How to Transcribe a Zoom Meeting Free (2024 Tips)

Zoom's Built-In Transcription (Paid Feature)

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For Zoom Pro, Business, Education, or Enterprise users, Zoom offers a built-in transcription feature that's incredibly convenient.

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Pros:

• Convenience: Seamlessly integrated with your Zoom account—no need for external tools.
• Automatic: Transcription starts automatically when you record your meeting to the cloud.
• Timestamped: The generated transcript is synchronized with your video for easy navigation.
• High-Quality Transcript: Zoom generally provides a high-quality transcript, though it might not be as accurate as specialized services.

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Cons:

• Requires Paid Subscription: Only available to users with paid Zoom plans.
• Limited Languages: May not support all the languages you need.

How to Enable and Use Zoom's Transcription

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• Log in: Sign in to the Zoom web portal as an account manager or admin.
• Settings: Navigate to "Account Management" > "Account Settings" > "Recording."
• Enable: Check the boxes for "Cloud recording" and "Audio transcript."

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• Record: Start your Zoom meeting and click "Record to the Cloud."
• Stop the Recording: Click "End Meeting for All," and Zoom will automatically stop the recording and process the transcript.
• Access Transcript: After the meeting ends, find the recording in your Zoom account. The audio transcript will be available alongside your recording files. You'll also receive an email notification when the transcript is ready.

Free Third-Party Transcription Services

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If you don't have a paid Zoom plan or need more features, explore third-party transcription services.

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Pros:

• Free Options Available: Many services offer free trials or a limited number of free transcription minutes.
• Higher Accuracy: Specialized in speech-to-text technology, these services often deliver more accurate transcriptions.
• Advanced Features: Many offer speaker identification, timestamps, translation, and other valuable tools.
• Wide Language Support: Typically support a broader range of languages and dialects.
• Human Transcription Services: Some services offer human transcription for the highest quality transcripts, though at a higher price.

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Cons:

• Additional Step: Requires uploading your Zoom recordings to a separate platform.
• Cost: While some have free tiers, most charge for higher usage or advanced features.

Vatis Tech: A Powerful Free Alternative

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Vatis Tech is a top contender that offers impressive accuracy, supports multiple languages, and provides several features (like speaker identification and silence detection) free of charge.

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Pros:

• High Accuracy: over 90% accuracy rate 
• Offers real time transcription 
• Multilingual Support: Transcribes audio in over 40 languages.
• You can also translate the transcript into over 30 languages if needed.
• Feature-Rich: Includes speaker identification, silence detection (no charge for silent sections), and more.
• Generous Free Trial: 1 Hour of free transcription to test it out.

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Cons:

• May require manual editing for 100% accuracy.

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How to Transcribe a Zoom Meeting using Vatis Tech:

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Step 1: Upload

Simply drag and drop your local Zoom recording files or import them via a public link (like Google Drive).

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Step 2: Transcribe & Translate

Vatis Tech will automatically transcribe your audio. You can also translate the transcript into multiple languages for greater accessibility.

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Step 3:  Summarize your Meeting (optional) 

Customize the tone of your summary by choosing between a conversational or informative style. You can also adjust the summary length, opting for either a brief or detailed version. Additionally, select your preferred summary format: bullet points for quick highlights or paragraphs for a more comprehensive overview.

Step 4:  Ask Anything Related to Your Transcript 

And Get instant answers to your queries about the transcript.

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Step 5: Download & Edit

Once the transcription is complete, download it in your preferred format and make any necessary edits.

Additional Tips for Accurate Transcripts

To ensure the highest quality transcription, consider these tips:

• Record in a Quiet Environment: Minimize background noise as much as possible.
• Use a Good Microphone: A high-quality microphone can significantly improve audio clarity.
• Speak Clearly: Avoid mumbling or speaking too quickly.
• Identify Speakers: At the beginning of your Zoom meeting, have everyone introduce themselves, or use a service with speaker diarization.
• Review and Edit: Proofread the transcript for accuracy after it's generated.

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Conclusion: Choosing the Right Transcription Method

The best way to transcribe your Zoom meetings depends on your needs and budget. 

If you have a paid Zoom subscription, the built-in transcription tool offers convenience. For those seeking free options or more advanced features, third-party services like Vatis Tech are excellent choices. Explore free trials to find the perfect fit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

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Q: How do I access my Zoom cloud recordings?

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A: Log in to your Zoom account, go to "Recordings," and select the "Cloud Recordings" tab.

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Q: Can I get a real-time transcript of a live Zoom meeting?

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A: Yes, some services, like Vatis Tech, offer real-time transcription.

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Q: How can I transcribe a Zoom meeting that was not recorded to the cloud?

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A: You can use a third-party transcription service by uploading the local recording files from your computer.

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Q: How long does it take to receive a transcript?

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A: It depends on the service and the length of your audio recording.. AI transcription is often fast, while human transcription might take longer but can offer the highest accuracy.

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Q: Is the Zoom transcript saved automatically?

‍A: Yes, if you have enabled audio transcripts in your settings, Zoom will automatically create audio transcripts and save them along with your cloud recording.