How to Turn Audio Into Text

In the digital age, converting audio to text has become an essential tool for professionals, students, and content creators alike. Whether you’re transcribing a lecture, meeting, or podcast, the ability to transform spoken words into written form efficiently can save you a lot of time. In this article, we’ll explore various methods and tools that make this process easier, from desktop software to mobile apps and AI-powered solutions.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Why Convert Audio to Text?
3. Automatic Transcription on PC
   • Transcribing Audio in Microsoft Word
   • Using Wondershare Filmora for Speech-to-Text
4. AI-Powered Solutions for Transcription
   • Transcribing Audio with OpenAI Whisper
   • Additional AI Solutions
5. Manual Transcription Methods
   • Express Scribe
   • Other Manual Transcription Tools
6. Mobile Apps for Transcribing Audio
   • Apps for Android and iOS
   • Transkriptor
   • Other Mobile Apps
7. Converting WhatsApp and Telegram Audio to Text
   • Transcribing WhatsApp Audio Messages
   • Converting Telegram Audio to Text
8. Conclusion
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why Convert Audio to Text?

Converting audio to text is not just a productivity booster but also a necessity in some fields. Here’s why it can be useful:

• Accessibility: Making content accessible for individuals who may prefer reading over listening.
• Speed and Efficiency: Transcripts are easier to skim, search, and reference.
• Content Creation: Transcribed audio can be repurposed into blogs, articles, or social media posts.

Automatic Transcription on PC

Transcribing Audio in Microsoft Word

Did you know that Microsoft Word has a built-in tool for transcribing audio? Both the desktop version (part of Microsoft 365) and the free online version offer automatic transcription features.

1. Open Word: Start by clicking the Dictate button in the Home tab, symbolized by a microphone.
2. Choose “Transcribe”: Click the down arrow beside Dictate and select Transcribe.
3. Upload Your Audio File: Microsoft Word supports formats like WAV, MP4, M4A, MP3, and AAC. Once you upload your file, the software will process it automatically.

After the transcription is done, you can add timestamps and speaker labels, making it easy to organize the content. Microsoft Word’s transcription feature is user-friendly and accessible, making it ideal for everyday use.

Using Wondershare Filmora for Speech-to-Text

If you work with videos as well as audio, Wondershare Filmora is a powerful tool to consider. Filmora’s Speech-to-Text (STT) feature helps you create subtitles or transcripts from video or audio files. This software supports over 27 languages, making it a versatile choice.

1. Import Your Video or Audio: Drag and drop your file onto Filmora’s timeline.
2. Activate Speech-to-Text: Click the STT icon in the toolbar. Select your language and start the transcription process.
3. Edit the Transcription: You can easily edit the text, adjust the timing, and format the transcript as needed.

Filmora also supports exporting transcripts as subtitle files (SRT) and can translate them into different languages, adding more flexibility.

AI-Powered Solutions for Transcription

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the transcription process by increasing speed and accuracy. There are several AI-powered tools available that can help you convert audio to text more efficiently.

Transcribing Audio with OpenAI Whisper

OpenAI Whisper is an advanced AI model designed for transcription tasks. It can convert speech to text with high accuracy, even in challenging audio environments.

One example is Replicate, a website where you can upload audio files and use Whisper’s API to get transcriptions in just a few minutes. This tool is perfect for developers who want to integrate transcription services into their own applications.

1. Upload Audio: Drag and drop your file into the web interface.
2. Select Language: Choose the appropriate language for the transcription.
3. Get the Output: The transcription process usually takes a few minutes, after which the text will appear in a separate window for easy download or editing.

Additional AI Solutions

Other AI tools that can assist with transcription include:

• Google Speech-to-Text: Offers 60 minutes of free transcription each month with highly accurate results.
• Amberscript: A paid service that supports over 30 languages and offers both automatic and professional human-assisted transcription.

Manual Transcription Methods

Not every transcription task requires AI or automated tools. Sometimes, manual transcription offers better control and precision, especially when dealing with poor-quality audio.

Express Scribe

Express Scribe is a desktop software that helps with manual transcription by slowing down playback, allowing you to transcribe audio at your own pace.

1. Download and Install: Express Scribe is available for Windows and macOS.
2. Import Your Audio: Load your audio file into the software.
3. Transcribe: Use keyboard shortcuts to pause, rewind, or slow down the audio while typing the transcription manually.

This software is ideal for those who prefer hands-on control and is often used by professional transcriptionists.

Other Manual Transcription Tools

Some additional tools include:

• oTranscribe: A free online transcription tool with simple controls for audio playback and text entry.
• InqScribe: A more advanced paid tool with foot pedal support for controlling playback, favored by professional transcriptionists.

Mobile Apps for Transcribing Audio

If you prefer working on the go, several mobile apps make transcribing audio from your phone or tablet a breeze.

Apps for Android and iOS

Transkriptor

Transkriptor is a user-friendly app that automatically converts audio files to text. It supports multiple file formats and languages, making it a versatile choice for transcribing interviews, lectures, or meetings.

1. Install the App: Download Transkriptor from Google Play or the App Store.
2. Upload Your Audio: Select the audio file from your device or record directly within the app.
3. Get the Transcript: The app generates a transcript within minutes, which can be edited and shared.

Other Mobile Apps

Some other excellent mobile apps for transcription include:

• Otter: Free for up to 300 minutes of live transcription each month. Perfect for meetings or live discussions.
• Transcribe: Available on iOS with a pay-as-you-go model, perfect for smaller transcription tasks.

Converting WhatsApp and Telegram Audio to Text

Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have become primary communication tools, and converting voice notes into text can be incredibly useful.

Transcribing WhatsApp Audio Messages

On Android, you can use Transcriber for WhatsApp, an app that lets you convert voice messages to text easily.

1. Download the App: Install Transcriber from the Google Play Store.
2. Share the Audio: In WhatsApp, press and hold the voice note, select Share, and choose Transcriber.
3. View the Text: The app will generate the transcription in just a few seconds.

For iOS, Audio to Text for WhatsApp offers similar functionality, though it’s a paid app.

Converting Telegram Audio to Text

Telegram offers built-in transcription for voice messages if you subscribe to Telegram Premium, which costs $5.99 per month.

1. Open Telegram: Go to the voice message you want to transcribe.
2. Press the Transcribe Button: Click the A symbol next to the voice message, and the transcription will appear immediately.

Conclusion

Converting audio to text has never been easier, thanks to a wide variety of tools designed for different needs and budgets. Whether you prefer automatic AI-driven solutions, manual transcription software, or mobile apps, there’s an option out there for you. Save time, increase efficiency, and ensure that important information is easily accessible with these transcription tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best free tool for transcribing audio?
   Google Docs and Otter offer free transcription services with limited minutes or features.

2. Can I transcribe live audio?
   Yes, apps like Otter and Google Speech-to-Text allow for live transcription.

3. Is manual transcription better than automatic transcription?
   Manual transcription can be more accurate, especially for poor-quality audio, but automatic transcription saves time.

4. Can I use AI for transcription?
   Yes, tools like OpenAI Whisper and Google Speech-to-Text use AI for highly accurate transcriptions.

5. What mobile app should I use for transcribing interviews?
   Transkriptor and Otter are both excellent for mobile transcription on Android and iOS.

6. Is there a limit to how much audio I can transcribe in Microsoft Word?
   There is no time limit, but you may need a Microsoft 365 subscription to access the feature.

7. Can I transcribe voice messages on WhatsApp?
   Yes, you can use apps like Transcriber for WhatsApp to convert voice messages into text.

8. Does Telegram offer built-in transcription?
   Yes, but it’s only available for Telegram Premium subscribers.