Why ScreenApp for Word-for-Word Transcription
Most transcription tools give you a cleaned-up version of what was said. They strip out the pauses, the filler words, the false starts. That works fine for meeting notes or quick summaries. But when you need an exact record of every spoken element, cleaned-up text is not enough.
ScreenApp produces word-for-word transcripts that capture everything: the “ums,” the “ahs,” the stammers, the interruptions, and the crosstalk. Unlike ChatGPT or other general-purpose AI tools, ScreenApp is built specifically for audio and video transcription. You upload a file or paste a URL, and the system returns a timestamped, speaker-labeled transcript that preserves every verbal detail. There is no prompt engineering, no copying and pasting chunks of audio into a chat window, and no guessing about speaker identity.
This matters in fields where the exact phrasing can change the meaning of a statement. A witness saying “I, uh, I think I saw him” is different from “I saw him.” Legal teams, qualitative researchers, and compliance officers need that distinction preserved.
How It Works
1. Upload Your Recording
Drag and drop your audio or video file into ScreenApp, or import directly from a URL. The platform accepts MP3, MP4, WAV, M4A, and most other common formats. There is no file size limit on paid plans, and free users can process files up to a generous length.
2. AI Processes the Word-for-Word Transcript
ScreenApp’s speech recognition engine analyzes the audio and produces a complete transcript. The system identifies individual speakers, adds timestamps at regular intervals, and retains all filler words, repeated phrases, and non-speech sounds. Processing typically takes a fraction of the audio’s runtime.
3. Review, Edit, and Export
Open the finished transcript in ScreenApp’s built-in editor. You can correct any misrecognized words, adjust speaker labels, and search the text for specific phrases. When you’re satisfied, export as PDF, DOCX, TXT, or SRT. The transcript stays synced with the original recording, so you can click any line to jump to that moment in the audio.
ScreenApp vs. Other Transcription Services
| Feature | ScreenApp | Rev | GoTranscript | Sonix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI transcription price | Free tier available | $0.25/min | $0.02/min (AI only) | ~$0.17/min |
| Human transcription | No | $1.99/min | From $0.99/min | No |
| Full verbatim mode | Yes, default | Yes (add-on) | Yes (select at order) | Yes |
| Speaker identification | Automatic | Automatic | Manual by transcriber | Automatic |
| Timestamps | Per-utterance | Per-utterance | Optional add-on | Per-millisecond |
| Built-in editor | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Turnaround (AI) | Minutes | Minutes | Minutes | Minutes |
| Free trial | Yes | 45 min/month free | No free AI tier | 30 minutes free |
| Export formats | PDF, DOCX, TXT, SRT | PDF, DOCX, TXT | PDF, DOCX, TXT | PDF, DOCX, TXT, SRT |
Rev is the go-to choice if you need a human transcriber to guarantee accuracy on difficult audio, but it costs $1.99 per audio minute for that service. GoTranscript also uses human transcribers and targets 99.4% accuracy, though turnaround takes one to five days depending on the rush fee you pay. Sonix is an AI-first platform with strong multi-language support across 40+ languages. ScreenApp’s advantage is that word-for-word output is the default behavior, not an add-on or special request, and the free tier lets you test the quality before paying anything.
Use Cases
Legal depositions and court proceedings. Attorneys and paralegals need word-for-word transcripts that capture every hesitation, correction, and interruption. Courts often require this level of detail for evidentiary submissions. ScreenApp’s timestamped output makes it straightforward to reference specific moments during cross-examination.
Qualitative research interviews. Academic researchers conducting interviews for dissertations, ethnographies, or focus groups rely on verbatim transcripts to perform discourse analysis. The way a participant phrases something, including their pauses and self-corrections, often carries as much meaning as the words themselves.
Medical consultations. Clinicians documenting patient interactions sometimes need a complete record of what was said, especially in psychiatric evaluations, informed consent discussions, or second-opinion reviews. A verbatim transcript preserves the patient’s own language, which can be clinically relevant.
Journalism and documentary production. Reporters and producers working with recorded interviews need accurate quotes. A verbatim transcript ensures that no statement is misattributed or taken out of context during editing.
Compliance and HR investigations. Internal investigations and regulatory compliance reviews require precise documentation. When an employee’s exact phrasing could determine whether a policy was violated, a cleaned-up transcript is not acceptable. A word-for-word record protects both the organization and the individuals involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between word-for-word and clean transcription?
Word-for-word transcription captures every sound the speaker makes, including filler words like “um” and “uh,” false starts, repetitions, and stutters. Clean transcription removes those elements and delivers a polished, easier-to-read version. Choose the word-for-word option when the exact manner of speech matters, such as in legal or research contexts.
Can ScreenApp handle multiple speakers in a single recording?
Yes. The AI automatically detects speaker changes and labels each person in the transcript. You can rename speakers in the editor after processing to match their real names.
How accurate is AI-generated word-for-word transcription?
Accuracy depends on audio quality, background noise, and speaker clarity. With clear audio, AI transcription typically reaches 90-95% accuracy. ScreenApp’s editor lets you quickly fix any errors while listening to the synced audio playback.
Is this suitable for legal or compliance documentation?
ScreenApp’s verbatim output includes timestamps and speaker labels, which are standard requirements for legal documentation. However, for court-admissible transcripts, many jurisdictions still require certified human review. You can use ScreenApp to create the initial transcript and then have a certified professional verify it.
What audio and video formats are supported?
ScreenApp accepts MP3, MP4, WAV, M4A, WEBM, OGG, and most other standard formats. You can also import recordings directly from a URL.
How long does processing take?
Most files are transcribed in a few minutes. A one-hour recording typically processes in under ten minutes, depending on server load.
Is there a free option?
Yes. ScreenApp has a free tier that lets you transcribe recordings and test the verbatim output. Paid plans remove usage limits and add features like priority processing and team collaboration.
