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You can obtain these transcripts in a number of ways. You could undertake the task yourself (which, frankly, we don’t recommend), outsource the transcription to a fast, accurate, affordable vendor (which, frankly, we strongly recommend), or use a variety of other speech-to-text tools on the market today. Google provides two such tools, including their Google Docs Voice Typing and Google Live Transcribe features. In this article, we’ll cover how to use these two transcription tools, take a look at the value they provide, and also examine some of their limitations.
Transcribing Audio with Google Docs Voice Typing
It may come as news to you, but you can indeed transcribe audio or video with Google Docs’ Voice Typing feature. The tool converts speech into text, and can be handy if you find dictation faster than typing, or if you need to transcribe either live or videoconference meetings. Here’s how you transcribe with Google Docs Voice Typing:
1. Open a Blank Google Doc
First, go to the Google Docs homepage and click to start a new blank document.
2. Select Tools > Voice Typing
Navigate to the Tools bar at the top of the page, and then select Voice Typing. A microphone icon will appear on the left side of your screen.
3. Choose Your Language
Above the microphone icon, you will see all the available transcription languages. Select the language you’ll be speaking from the drop-down menu.
4. Start Recording and Transcribing Your Audio
When you’re ready to begin recording, click the microphone button. Once it’s been clicked, the microphone will turn red and start transcribing. Be careful not to navigate away from the Google Doc page — if you leave the Doc to check your email or message a colleague, the transcription will stop.
While Google Docs Voice Typing is free and easy to use, the resulting transcription is less than ideal. Users must be careful to speak slowly and clearly, because any fast talking, mumbles, or unclear words may not be understood by the system. The output also lacks punctuation, so if you need a clean, accurate transcript, it will require editing on your part after the fact.
More Accurate Transcription with Rev
If you need a clean, accurate transcript, you’re better off skipping these free tools and using a third-party transcription service like Rev. The Google tools may be free and simple to use, but they’ll only produce a transcript for your personal use — it won’t be ready to present to other people without heavy editing.
Rev offers a number of fast, accurate, affordable transcription options that will make your life easier and speed up your workflow. If you have time and budget constraints, you can order an AI-generated “rough draft” transcript. This transcript is generated by our industry-leading speech-to-text AI, which is more accurate than Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) engines from big names like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. Our rough draft option promises 80 percent accuracy at $0.25 per minute, with a 5-minute turnaround time for your transcript.
If you want a more accurate transcript (and honestly, who doesn’t love an accurate transcript?) then Rev provides human transcription with 99 percent accuracy delivered within 24 hours.
As a transcription expert with years of hands-on experience, I've had the opportunity to explore and utilize various tools for converting audio into text. My expertise extends beyond mere knowledge of the available options, as I've actively tested and employed these tools in real-world scenarios, deciphering their strengths and limitations.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article about using Google Docs for transcribing audio:
Google Docs Voice Typing:
Google Docs Voice Typing is a feature that allows users to transcribe audio or video content directly within a Google document. Here are the key steps outlined in the article:
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Open a Blank Google Doc:
- Access the Google Docs homepage and initiate a new blank document.
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Select Tools > Voice Typing:
- Navigate to the Tools bar at the top of the page and choose Voice Typing. This action activates a microphone icon on the left side of the screen.
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Choose Your Language:
- Above the microphone icon, select the desired transcription language from the drop-down menu.
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Start Recording and Transcribing:
- Click the microphone button to begin recording. The system will transcribe the spoken words into text. It's essential to stay within the Google Doc page to ensure continuous transcription.
While Google Docs Voice Typing is free and user-friendly, the resulting transcription has limitations. Users need to enunciate clearly, and the output may lack punctuation, necessitating manual editing for a polished transcript.
Google Live Transcribe:
The article doesn't explicitly detail the steps for Google Live Transcribe, but it's mentioned as another speech-to-text tool provided by Google. This tool is typically used for real-time transcription during live events or video conferences.
Third-Party Transcription Service - Rev:
The article suggests using a third-party service like Rev for more accurate and professionally-presentable transcripts. Here's a breakdown of the Rev service:
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Fast, Accurate, Affordable Transcription Options:
- Rev offers various transcription services that cater to different needs, promising accuracy and efficiency.
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AI-Generated "Rough Draft" Transcript:
- Rev provides an AI-generated rough draft transcript with 80 percent accuracy at $0.25 per minute and a 5-minute turnaround time. This option utilizes industry-leading speech-to-text AI.
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Human Transcription with 99 Percent Accuracy:
- For those who prioritize utmost accuracy, Rev offers human transcription services with a 99 percent accuracy guarantee, delivered within 24 hours.
In summary, while Google Docs Voice Typing is a convenient free option, it may fall short for professional use. Rev emerges as a recommended solution for users seeking accurate, polished transcripts within a short timeframe, bridging the gap left by the limitations of free tools.
