Audio and Video Transcription is the process of converting spoken or signed language into written text.

Unlike Captions—which are time-synced subtitles for the original audio—Transcripts present the full content in a readable, text-based format.

Whether for videos, podcasts, meetings, or other recordings, our Transcription solutions will help to make your content more accessible, searchable, and adaptable for multiple uses.

Benefits of Adding a Transcript to your Audio or Video

  • Accessibility: Make your audio or video available to deaf or hard-of-hearing audiences, as well as non-native speakers.
  • SEO: Improve discoverability by making your audio and video content searchable.
  • Content Repurposing: Easily adapt material into articles, blogs, or learning resources.
  • Enhanced Engagement: Support different learning styles and preferences.

Verbatim vs. Non-Verbatim Transcription

  • A verbatim transcript captures every word and sound exactly as heard, including filler words (e.g., “um,” “uh,” “like”), pauses, and non-verbal cues such as laughter, sighs, or background noise. This format is ideal for research, legal, or qualitative analysis where accuracy and context are essential.
  • A non-verbatim transcript refines the content by removing filler words, correcting grammar, and occasionally rephrasing sentences for clarity—while preserving the speaker’s original intent. This style is best for clean, easy-to-read content such as articles, reports, or educational material.

Descriptive Transcripts for Deafblind Audiences:

Descriptive transcripts combine dialogue and descriptions of visual content into a comprehensive accessible format, allowing deafblind audiences to experience the full narrative.

Audio and Video Transcription Solutions: 

Quality Level Description
Automatic √ AI-generated transcript.
Learn more about Automatic Transcription here
Basic
(Hybrid)		 √ AI-generated transcript.
√ Professionally proofread for text accuracy, punctuation, and grammar.
Standard
(Professional)		 √ Professionally created transcript.
√ Optional speaker’s identification, sound description, and timecodes.
Premium
(Professional)		 √ Professionally created transcript.
√ Optional speaker’s identification, sound description, and timecodes.
√ Includes a full professional linguistic review and QC step for maximum accuracy.
√ Available for Descriptive Transcript.
  • All our Professional services include ongoing Quality Assurance (QA) throughout the workflow.
  • Our Professional Premium service includes an extra Quality Control (QC) step before delivery.

Explore Amara.org’s Automatic solution or check out our Professional Transcription service to start making your audio and video content accessible to a wider audience.

If you’d rather prefer to create or edit your own transcripts using a multi-award winning Editor, sign up for an Amara Plus team that includes 60 minutes of free transcription every month.

Contact client-services@amara.org if you need more information or speak with one of our expert team members to find the best transcription solution for your audio and video needs.

Why Choose Amara.org?

Since 2010, Amara.org has been a proud project of the Participatory Culture Foundation (PCF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to making audiovisual online content more inclusive and accessible to all. We combine the heart of a nonprofit with the innovation of a tech organization—building tools, services, and communities that break down language and accessibility barriers worldwide.

When you choose Amara Professional Services, you’re not just getting world-class subtitling and accessibility solutions—you’re helping fund our nonprofit mission to connect people, cultures, and ideas across the globe.

To learn more about Audio and Video Transcription: