How to choose the best transcription software for a Zoom video recording?

Zoom is a powerful tool that allows individuals who are far apart to have face-to-face meetings or attend large meetings they would otherwise be unable to participate. It's become an essential part of the workforce over the past few years, especially with many companies turning toward remote work settings.

It's essential to distinguish between a few things. One individual hosts a Zoom meeting but can have several active participants. One host is in charge of the event during a Zoom webinar, and many guests can only listen and watch. When the host has an enterprise, education, or business package, either option can be recorded and transcribed.

If the host has a business, enterprise, or education package, they can use cloud recording with a webinar or meeting to create an audio and video recording of the event. From this, a transcript can be made.

While Zoom has its own native ability to transcribe audio to text from a recorded video, there are many excellent options for third-party transcription software. We'll be evaluating several different types of software, including Zoom, for you to decide which is the best option for your needs.

Using Zoom to transcribe

Many users find it more convenient to use Zoom for all their transcription needs. It alleviates the requirement to upload video files and work with a third party. They can record, transcribe, edit, and add captions all from one software. In addition, once enabled, transcriptions automatically generate after each recording is complete.

However, Zoom is not perfect and has many shortfalls. For one, those without an enterprise, education, or business package cannot use it for transcription. Second, it is currently limited in its language support, only supporting up to 10 languages. Users may have to edit their files once the transcription is complete because the accuracy is not perfect.

What many like about Zoom is the automatic creation of a meeting transcript. They don't have to take an extra step, remembering to go to another program or website. It will make the content of their recordings ready to share in a document format in a short period.

Using third-party options for transcription

With many options available for third-party transcription services, we'll look at a few of the most popular, allowing you to get a better idea of what's available. These are some of the most turned-to services companies use:

- Happy Scribe: This third-party transcription service requires users to link their Zoom accounts. It will then allow you to choose the file you wish to transcribe. What's most helpful about this option is that you don't have to transcribe the entire file. You can select a starting timestamp to choose precisely where you want it to begin. It also features automatic speaker detection, allows you to add a custom vocabulary when needed, and supports more than 100 languages. You can choose from human or AI-generated transcripts. While the service is not 100% accurate, it is often more accurate than others. However, it will not fully integrate with Zoom, which means there is no capability for live transcription.

- Rev: With Rev, you'll need to upload your Zoom recordings to their server, where they'll do the work transforming it from audio to text. With a team of professional transcribers that complete all the work, this service is a little slower than others but promises excellent accuracy. You have several add-on options, including verbatim transcription, timestamps, and rush order. However, each of these will cost an additional fee. Alternatively, you can choose AI-generated transcripts, which boast a 90% accuracy rating.

- Temi: This service will have your audio converted to text within minutes. In addition, it can encrypt your files to ensure your data remains secure. Temi offers additional free benefits, including timestamps and a transcription editor.

- Colibri: This service is in the form of an app that links to your Zoom application. It can provide live transcription of your meeting, which makes taking notes a breeze. In addition, it will allow you to create a reviewable library of all your essential meetings for referencing anytime you need to.

How to choose a service to transcribe your Zoom recording

When you select from the services available, you'll want to ensure the one you choose offers the features you need. Whether you're looking for a team of real transcriptionists or want AI-generated results, it's essential to know what you're paying for. In addition, if you want to add captions to your video content, verifying the software has that capability is important.

In addition, you'll want to know the time it will take to receive your transcript. If you're in a hurry, it's essential to choose the right service that can deliver accurate work in the time you need it. While some can provide within minutes, you may find the results less than desirable.

You also want to know that your content will be secure when you share it with the service. Even if they offer the best tools, they're not the right option if they can't secure your data. When evaluating different services, make notes about the aspects you like for each one so that you can decide which is the best option for you.

While looking around, you should also consider the many services offering free transcripts with your membership. This could save you a lot of money. However, you will still want to verify the other features, such as security, to ensure you get the best results for your transcriptions.

Finally, you'll want to consider the cost. Most charge by how many minutes your recording is, but some have add-on features you can pay for.

Happy Scribe: the best Zoom transcription tool

Many options exist for transcription services for Zoom recordings, including the Zoom application. Often, it's easier to use Zoom because it automatically generates a transcript following the completion of an audio recording. In addition, you can edit the files you receive as needed to make them more readable. However, this option lacks in some areas, such as readability and the need for a business, enterprise, or education account.

Alternatives, such as Happy Scribe, offer many different benefits. Many of them give users the option to choose from a team of real transcriptionists, providing increased accuracy of up to 99%. Some also integrate directly with Zoom to allow for live transcribing, making taking notes a breeze.

When deciding which option is best for you, make a list of what each one offers, their tools, and the things you like to help you choose the best one for your business. It's best to consider what languages they support, how fast they transcribe, and whether they support Microsoft systems. Once you choose your software, you'll be well on your way to receiving your audio and video recording in a neat text file. Whether you choose a free or paid service, ensure they'll keep your meeting files safe.