Transcription Essentials: How to Convert Voice Memos to Text

What is a voice memo?

A voice memo is an audio recording created on a device, often used to capture thoughts, reminders, or important information without having to type it out.

How do you create a voice memo?

Depending on your device and OS, here’s how you can create a voice memo:

• iPhone (iOS):
  • Step 1: Open the ‘Voice Memos’ app (a default app on Apple devices).
  • Step 2: Tap the red record button.
  • Step 3: To stop recording, tap the red button again.
  • Save your recording.
• Android:
  • Step 1: Open the voice recorder app, which may differ based on the device brand.
  • Step 2: Tap the record button.
  • Step 3: Once finished, tap the stop button.
  • Save your audio recording.
• Mac:
  • Yes, you can create a voice memo on a Mac using the ‘Voice Memos’ app found in the Applications folder.
  • Step 1: Open the Voice Memos app.
  • Step 2: Click on the record button.
  • Step 3: To end, click the same button.
  • Save the audio file.

What is transcription?

Transcription is the process of converting spoken language into written text.

How to make a transcript of a voice memo?

To transcribe a voice memo means to convert the audio content into a text document. This can be achieved either manually by listening and typing out the content or by using automated transcription software.

How to transcribe a voice memo – list detailed steps

1. Manual Transcription:
   • Playback the voice memo.
   • Listen carefully and type out the content.
   • Incorporate timestamps if necessary.
   • Review and edit for accuracy.
2. Automatic Transcription:
   • Upload the voice memo file to a transcription service or software.
   • Let the software process the audio.
   • Review the generated text for any errors or inconsistencies.

What are the top hacks to transcribe iPhone voice memos?

1. Use Siri’s Dictation: Siri can transcribe audio in real-time. Activate Siri and let your voice memo play.
2. Convert Voice Memos to TXT or DOCX: Use apps from the App Store designed to convert iPhone voice memos directly into text.
3. Outsource to Transcription Services: Services like Rev or Otter.ai offer voice memo transcription, though pricing varies.

How to play a recording in the Voice Memos app?

Open the ‘Voice Memos’ app on your device, locate the recording you want to listen to, and tap on it. Use the playback controls to play, pause, or skip through the recording.

Can Siri transcribe audio?

Yes, Siri has a voice-to-text feature known as dictation which can transcribe audio in real-time. It’s especially useful for shorter recordings.

What are the 3 Best Ways to Convert Voice Memos to Text Automatically?

1. Use Built-in Speech Recognition: Both iOS (like Siri’s dictation) and Android have built-in speech recognition.
2. Transcription Apps: Apps such as Otter.ai or Transcribe offer real-time audio transcription.
3. Cloud Services: Services like Microsoft’s Azure Cognitive Services or Google Cloud Speech-to-Text can automatically transcribe audio files.

How to convert iPhone Voice Memo recordings to text?

Upload the voice memo recordings to transcription apps or services like Rev, Transcribe, or Otter.ai. Once processed, you can save the transcriptions as TXT, DOCX, or even SRT files for subtitles.

How to transcribe on iPhone?

Use apps like Transcribe, Otter.ai, or Voice Memo’s in-built dictation feature. Upload or record audio directly in the app and then convert to text.

How to transcribe a voice memo on Android?

Upload voice memos to apps like Otter.ai, Google’s Voice-to-Text feature, or other transcription apps available on the Play Store.

How to convert voice memos to text?

Use transcription software, transcription services, or transcription apps. These tools often support various file formats like WAV and offer features such as timestamps, subtitles, and summaries.

How to transcribe a voice memo?

1. Choose a method: manual or automatic transcription.
2. For manual, listen and type. For automatic, use transcription apps or services.
3. Review and edit the transcription for accuracy.