The easiest way to make a transcript of a video is to use one of three proven methods: manual transcription, AI transcription tools, or YouTube’s built-in captions. Each option comes with different costs, levels of accuracy, and time requirements, so choosing the right one depends on your budget and purpose.
Method 1: Manual Transcription (High Accuracy, Higher Cost)
Manual transcription involves listening carefully to the video and typing everything word-for-word.
The manual method is not recommended, as it either consumes a lot of time or costs a significant amount of money.
There are professional transcriptionists who do this work, and this method can be used in industries such as medical and legal fields where extremely high accuracy is required.
How to Do It:
- Play the video in short segments.
- Pause and type the dialogue exactly as spoken.
- Use text editors like Google Docs, Microsoft offices or professional transcription software.
- Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar.
Pros:
- Very accurate when done carefully.
- Best for professional, medical or legal use.
Contras:
- Extremely time-consuming.
- Hiring a professional service can be expensive.
Precio:
- DIY: Free, but very time-heavy.
- Professional transcription services: $1–$3 per audio minute.
This method is ideal if accuracy is your top priority and you don’t mind paying extra.
Method 2: Using AI Tools to Convert Audio to Text (Fast and Affordable)
AI transcription platforms are a modern solution for quickly converting de audio a texto.
Most AI transcription tools offer free usage time. If you only use it occasionally, there’s no need to pay. If you have long-term, high-volume transcription needs, the cost is usually not expensive. The monthly fee generally ranges from $10 to $30.
Here’s an example using my most frequently used transcription tool, Vomo AI. You can use it on your computer or on an iPhone.
How to Do It:
1 Log in to the Vomo dashboard y haga clic en Importar archivos to upload your video files.
2 AI automatically transcribes your video files. Generally, the transcription can be completed within a few minutes.
You will see the transcribed text on the right side of the interface, along with automatically generated AI summaries and a table of contents.
3 Review for accuracy, especially technical terms.
Pros:
- Extremely fast compared to manual transcription.
- Affordable and scalable for large projects.
Contras:
- May misinterpret accents, background noise, or industry jargon.
- Requires manual review.
Precio:
- Free plans available with limited minutes.
- Paid tools: $8–$30 per month, depending on features.
This option works well for students, content creators, and businesses needing transcripts at scale.
Method 3: Using YouTube’s Built-In Captions (Free but Less Accurate)
If your video is uploaded to YouTube, you can use its automatic captions to generate a transcript.
How to Do It:
- Upload your video to YouTube.
- Ir a Subtítulos in YouTube Studio.
- Download the auto-generated captions.
- Edit them for grammar, timing, and readability.
Pros:
- Completely free.
- Very convenient for YouTube creators.
Contras:
- Accuracy depends on audio clarity.
- Requires heavy editing for professional use.
Precio:
- Free with a YouTube account.
This method is best for quick, no-cost solutions, especially if you only need to convert a vídeo a texto for casual use.
Cost Comparison of the 3 Transcription Methods
| Método | Accuracy Level | Time Required | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transcripción manual | Very High | Alta | Free (DIY) / $1–$3 per minute |
| Herramientas de transcripción de IA | Alta | Bajo | Free – $30/month |
| YouTube Auto Captions | Medio | Bajo | Gratis |
Why Creating a Video Transcript Matters for SEO and Accessibility
A transcript makes your video more accessible to viewers with hearing impairments while also helping search engines index your content. By turning spoken words into written text, you increase visibility, engagement, and repurposing opportunities. Whether you need accurate subtitles, a blog post, or searchable content, transcription is the key.
Final Tips on Choosing the Right Method
- Pick manual transcription when accuracy is critical.
- Use AI tools if you want a balance of speed, affordability, and reliability.
- Go with YouTube captions if you’re already publishing there and want a free option.
