How to transcribe a video (and get a timestamped transcript)

Need a transcript of a video? Whether it's an interview, a podcast recorded on camera, a lecture or a client call, Notetracks turns it into text with a timestamp on every line. Click any line and the video jumps to that moment, so you can check a quote, fix a name or pull a clip in seconds.

Notetracks video transcription: a timestamped transcript next to the video and waveform
A video transcript in Notetracks, with a timestamp on every line

How to get a transcript of a video, step by step

1. Create a project

Open Notetracks, click New Project, choose Video as the file type and give the project a name.

Creating a new video project in Notetracks
Name your project and select Video

2. Add your video

Upload your video file (an MP4 from your camera, phone or a Zoom recording, for example), drag and drop it into the project, or import it from Google Drive or Dropbox.

Importing a video from Google Drive or Dropbox in Notetracks
Upload a file or import from Google Drive or Dropbox

3. Click Transcribe

Open the Transcription pane on the right-hand side and click the yellow Transcribe button. Choose the language and the number of speakers, then confirm. Setting the number of speakers helps an interview or panel come out right.

Choosing the transcription language and number of speakers in Notetracks
Pick the language and number of speakers

4. Review, edit and copy the transcript

The transcript shows as Requested, then Processing, for a short while. When it's ready, every line has its timestamp.

  • Click a line to jump to that moment in the video.
  • Search the transcript to find a word or a quote.
  • Edit names and terms, then copy the text for show notes, captions, an article or your script.

Share the video transcript with your team

Transcripts are rarely the end of the job. Someone needs to pick the quotes, approve the cut or flag what to fix. In Notetracks, your team can comment right on the transcript or on the timeline, reply in threads and mark notes resolved. Anyone you invite can comment for free.

Video transcription FAQ

Can I transcribe an MP4 file?

Yes. Upload the MP4, or import it from Google Drive or Dropbox, and click Transcribe.

Does the transcript include timestamps?

Yes. Every line has a timestamp, and clicking it plays the video from that point. See transcription with timecodes for more.

Can I transcribe audio only, or a voice memo?

Yes. See how to transcribe audio and how to transcribe voice memos.

Is there a free trial?

Yes. Transcription is included in the Pro and Team plans, and you can try any plan free for 7 days.

Try any Notetracks plan free for 7 days →

Help Categories