In our globalized world, the need to translate audio across different languages has become more critical than ever. Whether you're a businessperson connecting with international clients or a filmmaker trying to reach a broader audience, understanding the intricacies of audio translation is essential.
This blog post will guide you through what audio translation means, its different methods including AI and traditional techniques, the pros and cons of each, and much more.
What Does Audio Translation Mean?
Audio translation is the process of converting spoken content in one language into another language. This could be done for various audio content, including video files, podcasts, and voice recordings. The end goal is often to overcome language barriers and make the content accessible to people who speak different languages.
Different Ways to Translate Audio: AI and Human Methods
There are primarily two ways to translate audio—using traditional human methods and leveraging AI technologies.
How Does the Traditional Method of Audio Translation Work?
The traditional method involves a multi-step process, starting with the transcription of the audio file in the source language. A professional text translator then translates the transcribed text into the desired language. Once the translation is complete, it can be converted back into audio through voice recording, or added as subtitles in an SRT file format.
Pros and Cons of the Traditional Method of Translating Audio
Pros:
- High-quality, human-reviewed translation that captures linguistic nuances.
- Ability to include cultural contexts.
- Specialized translation services available for specific fields like law or medicine.
Cons:
- The process can be time-consuming.
- Human error is always a potential factor.
- High pricing, especially when employing voice actors for voice recording.
How Does AI Translate Audio?
AI methods use machine learning and natural language processing algorithms to automate the translation process. The audio content is processed by an audio translator that can convert spoken words into another language in real-time or near real-time. Some advanced systems also offer voice translation features.
Translation is done very quickly, depending on the tool. Once you upload your audio recording or even a YouTube video, AI can extract the audio, figure out the language being spoken and then transcribe it automatically.
Once the audio has been transcribed, it’s just a matter of choosing your language you want it translated into. Then, text to speech AI engines kick in and simply translate the transcription and speak it in the language of your choosing. All of this can be done in minutes!
Once you’ve established a workflow, translating multiple audio files can be done rapidly. Or translating one audio file into multiple languages.
Most AI translation engines can run right in your browser on your Mac or PC or even on your iOS or Android smart device.
Pros and Cons of the AI Method of Translating Audio
Pros:
- Faster and more efficient than traditional methods.
- Generally cheaper and more cost-effective.
- Scalability for larger projects.
Cons:
- May lack cultural and contextual nuances.
- Dependent on the quality and training of the machine learning model.
- Language limitations for less commonly spoken languages.
Top Languages That Videos Are Translated From and To
Commonly translated languages in the audio and video domain include English, Spanish, French, Chinese, German, Japanese, Russian, Portuguese, Italian, and Arabic.
Most of the options listed below can also translate to and from Dutch, Hindi, Polish, Romanian, Greek, Norwegian, Thai, Turkish, Finnish, Indonesian, and more. They each feature a robust language translator engine. Google especially, has been translating content for over a decade now.
Top 10 Best AI Apps That Translate Audio
1. Speechify AI Dubbing
Speechify AI dubbing is the best AI too to translate audio. It makes dubbing, once a complex and expensive hurdle, so easy. Simply upload your video or paste a YouTube URL and the AI engine automatically detects the current language.
Within minutes your video is transcribed. All that’s left is for you to choose the language you want to translate your video into. The best part? You can translate one video into multiple languages in one project.
Did we say best part already? Well, the best part is that you can dub your video for free. Try Speechify AI Dubbing now.
2. Google Translate
A versatile tool that offers text and voice translation in real-time.
Top Features:
- Real-time voice translation
- Text-to-speech functionality
- Offline translation
Pricing: Free
3. iTranslate Voice
Known for high-quality audio translations, this app supports over 40 languages.
Top Features:
- Voice translation
- Text translation
- Language detection
Pricing: $4.99/month
4. Microsoft Translator
This tool provides audio translation and supports different file formats like WAV and MP3.
Top Features:
- Real-time translation
- Audio file translation
- Multi-device support
Pricing: Free with limitations
5. SayHi Translate
Known for its fast and accurate voice translation, SayHi offers a simple interface and various languages.
Top Features:
- Speedy voice translation
- Easy-to-use interface
- Conversation mode for two-way dialogue
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases
6. Speak & Translate
A reliable app for iOS users, offering both voice and text translation services.
Top Features:
- Apple Watch support
- iCloud synchronization
- Advanced voice recognition
Pricing: $13.99/month
7. Papago
Specializes in translating Asian languages like Korean, Japanese, and Chinese, but also supports others.
Top Features:
- Asian language focus
- Text and voice translation
- User-friendly interface
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases
8. TripLingo
Geared towards travellers, offering key phrases and voice translation for real-world scenarios.
Top Features:
- Travel-focused phrases
- Real-world situation translations
- Audio lessons for learning
Pricing: Starting at $9.99/month
9. SonicoMobile iTranslate
This app provides voice-to-voice conversation translation and supports 100+ languages.
Top Features:
- Voice-to-voice conversations
- Offline translation
- Dictionary and thesaurus
Pricing: $6.99/month
10. Reverso Translate and Learn
More than just a translation app, Reverso offers language learning tools and flashcards.
Top Features:
- Translation coupled with learning
- Flashcards for vocabulary
- Audio pronunciation
Pricing: Free with in-app purchases
FAQ
How Do I Translate Live Audio?
For real-time translation, apps like Google Translate and Microsoft Translator offer features that can translate live audio instantly.
How Do I Translate an Audio Track?
Audio tracks can be translated by first converting them into text through transcription services, followed by translation into the desired language.
Can I Translate Audio Into Text?
Yes, you can transcribe audio into text using transcription software. The transcribed text can then be translated into the desired language.
Does Google Have an Audio Translator?
Google Translate provides real-time voice translation features that can translate spoken language in real-time or near real-time.
What Does the "Translate Audio" Button Do?
The "Translate Audio" button initiates the audio translation process, converting spoken words from one language to another instantly or by generating a translated audio file.
How Do I Translate an MP3?
To translate an MP3, you can either use transcription services to first convert it to text or use AI apps that support MP3 file formats for direct audio translation.
