While AI is getting pretty good at chess, human transcription services remain the number one option when accuracy is essential. This is particularly true for legal transcription services, where every word, pause, or inflection can hold significant meaning in court proceedings, depositions, or official records. The same applies to medical documents and other areas where minor errors can have major consequences. Indeed, a human transcriber’s keen ear, contextual understanding, and familiarity with specialized terminology make them the most practical choice for achieving the most reliable and accurate results.
However, human transcription is slightly more expensive than automated transcription solutions. Still, is it worth it? Let’s find out.
In this article, you’ll learn how:
- Transcription pricing models vary, from per line and per page to per audio minute and flat fees—understanding each helps you avoid hidden costs.
- Audio quality, speaker count, and turnaround time can significantly impact your total transcription bill.
- Choosing a transparent and reputable provider like Ditto Transcripts ensures U.S.-based accuracy, legally admissible results, and no billing surprises.
What Is Human Transcription?
Transcription is the creation of a written version of an audio or video recording.
A person performs human transcriptions—not AI. A human listens to the recording and types out whatever they hear, relying on their ability to interpret even the finest details of human speech, like accents and context.
Unlike automated services, professional human transcribers (like those at Ditto Transcripts) can accurately transcribe audio with multiple speakers, background noise, or technical jargon. This level of precision is especially vital in court transcription services, where every word must be captured accurately to ensure legal admissibility and maintain the integrity of official records.
The downside of human transcription is that it takes longer and costs more than automated ones. That said, it remains the gold standard regarding accuracy and quality.
Most Common Types of Transcription
Now that you’re past the definitions, let’s have a look at the common types of transcriptions you might encounter.
| Type of Transcription | Description |
| Verbatim Transcription | It captures every word, sound, and filler, including “um,” “ah,” and stutters, providing an exact record of the audio. This is ideal for legal proceedings or research requiring precise documentation. |
| Intelligent Transcription | Focuses on the meaning and clarity of the content, removing filler words and correcting grammar for a more polished and readable transcript. Suitable for interviews, speeches, or content intended for publication. |
| Edited Transcription | Involves more extensive editing, such as restructuring sentences, correcting syntax, and eliminating irrelevant content. Commonly used for creating clear, concise transcripts for business or educational purposes. |
| Phonetic Transcription | Uses special characters to represent the sounds and pronunciations of words, rather than their spelling. This type of transcription is often used in linguistics, language learning, or speech therapy. |
How Much Does Human Transcription Cost?
Human transcription depends on many factors.
At Ditto Transcripts, the cost of human transcription starts at just $1.50 per audio minute. More on that later.
Below are some of the factors you might expect in transcription costs.
- Audio Quality: Clear audio requires less time and effort to transcribe, potentially resulting in a standard cost. On the other hand, poor audio quality can increase the complexity and, consequently, the price.
- Turnaround Time: Projects with tight deadlines often have a higher price tag, while standard turnaround times typically offer more affordable rates.
- Accents and Dialects: Transcribing speakers with heavy accents, regional dialects, or non-native speakers may require specialized transcribers and thus incur higher fees.
Transcription Rates Factors
Similar to transcription costs, the transcription company’s pricing can vary based on several factors, as listed below.
- Per minute or hourly rate: Many transcription services charge by the audio minute or hour, with rates often determined by the complexity of the content or the turnaround time required. We charge per minute to get you the most efficient pricing possible.
- Per-word: Some providers offer pricing based on the number of words in the final transcript, which can be an option for those with longer audio files containing fewer technical terms.
- Bulk discounts: Transcription companies may offer discounted rates for large projects or ongoing work, making it a better option for clients with substantial transcription needs. The more projects, the more bucks can be saved. Call us for a bulk discount!
- Subscriptions: Some providers may offer subscription packages that include a set number of transcription hours at a discounted rate, which can be beneficial for those with regular transcription needs.
Human Transcription Process
- The client submits an audio or video recording via email or our secure platform.
- We assign the video or audio recording to one of our professional human transcribers with the appropriate skills and experience. For instance, trial transcription services are handled by experienced legal transcribers who understand courtroom procedures, legal terminology, and the importance of maintaining an accurate, verbatim record.
- For verbatim transcription, the transcriber listens to the recorded file word for word and transcribes all utterances. If doing a cleaned-up or edited transcription, the transcriber lightly edits the text for grammar corrections and removes filler words.
- The transcriber submits the transcript for proofreading – and it’s how we achieve >99% accuracy.
- The completed transcript is returned to the client.
When Is Human Transcription Required?
Let’s look at the most common scenarios where accuracy is highly valuable and human transcribers are required.
| Category | Description | Why Accuracy Matters | Example / Key Point |
| Legal Transcription | Legal proceedings like court hearings and depositions often involve complex legal jargon, multiple speakers, and challenging courtroom acoustics. Human transcriptionists are required to navigate these situations and capture details accurately, upholding the integrity of the legal record. | Legal transcripts serve as official records and can be used as evidence in future legal matters. Even minor errors can alter the outcome of a case. | Example: Cody DeShields was freed decades early due to a transcription error—36 months instead of 36 years. This highlights why accuracy is essential for legal admissibility and justice. |
| Medical Records | Medical reports, healthcare meetings, and other related documents often contain specialized medical terminology requiring high precision. Human transcribers ensure these details are correctly documented. This also includes medicolegal transcription services, which combine medical and legal expertise to transcribe documents used in legal cases involving medical information accurately. | Accurate medical transcripts support effective communication among healthcare providers, treatment plans, and legal compliance. | Professional human transcribers understand medical practices and terminology better than speech-to-text software. |
| Market Research | Focus groups, interviews, and surveys need accurate transcription to interpret participant responses effectively. Human transcribers can detect emotional nuances and sarcasm that machines miss. | Reliable transcripts are crucial for analyzing customer preferences, spotting trends, and shaping data-driven marketing strategies. | Accurate transcription enhances the quality and insight of market research results. |
| Academic Research | Academic and qualitative research often includes varied accents, interruptions, and overlapping dialogue. Human transcribers handle these challenges with care and expertise. | Even small transcription errors can distort findings and undermine research credibility. | Expert human transcribers ensure transcripts uphold academic accuracy and reliability. |
| Media Production | Used in creating subtitles, closed captions, and interview transcripts for media like YouTube videos, documentaries, podcasts, and news articles. | High-quality transcripts improve accessibility and audience reach, enhancing engagement and content quality. | Inaccurate subtitles can harm viewer experience—highlighting the importance of expert human transcription for media. |
How Much Does Ditto’s Human Transcription Service Cost?
Ditto Transcripts’ human transcription services start at $1.50 per audio minute. You may also check our legal transcription prices to know more about our offerings.
Get the most accurate and high-quality transcripts at a cost you can afford.
We’re happy to provide quotes for transcription jobs. Be sure to ask if you’re concerned with audio quality, number of speakers, and other required features.
After all, transparency is the cornerstone of our operations.
Maximize Human Transcription With Ditto Transcripts
Don’t settle for AI transcription (that’s only 61.92% accurate) or inexperienced human transcribers who could mess up your transcription job.
Ditto Transcripts is a leader in the transcription industry that offers the following for those who are looking for a dependable, human-powered transcription service:
- Accuracy: We maintain a 99% accuracy rate on all transcriptions, ensuring your content is captured precisely without errors.
- Experience: We’ve been around the block since 2010 and have gained enough experience across industries. Our team has the knowledge to handle subject matter expertly.
- Simple Submission: You can easily upload your audio/video files through our secure online platform. No extra software or complicated steps are required.
- Flexible Turnaround Options: Choose the delivery time that fits your requirements. Do you want a standard turnaround or an expedited 24-48 hours? Let us know.
- Customized Formatting: You can choose your preferred transcript format. Need timestamps, speaker labels, or other requirements? We’ll deliver it exactly as you require.
- Data Security: We adhere to strict confidentiality measures, with all transcribers signing NDAs. Our staff undergoes thorough background checks and security screenings. We’re also compliant with HIPAA, CJIS, and FINRA regulations.
- Affordable Pricing: We offer high-quality transcription at competitive rates. Our prices start at $1.50 per audio minute.
- Trusted by many: Countless businesses and organizations across industries trust Ditto Transcripts for their transcription needs. Our customer reviews attest to our exceptional service. If you need it, we can point you to some of our satisfied clients we’ve worked with for years. Don’t believe us? Here’s one of our client testimonials:
- Customer Service: Our dedicated customer service team is available around the clock to assist you. You’ll always reach a real person, not a robot, to address any questions or needs.
Let’s Discuss Your Human Transcription Needs
When accuracy matters, trust Ditto Transcripts for your transcription needs. We offer 99% guaranteed accuracy, expert transcribers, and a commitment to data security, so you can feel confident that your content will be captured with precision. Take advantage of our flexible turnaround options, customizable formatting, and competitive pricing.
Ditto Transcripts is a Denver, Colorado-based FINRA, HIPAA, and CJIS-compliant transcription services company that provides fast, accurate, and affordable transcripts for individuals and companies of all sizes. Call (720) 287-3710 today for a free quote.