How To Convert Audio To Text For Free - 3 Ways

Digital Nomad Institute
26 May 202209:59

TLDRThis video tutorial presents three free methods to convert audio to text without installing any external software, ensuring security. The first method uses Windows' built-in speech recognition feature accessed via the Windows key plus H. The second method introduces Otter.ai, a web-based tool offering a substantial free account and advanced transcription features with a user-friendly interface. Lastly, Google Docs' voice typing feature is highlighted, which, despite some lag, provides a free and easy solution for transcribing speech to text. The video also touches on the accuracy and usability of these tools, suggesting that the free options are almost as effective as their premium counterparts.

Takeaways

  • πŸ˜€ The video provides three methods to convert audio to text for free without installing external software.
  • πŸ” The first method uses Windows' built-in speech recognition software, accessed by pressing the Windows key plus H.
  • 🎀 With Windows dictation, there's a slight lag between speaking and the text appearing, but it allows for editing while speaking.
  • πŸ“ Windows dictation is a bare-bones tool that is free and does not require installation of suspicious software.
  • πŸŽ“ The video mentions a course on making money with YouTube using AI tools for automation and traffic building.
  • 🦊 The second method introduces Otter.ai, a web-based transcription service with a generous free account offering.
  • πŸ“Š Otter.ai features an intuitive interface and allows users to review both audio and transcriptions.
  • πŸ“š The third method is using Google Docs, which includes a voice typing feature accessible through the 'Tools' menu or by pressing Ctrl+Shift+S.
  • 🌐 Both Otter.ai and Google Docs are web-based, meaning their performance may depend on internet speed.
  • 🚫 The video notes that Google Docs' voice typing does not work with the Brave browser, but is demonstrated using Edge.
  • πŸ‘ The video concludes by suggesting that the free tools may be sufficient for many users, comparing them favorably to paid alternatives.

Q & A

  • What are the three methods presented in the video for converting audio to text for free?

    -The three methods are using Windows Dictation Software, Otter.ai, and Google Docs with voice typing feature.

  • How can you access the Windows Dictation Software mentioned in the video?

    -You can access the Windows Dictation Software by pressing the Windows key plus H and then clicking on the microphone icon.

  • What is the accuracy level of the Windows Dictation Software according to the video?

    -The video states that the Windows Dictation Software has an accuracy level of about 90%.

  • What additional feature does the Windows Dictation Software offer while transcribing?

    -The Windows Dictation Software allows you to edit while you're talking, such as adding punctuation like periods or commas.

  • What is the name of the second method for audio to text conversion presented in the video?

    -The second method is called Otter.ai.

  • How much transcription time is offered for free with Otter.ai according to the video?

    -The video does not specify the exact amount of free transcription time offered by Otter.ai, but it mentions that it is a substantial amount.

  • What are some of the features of Otter.ai that the video highlights?

    -Otter.ai has a user-friendly interface, allows for dynamic captioning, and provides a summary of keywords.

  • What is the third method for converting audio to text mentioned in the video?

    -The third method is using Google Docs with the voice typing feature.

  • How can you activate the voice typing feature in Google Docs?

    -In Google Docs, you go to Tools and scroll down to find 'Voice typing' or you can use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + S.

  • Does Google Docs' voice typing feature work with all web browsers?

    -According to the video, Google Docs' voice typing feature does not work with the Brave browser, but it works fine with the Edge browser.

  • What additional feature does Google Docs offer to assist with the transcription process?

    -Google Docs offers a spelling and grammar checker that can be accessed through the Tools menu.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ˜€ Free Audio to Text Conversion with Windows Dictation

This paragraph introduces the first method of converting audio to text for free using Windows' built-in speech recognition software. The user is guided to activate the feature using the Windows key plus 'H', and then click on the appropriate icon to begin dictation. The software has a slight lag but allows for real-time editing and punctuation addition. The narrator emphasizes the convenience and accuracy of this free tool, which is about 90% accurate, and highlights its utility for those who dislike typing.

05:01

πŸ˜‰ Transcribing with Otter.ai's Advanced Web-Based Tool

The second method discussed is using Otter.ai, a web-based transcription service that offers a substantial amount of free usage time. After signing up and logging in, users can record their speech, and the software transcribes it in real-time without the need for punctuation. The interface is praised for its user-friendliness and features like dynamic captioning and keyword summaries. The narrator recommends this tool for video transcriptions and notes that while it relies on internet speed, it provides a comprehensive free trial and high-quality AI transcription without paywalls.

πŸ‘ Google Docs Voice Typing for Easy Text Conversion

The final method presented is utilizing Google Docs' voice typing feature, which is free and accessible through the 'Tools' menu or by using the shortcut 'Ctrl + Shift + S'. The narrator demonstrates how to use this feature to transcribe spoken words, noting that it may lag slightly compared to other software. However, it is highlighted as a user-friendly option that doesn't require voice training and includes a basic grammar and spelling checker. The paragraph concludes by suggesting these free tools as viable alternatives to premium ones, with the narrator's personal preference for Google Docs and Otter.ai.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘Audio to Text Conversion

Audio to text conversion refers to the process of transcribing spoken language into written text. In the context of the video, this is the primary objective, and the video provides three methods to achieve this without incurring costs. The video script demonstrates how to use various tools to convert spoken words into a text format, which can be particularly useful for creating transcripts for videos, taking notes, or automating content creation.

πŸ’‘Windows Dictation Software

Windows Dictation Software is a built-in feature of the Windows operating system that allows users to convert speech into text. The script describes using the 'Windows key plus H' to activate this feature and demonstrates its use for typing dictated words into a document. It is mentioned as the first method for audio to text conversion, highlighting its ease of use and accuracy, despite a slight lag.

πŸ’‘Otter.ai

Otter.ai is a web-based application designed for transcription services, which the video script introduces as the second method for converting audio to text. The script explains that after signing up and logging in, users can record their speech, and the software transcribes it in real-time. It is praised for its user-friendly interface, its feature to review and edit the transcription, and its summary of keywords, making it a robust tool for transcription needs.

πŸ’‘Google Docs

Google Docs is a free web-based word processing software that is part of Google's suite of productivity tools. The script introduces it as the third method for audio to text conversion. By using the 'Voice Typing' feature, which can be activated through the 'Tools' menu or by pressing 'Ctrl + Shift + S', users can dictate text into a document. The video notes that while it lags slightly compared to other methods, it is a free and functional option for transcription.

πŸ’‘Speech Recognition

Speech recognition is the technology that enables the conversion of spoken language into written form, which is central to the video's theme. The script discusses the accuracy of speech recognition in the context of the Windows Dictation Software, mentioning it is about 90% accurate but requires speaking more slowly to improve precision. This technology is key to all three methods presented in the video.

πŸ’‘Free Software

The term 'free software' is used in the video to describe the tools that can be used without any financial cost. The script emphasizes that all three methods utilize free software options, which is beneficial for those who cannot afford or do not wish to pay for premium transcription services. This is an important aspect of the video's message, as it provides cost-effective solutions.

πŸ’‘Accuracy

Accuracy in this context refers to how precisely the software can transcribe spoken words into text. The video script mentions that the Windows Dictation Software has an accuracy of about 90%, which means it can correctly transcribe 90% of the spoken words. This is an important factor when choosing a transcription tool, as higher accuracy reduces the need for manual corrections.

πŸ’‘Transcription

Transcription is the process of creating a written version of spoken language. The video script uses this term to describe the end result of the audio to text conversion process. It is highlighted as a useful feature of both Otter.ai and Google Docs, where spoken words are turned into a written format that can be reviewed, edited, and used for various purposes.

πŸ’‘Web-based Software

Web-based software refers to applications that are accessed and used through a web browser rather than being installed locally on a computer. The script mentions that both Otter.ai and Google Docs are web-based, which means their functionality and performance can be affected by the user's internet speed. This is an important consideration for users with slower or unstable internet connections.

πŸ’‘Grammar Checker

A grammar checker is a tool that identifies and suggests corrections for grammatical errors in written text. The video script mentions that Google Docs has a built-in grammar checker, which, while not as advanced as some premium tools like Grammarly, provides a basic level of error checking. This feature adds value to the transcription process by helping to ensure the written text is grammatically correct.

Highlights

Three methods to convert audio to text for free without installing external software.

Using Windows' built-in speech recognition software for dictation.

Accessing Windows dictation by pressing the Windows key plus H.

Lag between speech and text, but good overall accuracy.

Editing text while speaking with Windows dictation.

Windows dictation is free and secure, with about 90% accuracy.

Otter.ai as a second method for audio to text conversion.

Otter.ai offers a substantial free account with many features.

Recording and transcribing speech in real-time with Otter.ai.

Otter.ai's user-friendly interface and review features.

Transcription of videos and dynamic captioning with Otter.ai.

Google Docs as the third method for converting audio to text.

Enabling voice typing in Google Docs through Tools or Ctrl+Shift+S.

Google Docs' dictation software compared to Windows and its limitations.

Google Docs includes a basic grammar and spelling checker.

Free tools can be as effective as premium ones for certain needs.

Recommendation to use free tools like Google Docs and Otter.ai.

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