Video to Text Transcription

There are many reasons why you would want to convert video to text, whether you are narrating a story, giving a dictation, or using voice search. In some cases, you may want to convert video to text in order to take notes about an interview.

Video to text is also useful if you want to reach the hearing impaired with your video. In this article, you will get detailed info about video to text conversion, including how you can do it.

When You Need It

One of the groups you might target with a video to text conversion is those with little time. Some people are too busy or they are not in a position to listen to an hour-long video. A transcription of the video will help them scroll through the text to get the gist of the message you are trying to send.

In essence, it gives these people access to all your premium content. Some people might only want to get a specific point from your long video. However, skipping through the video might not be ideal, as they may end up skipping an important section.

It is also useful for non-native speakers. This group includes those who might not understand your accent, or people who may not understand your language. Translating text to speech is much easier than translating a video. Besides that, they may struggle to keep up with your speed of speech, which may cause them to miss key words and descriptions.

It is also quite useful for international students, who might be among your target audience. In the USA alone there are more than a million international students. These students might have a hard time with speech, especially if they recently arrived in the US.

The Quickest Way

The fastest way to convert video to text is by using transcription software. This software is often used for legal, business, medical, and advertising purposes. A text transcript is preferred since it is searchable and easy to scan through.

Transcription software can be used on its own or in conjunction with a transcriber who will then refine the text. There are currently well over a dozen companies that provide the software. Some charge you a fee per transcription. Some software charges an annual transcription fee, while others are free.

The Benefits

Get a high-quality transcript

One of the benefits you get with automated transcription is the high quality, especially when you use a dependable software provider. A human video to text transcription is likely to contain numerous mistakes, especially if it is long. As the transcriber tires over the course of the video to text transcription, he or she will start skipping words or typing the wrong words.

Easy conversion from Video to Text

Another benefit is the ease of use when working with automated video to text software. In most cases, all you need to do is upload the file onto a website or a program on your desktop. You do not require any special grammar skills to get the transcript, which is great for non-native speakers.

Save time

Automated video to text transcriptions often take quite a short time compared to human transcriptions. On most transcription sites, the shortest turn-around time is 48 hours. For a person-based video to text transcription, you can factor in about one hour for every 15 minutes of video, which is much slower than automated transcriptions.

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Key considerations in a good video to text conversion

When picking a good video to text software or service, accuracy is the number one thing to look for. There are hundreds of transcription software providers, but not all of them offer the same level of accuracy. While it is true that the transcription will only be as good as the quality of the sound, some advanced software providers use AI, which can detect speech, even in low-quality videos.

Another aspect to look for is quality. This is particularly the case when using a transcription service. Some transcription services hire low-quality transcribers who in turn, deliver low-quality work. The result is poor grammar, misinterpreted words, and a host of other issues. Always check how well the software or service you pick is rated online.

Another important aspect is turnaround time. Some transcription services promise turnaround times as short as 24 hours. However, the norm is 48 hours. If you want to access 24-hour turnaround time, you will often have to pay extra.

Another aspect you want to consider is the security of your files. Some of the files you send to a video to text service may be too sensitive to be shared with the masses. When using online software to transcribe, you want to be sure the files will not be leaked. this is why you might want to choose a desktop app instead. However, no matter what service you pick, ensure they have iron-clad policies regarding data protection.

What’s the best way to use a video to text software?

If you are going to use video to text software, you want to first be sure that you picked the right one. After that, upload the file into the software and wait for it to be transcribed. This might take between 10 minutes and half an hour, depending on the size of your file.

After you are done, do not assume that it is perfect. Always read the text and wear earphones to listen to the video. This is especially important when having a transcription done for business or legal purposes. Any misinterpretations could have serious legal repercussions. Find a quiet place to listen to the video, while reading the text. It will help you decide if what is being said is an accurate reflection of what is in the text. If you identify any problems, mark them.

Once you are done, you can use the notes you created during the listening period to correct any grammar mistakes or misspellings. This can particularly be an issue when spelling the names of people. One name may have more than three spellings. Correct these minor issues and give the text a final reading. If possible, ask someone else to proofread it for you.

How do you use it efficiently?

To use video to text efficiently, it is always a good idea to have a dedicated member of the team doing the work. This person should not have distractions around them. Look for a quiet corner of the office where they can do the work in silence. Also, to ensure accurate output, try to look for the highest quality video file you have.

One way to ensure accurate results each time is to use high-quality recording equipment. For instance, if you want a video interview transcribed, ensure that the conference room where it is conducted is augmented for good acoustics and the microphones used are of high quality. After all, the software only works as well as the quality of the files it is fed.