Journalists, and not only them, often need to decode what is recorded in audio and video files into text format, and this translation takes a lot of time. However, today, with the use of artificial intelligence, there are computer tools that help not to spend a day transcribing a two-hour interview: special programs for transcription (converting audio files to text) will give a relatively accurate text. within minutes.

There are many such programs, but it is difficult to find a suitable free application, most offer only temporary free access or do not recognize the Ukrainian language.

We’ve rounded up a selection of features for you from four transcription services, most of which are free. Programs work with Ukrainian audio and video files.

pinpoint

What is this program

A Google service that you can use with a Gmail account.

To start working, click the “Start” button and fill out the form.

Then the “Add document” button will appear in the upper left corner of the screen.

The program indexes first and last names, i.e. It allows convenient searching by keywords in large documents.

What texts can be selected

The user can choose to decode audio recordings and videos.

The program also recognizes handwritten, photographed and scanned text.

What is the file format and size

You can upload files in any format and size you want.

The transcription is divided into separate sentences that can be listened to in parallel.

You can also download the finished text in PDF format.

How long does decryption take?

Approximately 1 MB per minute.

TO BE CAREFUL:

Decryption will not stop even if you close the tab or turn off the computer.

Link to service: https://journaliststudio.google.com/pinpoint/

Transcript

What is this program

This is a service of Google

Program capabilities

– The program recognizes 70 languages

– The program recognizes dictated texts, so you need a browser that supports a microphone.

How does it work

– To get started, you need to click on the microphone image at the bottom of the screen.

– Punctuation is done by voice, i.e. “comma”, “period”, “open quotes”, “close parentheses”, etc. you should say.

– The design of the application is somewhat reminiscent of Word – it is an A4 sheet on which you can print text in Times New Roman font, italicized or underlined if necessary.

– The program counts the number of words and if there is more than one page, a new one is displayed. You can turn pages with the right and left arrow keys. There are buttons to copy, send, print and download text.

– If you need to transcribe a video or audio recording, you can open it in a nearby tab or on another device by placing it near the microphone. But here you have to make sure that SpeechTexter has time to hear the words correctly.

– The application is simple but has one drawback – it decodes the text slowly.

Link to service: https://www.speechtexter.com/

transcriptor

What is this app

– One of the few that does not require a bank card number during registration.

– Powered by Artificial Intelligence and is a Chrome extension.

– Many useful features are listed on the home page, but they are usually paid for.

How many languages ​​does the program recognize?

Recognizes more than 100 languages

What files can be downloaded

You can download video and audio files from your computer, YouTube, or cloud storage, as well as record audio or video in the app itself.

How does the program work?

– The free version of Transcriptor only allows you to listen to the first five minutes of audio files. If the recording takes 5-6 minutes, the program will split the transcript in half for 2-3 minutes.

– The program will leave your recording as is if it lasts 1-2 minutes, that is, if you “cut” your audio or video into small pieces yourself, you can use it and get a transcript.

TO BE CAREFUL:

– The developers predicted that the program would be tricked and added a free minute counter.

– You can decrypt for free up to 90 minutes.

– You can earn additional free minutes by sharing this app on social networks.

How long does decryption take?

– The application works fast

– The text is divided into time-coded sentences

– Folders can be created to store files shared with colleagues.

Link to service: https://app.transcriptor.com/uploader

Chatbot from Mykolaiv Center for Journalism Research

What is this program

The chatbot was developed by researchers at Nikcenter, a journalism research center based on ChatGPT technology.

How to gain access?

You need to enter the chatbot, enter your phone number and write a request on the Facebook page of the Center for Journalism Studies, which monitors all users.

What is the file size

– Audio files up to 20 MB can be sent directly to the chatbot for decoding.

– Larger files should be uploaded to DropBox first and the created link should be copied to the chat.

– If you need to decrypt a video file, it also needs to be uploaded to the file exchange.

How long does decryption take?

Transcription takes place approximately five to ten times faster than the sound itself.

Conversion speed depends on file size,

TO BE CAREFUL:

– There is a fee to use the chatbot; editors collect donations from users to pay for the ChatGPT API.

– Part of the funds collected are spent on volunteering.

Chatbot link: https://t.me/transcribe_nikcenter_bot

Prepared by: Maryana Rabchenyuk-Petrychenko