Using audio transcription for cloud recordings

Audio transcription automatically transcribes the audio of a meeting or webinar that you record to the cloud. After the transcript is processed, it appears as a separate VTT file in the list of recorded meetings. Additionally, you have the option to display the transcript text within the video itself, similar to a closed caption display. When sharing a cloud recording, you can enable or disable if viewers can see the transcript.

The transcript is divided into sections, each with a timestamp showing how far into the recording that portion was made. You can edit the text to more accurately capture the words or to add capitalization and punctuation, which are not included in the transcript.

Transcripts are supported in multiple languages and email notifications for audio transcriptions can also be enabled. 

Users can also enable automated captions for live captioning during the meeting, instead of waiting for the transcript to be generated afterwards. 

This article includes:

Prerequisites for using audio transcription

Note: If you meet the prerequisites but don’t see the option, submit a request to Zoom Support to enable this feature.

Best practices for audio transcript

How to generate an audio transcript

Once you start a cloud recording:

  1. After the meeting ends, you’ll be notified via email that your cloud recording is available.
  2. Shortly after, you’ll receive an email notifying you that the audio transcript is available.

Notes: 

How to view or edit an audio transcript

Note: Audio transcripts are saved in VTT format. If you download the VTT file, you can open it with a text editor or word processing application. You can also view or edit transcripts in the web portal.

  1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
  2. In the navigation menu, click Recordings & Transcripts.
  3. Click the Cloud recordings tab.
  4. Click the name of the recorded meeting.
    You will see a list of recording files.
  5. Click the thumbnail of the recording for which you want to see the transcription.
    Your browser will open a new tab that plays the recording and displays the audio transcript on the right side of the page.
  6. Hover over a phrase you want to edit and click the pencil icon .
    Note: If a phrase belongs to an unknown speaker, you can also hover over Unknown Speaker and click the pencil icon to edit their name.
  7. Once you’re done editing a phrase, click the checkbox to save your changes.
    Note: The updated version of the text is displayed when you play the audio or video file.

How to display the transcript as closed captions

Note: The transcript is automatically embedded within the audio and video file, but is hidden by default.

  1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
  2. In the navigation menu, click Recordings & Transcripts.
  3. Click the Cloud recordings tab.
  4. Click the name of the recorded meeting.
    You will see a list of recording files.
  5. Click the thumbnail of the recording for which you want to see the transcription.
    Your browser will open a new tab that plays the recording and displays the audio transcript on the right side of the page.
  6. In the bottom-right corner of the recording playback screen, click the CC icon .
    The text displays on top of the video, similar to closed captioning.

How to search for text in audio transcripts

Note: You can search for text within audio transcripts. If you're an admin, you can also search all audio transcripts in the account.

  1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
  2. In the navigation menu, click Recordings & Transcripts.
    If you're an account admin, click Account Management, then Recording & Transcript Management.
  3. Click the Cloud recordings tab.
  4. In the Search text in audio transcript field, enter a word or phrase, then click Advanced search.
  5. (Optional) Under Advanced search, adjust these fields to filter your search: 
  6. Click Search or press Enter on your keyboard.
    Recordings with matching text will be highlighted in the list.
  7. To the right of the highlighted text, click View more results.
    Your browser will open a new tab that plays the recording and displays the audio transcript on the right side of the page

How to change the original language of an audio transcript

By default, audio transcripts for cloud recordings are generated in English, but the default language can be chosen for a recording and have the transcript regenerated. 

  1. Sign in to the Zoom web portal.
  2. In the navigation menu, click Recordings & Transcripts.
  3. Click the Cloud recordings tab.
  4. Click the name at the recorded meeting.
    You will see a list of recording files.
  5. Hover over the Audio transcript file you want to change the language of, then click Change Language. 
  6. Click the dropdown menu and select from the available languages. 
  7. Click Save.
    Zoom will reanalyze and transcribe the audio in the newly selected language.

Supported languages for cloud recording audio transcripts