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Transcribe Video to Text (URL or Upload File)

Use our free demo tool to transcribe video to text in minutes. Upload a file or paste a direct link, preview the transcript, and download VTT.

View the source on GitHub
Video
Drop a video here MP4, MOV, WEBM and more · up to 2 GB
  • Ikea
  • McDonald's
  • Twitter
  • Randstad
  • Nike
  • Coca-Cola
  • Zillow
  • Angel
  • ClickFunnels
  • TheSoul Publishing

How do I transcribe video to text?

Step 1: Upload a video or paste a link/URL. All formats supported.

Step 2: Click the transcribe video button.

Step 3: Your VTT file will be available for download after processing.

Tips for accurate transcription

  • Keep clips short—trim silence/intros/outros before uploading for faster, cleaner results.
  • If your share link isn't a direct file URL, use Upload instead of From URL.
  • Record close to the mic and reduce background noise/echo (fans, music, traffic).
  • Avoid overlapping speech; let one person speak at a time.
  • Ensure the video actually has an audio track and a healthy volume.
  • After processing, preview and proof names, acronyms, and jargon before downloading VTT.

Privacy & security

Files are processed securely and deleted after conversion. Free demo supports smaller files but you can sign up to increase limits and unlock batch processing.

The open-source code for this project is available on GitHub. The project might inspire you to create your own subtitles or transcription project or act as the starting point for a new AI video project.

Build this into your app (when one-offs become a queue)

Adding subtitles to your video content will make it more accessible to a wider audience. If you just need a transcript now and then, this demo is perfect. If you're processing lots of files or need VTT/SRT at scale, Shotstack's APIs can automate it: queue jobs, get webhooks when they finish, and deliver files via CDN—without maintaining your own pipeline.

Questions

Does this use AI to transcribe video to text?
Yes—this demo uses automatic speech recognition (AI/ASR) behind the scenes to generate transcripts. If you need details (models/languages), see the API docs or contact support.
Can I transcribe a Zoom or Microsoft Teams recording?
Yes. Download the meeting recording (MP4) and upload it here. If your share link isn't a direct file URL, use the upload option instead.
Can I transcribe audio files (MP3/WAV) to text?
If your file is audio-only, upload it directly if supported; otherwise convert your video to MP3 first, then transcribe. (Tip: see the Video to MP3 demo to extract audio fast.)
What languages are supported for transcription?
Language support depends on the transcription backend. If a language selector isn't shown in the demo, check the Ingest API docs for the full list or set the language via API.
Can I get timestamps per line or per word?
VTT provides time-stamped cues per caption line. For word-level timestamps or custom timing granularity, use the API and post-process the output.
Can I transcribe a video from Google Drive or Dropbox?
Use a direct download URL. If the link requires login/cookies or expires quickly, download the file to your device and upload it to the demo.
How do I transcribe an Instagram Reel or TikTok to text?
Download your own video first, then upload it here. Many social links aren't direct file URLs, so "From URL" may not work without authentication.
Can I add speaker labels (speaker diarization)?
Speaker labeling isn't guaranteed in the demo. If you need diarization, implement it in your app using the API and a backend that supports speaker separation.
Can I export the transcript as DOCX or PDF?
The demo downloads VTT (and SRT via API). To get DOCX/PDF, copy the text and format it, or convert VTT/SRT in your app or a third-party tool.
How fast is transcription?
Turnaround depends on clip length and audio quality. Short clips typically complete in minutes; you'll see progress in the UI. For queues and bulk jobs, use the API with webhooks.

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