
  • Delete your data after transcription if you request it.
  • Comply with data privacy regulations (like GDPR).
• Some tools offer "local processing" where your audio file never leaves your device for an extra layer of security.

Accessibility and Usability

Transcriptions are a game-changer for accessibility:

• They allow people with hearing impairments to engage with audio content.
• Many tools offer user-friendly interfaces for everyone, regardless of technical expertise.

Getting the Most Out of Your Transcription Tool

• High-Quality Audio is Key:  A clear recording with minimal background noise makes transcription much easier and more accurate. Speak clearly and avoid jargon whenever possible.
• Master the Shortcuts:  Many tools offer keyboard shortcuts for play/pause, rewind, and fast-forward. Mastering these can save significant time during editing.
• Unlock the Power of Features:  Explore features like timestamps, speaker identification, and different export options to customize your transcripts and optimize your workflow.

By considering these factors and following these helpful tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect transcription tool and creating accurate and accessible transcripts.