Being able to convert voice messages into text can be incredibly useful. Whether you want to save time from having to meticulously transcribe audio files or make voice messages more accessible, having text versions of audio content unlocks many possibilities.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the top methods for converting voice messages to text. We’ll cover the pros and cons of various speech-to-text services, apps, and software options. We’ll also provide step-by-step instructions to walk you through how to use these tools to transcribe voice messages with ease.
Why Convert Voice Messages to Text?
Here are some of the top reasons you may want to convert audio voice messages to text:
- Saves time – Manually transcribing audio can be extremely time consuming. Speech-to-text services automate the process.
- More accessible – Text versions can be read, searched, copied/pasted, enabling broader use of the content.
- Easier to edit – It’s much simpler to edit and reformat a text document than to edit an audio file.
- Takes up less storage – Audio files take up significantly more digital storage space compared to text.
- Improved productivity – You can skim through text faster than listening to audio. This enables quick scanning for key information.
Whether you’re a journalist needing to transcribe interviews, a student converting lecture recordings to study notes, or an entrepreneur archiving important business calls, being able to turn voice messages into text unlocks valuable productivity benefits.
Speech-to-Text Services
One of the easiest ways to convert voice messages to text is by using a dedicated speech-to-text service. These services utilize advanced speech recognition technology to automatically transcribe audio files with great accuracy.
Here are some top options to consider:
Rev
Rev is one of the most popular speech-to-text services on the market. It uses a large network of freelance transcriptionists to deliver fast, accurate transcriptions. Some key benefits of Rev include:
- Fast turnaround times – Transcripts are typically returned within 12 hours or less.
- Accurate transcriptions – Their transcriptionists are required to meet minimum 98% accuracy.
- Secure – Files are transmitted and stored using AES-256 encryption.
- Flexible pricing – Choose between paying per audio/video minute or subscribing for lower rates.
Rev offers top-notch accuracy thanks to their combination of automation and human freelancers. Their flexible pricing makes them a great option for both frequent and infrequent transcription needs.
Temi
Temi is an automated speech recognition API you can use to add transcription capabilities to your own apps and services. Some highlights include:
- Automatic speech recognition (ASR) – Their deep learning AI delivers fast, accurate transcripts without any human intervention.
- Customizable – Temi offers lots of options for customizing speech models to better fit your use case.
- developer friendly API – They make it easy for developers to integrate Temi’s speech recognition into new or existing apps.
- Supports many languages – Transcribe audio in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and more.
If you’re building an app that needs voice message transcription features, check out Temi’s API.
Simon Says
Simon Says is a popular fully automated transcription service. Here are some of their notable features:
- Cloud-based – No need to download software. Just upload your audio files.
- Accurate – They tout accuracy rates of 90% or higher.
- Fast turnaround – Transcripts are typically returned within an hour or less.
- Secure – Files are encrypted in transit and at rest.
- Well-priced – Starts at $0.10 per minute for basic transcription.
For a fully automated service, Simon Says delivers great accuracy at affordable rates. They’re a solid option if human-level accuracy isn’t required.
Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of some key factors when evaluating speech-to-text services:
| Service | Cost | Turnaround Time | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rev | $$$ | 12 hours | 98% |
| Temi | $$ | Minutes | 90%+ |
| Simon Says | $ | 60 minutes | 90% |
Speech-to-Text Apps
In addition to standalone services, there are also many handy apps you can use to convert voice messages to text right on your smartphone.
Transcribe – Speech to Text
Transcribe is a popular speech-to-text app for iOS and Android. Highlights include:
- Real-time transcription – View text as you record audio.
- Cloud sync – Transcriptions are saved to the cloud for access across devices.
- Share transcripts – Email or share texts through other apps.
- Customizable – Adjust fonts, themes and more.
With its real-time capabilities and cloud sync, Transcribe makes quickly transcribing audio clips on the go a breeze.
Voice Notes 2 Text – Speech to Text
For Android users, Voice Notes 2 Text is another solid option. Key features include:
- Records audio – Use the app to record voice messages and speeches.
- Shares transcripts – Forward text versions through email, social media and more.
- Support for long recordings – Can handle audio up to an hour long.
- Simple interface – Easy to use with straightforward controls.
If you want an easy way to capture, transcribe, and share voice notes on Android, this app nails the basics.
Voice Record Pro
Voice Record Pro is feature-rich transcription app for iPhone and iPad. Notable features:
- iCloud sync – Seamlessly pick up transcripts across devices.
- Multilingual – Supports transcription in 40+ languages.
- Verbatim mode – Option for more literal transcriptions.
- Encrypted backups – Secure cloud backups for your data.
For iPhone users needing secure, multilingual transcriptions, Voice Record Pro is a top choice.
Comparison
Here’s a quick app comparison:
| App | Platform | Real-time | Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transcribe | iOS, Android | Yes | 11 |
| Voice Notes 2 Text | Android | No | 1 |
| Voice Record Pro | iOS | Yes | 40+ |
Speech Recognition Software
There are also many desktop programs and web apps you can use to transcribe voice messages on your computer. Popular options include:
Dragon Professional
Dragon is the most well-known speech recognition software. Key features:
- Very accurate – Up to 99% accuracy with training.
- Customizable vocabularies – Improve recognition of industry-specific terms.
- Fast transcription – Types 3x faster than typing.
- Works offline – No internet required post-install.
Dragon is the most powerful choice if you need very high accuracy. It works well for lengthy dictation sessions.
Otter.ai
Otter.ai is a web-based transcription app. Notable features include:
- Collaboration – Share and collaborate on transcripts in teams.
- Searchable transcripts – Find keywords and phrases fast.
- Highlight audio – Click text to jump to matching spot in audio.
- Integration with Zoom – Record and transcribe Zoom meetings.
For transcribing meetings and interviews, Otter.ai’s collaborative capabilities make it a great fit.
Google Docs Voice Typing
Google Docs has a free built-in voice typing feature. Benefits include:
- Hands-free typing – Speak to type in Docs.
- Real-time – See text appear as you speak.
- Free – Included with all Google accounts.
- Automatic punctuation – Adds commas, periods, and question marks for you.
For basic transcription needs, Google Docs voice typing provides a free, easy option built into a familiar word processor.
Comparison
Here’s a comparison of key factors for speech recognition software:
| Software | Cost | Accuracy | Learning Curve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon | $$$ | 99% | Steep |
| Otter.ai | $$ | 90% | Gentle |
| Google Docs | Free | 80% | Minimal |
How to Choose the Best Option
With the wide variety of options for converting voice messages to text, how do you choose what’s best for your needs? Here are some key factors to consider:
Accuracy Level Needed
If you require near-perfect, verbatim transcription, services like Rev that use human transcribers are best. But for more casual needs, automated services with 80-90% accuracy like Otter.ai may suffice.
Speed and Turnaround Time
Look for options like Temi that transcribe audio to text in minutes if you need real-time or near real-time results. For lengthier recordings, services with turnaround times of 12 hours or less like Rev are preferable.
Audio Quality and Formats
Make sure the service or software can handle your preferred audio formats (MP3, WAV, etc.) well. Low audio quality will result in poorer accuracy.
Cost and Volume
If you only occasionally need to transcribe short audio clips, free options like Google Docs voice typing may be the most economical. But for frequent or high volumes, paid services like Temi with bulk pricing can offer more value.
Integration and Sharing
Consider how easily the tool integrates with your other systems and allows sharing/exporting transcripts. If you need tight integration with apps like Zoom or easy sharing, tools like Otter.ai have good capabilities for that.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get started transcribing your voice messages to text? Here are step-by-step instructions to walk you through the process using some of the top services and apps we’ve covered:
Using Rev
Follow these steps to transcribe with Rev:
- Create a Rev account online at www.rev.com
- Click Upload and choose your audio file to upload
- Select your desired turnaround time (12 hours, 24 hours, etc.)
- Choosing faster turnaround costs more per minute
- Make payment using credit card or PayPal
- Rev’s team of transcribers get to work transcribing your file
- Once completed, you’ll get an email with a link to the text transcript
- Download the transcript as a text file or other format
Using Otter.ai
Here are the steps for using Otter.ai:
- Visit otter.ai and sign up for an account
- Install the Otter mobile app on your smartphone or computer
- Record audio or import an audio file into Otter
- Otter will automatically transcribe the audio using speech recognition
- Edit or tag the generated transcript as needed in Otter
- Export/share the final transcript as a text file, word doc, etc.
Using Voice Record Pro (iPhone/iPad)
Follow these steps to transcribe with Voice Record Pro:
- Download Voice Record Pro app from the App Store
- Open the app and tap the record button to record a voice message
- Tap stop when recording is complete
- Tap the Transcript tab to view the automatically generated text
- Make any edits needed to correct transcription errors
- Tap the share button to export the final transcript
Conclusion
Converting voice messages into text unlocks many useful applications. Modern speech-to-text services, apps, and software provide accurate options for transcribing audio files with ease.
Key factors to consider when choosing tools include accuracy, speed, compatibility, cost, and integration capabilities. Top rated services like Rev combine automation and human transcription to deliver fast, high-accuracy results. Apps like Otter.ai make transcription highly portable through smartphone access. And software like Dragon meets the needs of frequent transcribers requiring close to 100% accuracy.
With the step-by-step walkthroughs provided, you’re equipped to get started using these solutions to convert voice messages to text for your specific needs. Unlocking the power of speech-to-text opens up tremendous possibilities for improving productivity, accessibility, collaboration and more.