Creators often use video content to reach their audience; YouTube is the most popular video platform. While the visual effects of posting a YouTube video are high, you still may want or need to transcribe the audio portion into a written or text format. This article will explore various methods for obtaining YouTube video transcriptions.
Besides the ability to access and read video content, crafty marketers also recognize the SEO benefits achieved if you want your website pages to rank high on Google. Podcasts can also be an effective way to expand your reach and connect with a broader audience.
On the other hand, YouTube can automatically transcribe videos. However, YouTube creators who provide video transcriptions usually add their own because the automatic transcripts aren’t very accurate.
In this article, you’ll learn how:
- To transcribe YouTube videos using free tools like Google Docs, YouTube’s auto-transcription, and AI platforms such as Welder.
- Why manual transcription is time-consuming and how professional transcriptionists use specialized tools to boost speed and accuracy.
- How to compare different transcription options based on cost, accuracy, and use case — including a breakdown of top providers.
- Why Ditto Transcripts offers a superior solution for accurate, legally admissible, and affordable video transcriptions.
Hire a Professional and Affordable Transcription Service
If accuracy matters, hiring a quality service that utilizes experienced human transcriptionists is the best option.
I wouldn’t blame you for asking, “Isn’t hiring a transcription company expensive?” The answer is no. There are numerous affordable video transcription services available. However, you don’t have to sacrifice quality to find an affordable option. Actually, even legal professionals use legal transcription services because it is accurate, cheap relative to its quality, and the transcripts are legally admissible if you get them from trusted transcription companies like Ditto.
Ditto Transcripts is an experienced, professional, U.S.-based company that transcribes projects for Fortune 500 companies, court systems, medical facilities, major universities, and law enforcement agencies. It offers fast and affordable services, with a 99% accuracy rate and a money-back guarantee.
Uploading video or audio in various formats is easy.
A page on our website allows you to upload audio files in various formats. Or you can email us the video URL directly to us and we will prepare your video transcriptions for you to use.
- Choose the type of service you desire. For example, we offer verbatim (where every word and sound is transcribed) or cleaned-up non-verbatim options.
- Select the desired delivery and turnaround times.
At Ditto Transcripts, our pricing plans for YouTube transcription services are affordable and straightforward. However, several factors determine costs, including the number of speakers, the quality of the audio or video file, and the timeframe for returning the transcribed file.
Additional costs include:
- Timestamps and verbatim transcription are an additional $.25 per minute. Verbatim transcriptions ensure that the raw quality of the audio is transcribed. This means that it is a word-for-word account, including the “ahs”, “uhms”, and pauses of a/the speaker.
- We also offer same-day service. Call (720) 287-3710 to inquire and speak with a live representative.
You’ll receive your transcribed video file when promised and to the agreed specifications, or it’s free. And we offer a money-back guarantee if you’re not completely satisfied.
However, you probably wouldn’t need that. Our client testimonials speak for themselves about our quality of service.
Video Transcript Within YouTube
Google owns YouTube, a subsidiary of Alphabet, Inc. Google and YouTube are among the two most visited websites globally, followed by Facebook and Twitter. Now you can understand why Google constantly reminds you to use the Google suite of products in the Chrome browser.
YouTube offers an Artificial Intelligence (AI) transcription option through Google Docs. However, the voice transcription feature in Google Docs works exclusively with the Chrome browser.
Here’s how it works:
- Open Google Docs
- Inside the document, find the “Tools” tab in the main menu
- Select “Voice typing,” located below “Translate document,” in the Chrome browser. You’ll see a microphone icon.
- Next, open YouTube in a separate window and locate the video title you want to transcribe.
- Return to the window with Google Docs and click on the microphone icon.
- Hit “play” on the YouTube video to begin the voice transcription process.
Since Google Docs uses voice recognition, the transcription time will be the same as the video. Additionally, the accuracy of the transcribed copy isn’t great, so you’ll need to listen to the audio portion of the video to make any necessary corrections.
According to one website that examined the issue, “This handy tool does a fine job transcribing the video. It might not be the best quality. However, you can always go back to the video and make the necessary changes.” This is not a glowing endorsement. However, if you want to waste your valuable time correcting copy, this is the tool for you.
Transcribe Videos Into Audio Yourself
There’s always the option of manually transcribing any audio file or the audio portion of a video into written text. This transcript option is also time-consuming:
- Open YouTube and select the video you want to transcribe
- Click “play” and start transcribing by typing or writing the words.
You are correct if you think this method is how professional transcriptionists convert files. However, there are significant differences.
First, professional transcriptionists are expert typists, usually typing 80 to 100 words per minute (WPM). Experienced, expert transcriptionists using tools designed to increase productivity and speed. They also know tons of keyboard shortcuts.
For example, transcriptionists use a foot pedal to keep their hands on the keyboard instead of touching a mouse to rewind or fast forward through an audio file. Other tools professional transcriptionists use include high-quality headphones and specialized transcription software.
Transcribe a Video Using AI Tools
Free online transcription services use AI technology and speech recognition software. Remember, you typically receive what you pay for, so don’t be upset if the quality isn’t high or if you invest valuable time and energy to correct multiple mistakes.
Welder is an online service that offers podcast and video streaming services. Additionally, they provide a complimentary transcription service for audio and video files. However, many features require users to use Google Chrome, as Safari isn’t a browser supported on the site. To convert a video to text on Welder:
- Log in to the site and select the video-to-text transcription.
- Drag or select the video you want to transcribe.
- Click “Transcriptions,”
- Finally, select .srt or .txt for the desired format.
- Use your transcript file in either Google Docs or Microsoft Word to post the written text alongside your video.
Finding Transcripts For Your Favorite YouTube Videos
If you want to find transcripts for your favorite YouTube videos, follow these simple steps:
Open your browser and log in to YouTube.
Locate the three horizontal dots on the lower right side and select “Open Transcript.”
A basic automatic transcription will appear. We selected the video “How We Lost the Cybersecurity War” with guest expert David King for this demonstration. Below is a screenshot of the transcript format. Note: Videos with closed captions allow you to view a transcript.
In hindsight:
| Provider | Accuracy | Cost | Best For |
| Ditto Transcripts | 99%+ (guaranteed) | Affordable, per-minute pricing | Professionals needing legal or high-quality transcription |
| YouTube Auto-Transcription | ~50–60% | Free | Casual users or quick content previews |
| Google Docs (Voice Typing) | Low | Free | DIY users are willing to edit heavily |
| Manual Transcription (Self) | Varies. Highly dependent on the skill of the transcriber | Free (time investment) | Skilled typists with time to spare |
| Welder (AI Tool) | Medium (~80% max) | Free basic plan; paid features | Podcasters and video creators need fast output |
Why Choose Ditto Transcripts?
Offering a written transcription of your YouTube videos can expand your audience reach and increase SEO opportunities. Ditto Transcripts offers excellent service at affordable rates with a money-back guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied, then you pay nothing.
Additionally, we are a U.S.-based company that hires and utilizes experienced U.S. transcriptionists, specializing in various industries. Each of our transcriptionists must pass a criminal background check and have relevant industry experience.
We will save you time reviewing different transcription companies, so here’s the comparison chart:
Not only is our pricing competitive, but our accuracy rate is unmatched, and we are compliant with security measures. Our transcripts are legally admissible, and we assure you that they are created by U.S.-based transcribers, thereby mitigating potential risks.
What are you waiting for? Please take advantage of our free trial offer and receive a professional, accurate transcript with no strings attached.
Ditto Transcripts is a Denver, Colorado-based transcription company that provides fast, accurate and affordable transcription services for individuals and companies of all sizes. Call (720) 287-3710 today for a free quote.