Convert audio to text

Need to transcribe audio to text? Descript’s unmatched speech-to-text capabilities can help you convert audio quickly and precisely into a text file. And it does something magical: it lets you edit your audio by editing the text, just like a doc.

The Easiest Speech-to-Text Has Ever Been

Descript’s speech-to-text transcription tool uses advanced speech recognition technology to turn audio files into transcripts that can be edited in real-time, just like a Google Doc, to change the underlying audio. All you have to do is drag and drop your audio or video file, and Descript will immediately begin transcribing.

Download the app →

How to Transcribe Audio Files to Text

Experience the magic of Studio Sound on your audio clip. You just need an audio recording that’s no longer than 5 minutes and no more than 25mb.

Step 1

Find an audio recording that you want to transcribe. Maybe it’s on your hard drive, or your phone. Maybe it’s in your junk drawer, beneath some old batteries, surrounded by loose paper clips and pens that don’t work.

Step 2

Drag and drop your audio file into a Descript project.

Step 3

Start editing your newly transcribed audio — to make a podcast, a polished voice memo, or whatever you want.

The Easiest Speech-to-Text Has Ever Been

Descript’s speech-to-text transcription tool uses advanced speech recognition technology to turn audio files into transcripts that can be edited in real-time, just like a Google Doc, to change the underlying audio. All you have to do is drag and drop your audio or video file, and Descript will immediately begin transcribing.

Download the app →

A text converter that is as easy as drag and drop

Descript makes it easy to transcribe audio files into text. Simply create a project, select the audio file you want to transcribe, and wait a few seconds for your accurate transcription. Descript also makes it easy to correct any inaccuracies, so you can quickly take your transcript from highly accurate to perfect.Whether you're a YouTuber, vlogger, podcaster, or simply wanting to transcribe an audio file, Descript’s advanced speech recognition technology ensures precise and accurate transcriptions every time, and our simple, intuitive user interface makes it easy to get started.Sign up for free today and see how easy it is to create searchable transcripts of your audio files.

Descript Audio Transcription is Better Than Ever

With our most recent updates, Descript’s transcription is better than ever.

Automatic transcription will save you a step when you’re importing media; rather than confirming that you want to transcribe, Descript just starts transcribing.

Other fixes & improvements:

  • Our Correction Wizard streamlines transcript correction even more by automatically identifying transcription errors.
  • You can now order our White Glove transcription service or initiate Speaker Detection from the file details section of the Track Inspector (in the rail to the right of your transcript).
  • You can select Speaker Detection from the speaker dropdown menu in the script.  
  • You can click and drag to make Learning Center videos bigger.

How does Descript’s speech-to-text tool work?

Descript uses state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and machine learning to take your audio files and give you a highly accurate transcription of that audio in minutes.

Can I use Descript to make captions?

Yes, you can use Descript to create captions for videos. Simply select the video file you want to add text to, transcribe the audio, and then use Descript’s Fancy Captions feature to add the text to your video in a few clicks.

Is Descript just a transcription tool?

Far from it. With tools like automated Filler Word Removal, Overdub voice synthesis, Studio Sound voice enhancement, and  text-to-speech editing, Descript uses AI and other advanced technological stuff to streamline your entire production workflow — so you spend more time creating content, and less on the technical drudgery.

Can Descript transcribe in different languages?

Yes! Descript supports transcription for 22 languages: Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Malay, Turkish, Polish, Dutch, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, Croatian, Finnish, Danish, Norwegian, Slovak, Catalan, Lithuanian, Slovenian, Latvian, (and English).

What audio file formats does Descript transcribe?

Descript can read WAV audio formats from nearly every popular source. Whether you have an audio recording on a mobile device like an Android, an iOS device like an iPad or iPhone, or even something you recorded directly into Windows or Mac, Descript’s transcription software can take that audio and turn it into editable text for your project.

Download the app for free

Create a podcast, a video, and all your social assets using Descript. It’s as easy as editing a doc.
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Audio To Text

Audio To Text

Need to transcribe audio to text? Descript’s unmatched speech-to-text capabilities can help you convert audio quickly and precisely into a text file. And it does something magical: it lets you edit your audio by editing the text, just like a doc.

Get started →
How to Transcribe Audio Files to Text
  • 3
    Create a new project
    Drag your file into the box above, or click Select file and import it from your computer or wherever it lives.
Step 1

Find an audio recording that you want to transcribe. Maybe it’s on your hard drive, or your phone. Maybe it’s in your junk drawer, beneath some old batteries, surrounded by loose paper clips and pens that don’t work.

Step 2

Drag and drop your audio file into a Descript project.

Step 3

Start editing your newly transcribed audio — to make a podcast, a polished voice memo, or whatever you want.

Questions? We have answers
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Descript is the only tool you need to write, record, transcribe, edit, collaborate, and share your videos and podcasts.
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Descript is the only tool you need to write, record, transcribe, edit, collaborate, and share your videos and podcasts.