What a transcript gives you
| Output | How you use it |
|---|---|
| Full transcript page | Accessibility and readable archive |
| Show notes | Summary, links and timestamps |
| Blog post | Rewrite the best section as an article |
| Quote cards | Pull short lines for social posts |
| Captions | SRT or VTT for a video version |
Step by step
- Export the episode as MP3, M4A or WAV. The app also accepts video files.
- Open TooLongToListen and drag the file in.
- Tick the subtitles option if you also want timed captions.
- Sign in with Google and start. The free plan includes 10 minutes at sign-up.
- Copy the text or download the SRT or VTT.
- Review and publish.
For episodes over 3 hours, split the file at a natural break, such as the end of a segment, and transcribe the parts in order.
Review checklist
- Guest and host names spelled correctly.
- Brand names, product names and acronyms.
- Numbers, dates and amounts.
- Speaker labels at each turn.
- Sponsor reads and ads, if you want them in or out.
- Quotes confirmed against the audio.
Making show notes
- Read the transcript and note the main topics with their timestamps.
- Write two or three sentences per topic.
- Add links mentioned in the episode.
- Paste the timestamps at the top so listeners can jump.
From transcript to article
Pick the strongest segment, write a headline that states the point, keep the guest's best lines as quotes and add context. Do not publish the raw transcript as an article; a rewritten piece serves readers better.
Video podcasts and captions
If you publish video, generate SRT from the same episode and import it into your editor. The SRT generator page explains the format, and upload an SRT file to YouTube covers the platform side.
What it cannot do
- It does not separate hosts and guests.
- It is not live; it works on files.
- It does not guarantee perfect text; crosstalk and noise reduce quality.
- The speech model detects the language automatically; Portuguese is our main focus, so review other languages.
Privacy
Unreleased episodes and guest conversations can be sensitive. The video stays on your device and the audio is processed on our own server. Read privacy-first transcription.
Start with one episode
Upload an episode at video to text. For recorded conversations in general, see transcribe an interview.
Sources
- SubRip format overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SubRip
- English (USA) Timed Text Style Guide: https://partnerhelp.netflixstudios.com/hc/en-us/articles/217350977-English-Timed-Text-Style-Guide
Frequently asked questions
Why transcribe a podcast?
A transcript makes an episode accessible to deaf and hard of hearing listeners, gives you text for show notes and articles, and lets you find quotes and clips quickly.
Can I publish the raw transcript?
You can, but review it first. Names, brands and technical terms are where automatic transcripts fail most. A cleaned transcript reads better and avoids public errors.
Does the transcript identify hosts and guests?
No. TooLongToListen does not separate speakers. Add labels while reviewing.
What about episodes longer than 3 hours?
Each file can hold up to 3 hours of audio. Only an episode longer than 3 hours must be cut into parts, with the texts joined in order.
Will a transcript improve my search visibility?
It puts the words of the episode on a page that search engines can read. We cannot promise rankings, and we publish no numbers on results.
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