A Step-by-Step Guide to Transcribing Voice Notes on Your Smartphone

We understand that speaking is easier than writing, but what do you do when you need to transcribe a lengthy voice note? Thankfully, transcribing voice memos is a breeze, particularly with the help of advanced speech-to-text technology. An accurate transcription facilitates efficient analysis of long voice recordings, enabling quick access to the necessary information. 

Curious about transcribing a voice memo on your iOS or Android device? Well, we have a step-by-step guide to convert voice memos to text. 

Is It Possible to Convert Voice Memos to Text? 

Many available tools can assist in converting voice memos to text without the need for manual transcription. Transcription software, which utilizes speech-to-text technology, enables the automatic generation of written transcriptions in real time. These tools typically deliver fast and accurate results with high efficacy compared to other methods. By comprehending the available options, one can select a methodology that aligns with their objectives and requirements, providing the freedom to pursue better-quality outcomes. 

How to Transcribe Voice Notes? 

#1 Manually 

The first option for transcription is manual transcription. With this method, you will carefully listen to your recorded audio content and manually write or type out what you hear. Manual transcription might take time, but it’s cost-effective and ensures 100% accuracy. 

1. To begin, open your recorded voice memo and gather your transcription equipment. You’ll likely use a typing device instead of handwriting, such as a computer and keyboard. Other equipment designed for manual transcription is also available. 
2. Next, press play on your voice memo and listen closely to the dialogue in the audio recording. 
3. Transcribe what you hear as closely and accurately as possible, pausing the audio content when necessary to keep up. 
4. Continue this process until you have transcribed all spoken material from your voice memo. 
5. Once your transcript is complete, listen to your voice memo again and review your transcript for any errors or mistakes that require correction. 

#2 Using YouTube 

If you want to make use of YouTube’s auto-captioning feature, follow these steps to get started: 

1. Upload the audio as a private video on YouTube (you might need to add a static image to create a video file). 
2. Allow some time for YouTube’s auto-captioning to process. It can take a while, so take a break and grab a cup of coffee! 
3. Head over to YouTube Studio, locate your video, and click on the “Subtitles” tab. 
4. Click on the auto-generated subtitles and find the option to download them. 
5. Download the captions file, and use a tool like Subtitle Edit to convert it into plain text. 

By the way, you can expand not only voice notes but also dialogue recordings. With the iPhone call recording app, you can save both incoming and outgoing calls. Do you know the best call recording app for iPhone in terms of functionality and security? In our opinion, this is a Call Recorder for iPhone. With it you can record phone calls in high quality, the application offers a simple setup, a powerful security system, and the ability to quickly share the recording. 

#3 Using TalkNotes 

TalkNotes offers a user-friendly solution to convert your voice recordings into various forms of content like blog posts, video scripts, and more. 

To get started: 

1. Visit TalkNotes.io and sign up or log in. 
2. Click on the microphone icon or upload your audio file. 
3. Choose the desired content format, such as a cleaned-up transcript, blog article, or bullet points. 
4. Allow TalkNotes a moment to process the audio and convert it into text. 
5. Preview and edit the text if necessary, then download or copy it to your clipboard. 

#4 Whisper API 

If you want to make use of the Whisper Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) API, follow these steps: 

1. Convert your audio file to the required format, such as WAV with a 16kHz sample rate. 
2. Create an account and obtain an API key from the Whisper ASR provider’s website. 
3. Make a POST request to the API endpoint with your audio file and API key using either a REST client or by writing code. 
4. Wait for the API to process your request. The processing time may vary depending on the audio’s length, ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes. 
5. Retrieve the transcribed text from the API’s response. 

#5 Simon Says 

Simon Says is an automated transcription service that simplifies the quick and accurate transcriptions of your voice memos. To transcribe your voice memos with Simon Says, follow these easy step-by-step instructions: 

• Open the Simon Says website in your browser and create an account if you haven’t already. 

• Log in to your account and click the “Upload” button to select the voice memo file you want to transcribe. Simon Says supports a range of audio file formats, including WAV, MP3, and AIFF. 
• Once you’ve chosen your file, select the recording language and any additional settings, such as speaker identification or transcription style. 
• Click the “Transcribe” button to initiate the transcription process. Simon Says utilizes machine learning and speech recognition technology to ensure an accurate transcription of your voice memo. 
• You’ll receive an email notification when the transcription is complete. You can then download the transcript in various file formats, such as TXT, DOCX, and SRT. 

Conclusion: What’s the Best Way? 

Each transcription method mentioned above offers its distinct advantages. The most suitable method for you will depend on various factors. 

Opting for manual transcription can be an excellent choice when working with a short and simple voice memo that is easy to understand. This approach ensures efficiency and effectiveness, allowing you to quickly generate your transcription without incurring significant costs. 

If your voice memo is longer or you are pressed for time, utilizing a transcription app can be beneficial. This method relies on AI speech-to-text technology to convert audio into written content. It offers advantages in terms of efficiency and accuracy, usually at a low cost. However, it is important to note that this method may not always yield 100% accuracy. Nevertheless, with a quick proofread, it serves as a rapid and reliable transcription solution. 

For lengthy and complex recordings, seeking assistance from a professional transcription service may be necessary. With this method, you will receive expert support from an experienced manual transcriber, albeit at a potentially higher cost. However, the accuracy of the results is often exceptional.