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How to Transcribe Large Audio and Video Files

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A long recording is easier to work with when you check the file first and know which result you need. This guide covers preparing audio or video up to 20 GB, uploading it, choosing languages and output, reviewing pay-per-file pricing, and saving the completed results.

No account is required. For an overview of the service, read how BigTranscribe works.

Before you upload

  • Use the original recording — avoid unnecessary compression or re-exporting, which can reduce clarity.
  • Check playback and duration — open the file locally and listen near the beginning, middle, and end. Confirm that it contains the intended recording and has not been cut short. If it does not play correctly, obtain a complete copy before uploading.
  • Know the spoken language — note the language you hear so you can check automatic detection or select the spoken language yourself.
  • Check the file size — supported audio and video files can be up to 20 GB.

Keep your original recording. Before uploading sensitive material, check that you have permission to use it and read BigTranscribe’s privacy policy.

What BigTranscribe supports

  • Audio and video up to 20 GB — including common formats such as MP3, WAV, M4A, MP4, MOV, and WebM.
  • About 100 automatically detected transcription languages — keep the transcript in the detected language or translate it into one of 20 output languages.
  • Text, document, and subtitle downloads — save readable text as TXT, Word (DOCX), or PDF, or use SRT and VTT for timed subtitles.
  • Captioned video option — for supported video, receive an MP4 with burned-in captions when that output is available for the selected language.
  • Pay-per-file pricing — a transcript costs $1 per file plus $0.10 per minute. Captioned video costs $1 per file plus $0.20 per minute. Translation adds $0.05 per minute. No subscription is required.

How to transcribe a large file

  1. Upload your recording. Choose the audio or video file in the homepage uploader and wait for upload and preparation to finish. Check that the filename and duration match your recording.
  2. Confirm the languages. Check the detected spoken language or choose it manually. Keep the transcript in the original language, or select a translation from the available transcript languages.
  3. Choose the output. Select Transcript only for written results. Choose Captioned video for a supported video with burned-in subtitles, and check the caption language separately from the transcript language.
  4. Review the preview and price. The preview is an excerpt, not the complete transcript. If it is unavailable or limited, you can still continue once file details and required language choices are ready. Check duration, output, and any translation charge; the final amount is confirmed at checkout.
  5. Pay and wait for the result. Continue to Stripe checkout when the details are correct. Keep the results page open while processing and follow any displayed error or recovery instructions.
  6. Review, download, and save. Check the transcript against important passages in the recording. Download the formats you need, or the captioned MP4 if selected. Open the saved files to confirm they downloaded correctly before closing the results page; do not rely on the page as your archive.

Transcribe your file now →

Tips for better transcripts

  • Prefer clear, close microphone audio. Background noise, echo, and speakers talking over one another can reduce accuracy.
  • Upload supported video as-is. You do not need to convert an accepted video file to audio first.
  • Check names and specialist terms. Compare names, acronyms, numbers, and technical terms with your notes and the recording. Make necessary text corrections in a downloaded document or text editor.
  • Spot-check the result. Use timestamps to find important passages and listen to them again before publishing, filing, or relying on the transcript. For captioned video, also watch the saved MP4 to check the wording and caption placement.

For interview-specific help, read our guidance for preparing and reviewing interview transcripts.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an account to transcribe a file?
No account is required. Upload your recording, review its details and pay-per-file price, then continue to checkout when you are ready.
What is the largest file I can transcribe?
BigTranscribe accepts supported audio and video files up to 20 GB, including multi-hour recordings.
Can I upload a video directly?
Yes. You can upload a supported video file without converting it to audio first.
What can I download?
You can download TXT, Word (DOCX), PDF, SRT, and VTT files. A captioned MP4 is an optional output for supported video and caption languages. Save and open the downloaded files before closing the results page.
Which languages does BigTranscribe support?
BigTranscribe automatically detects and transcribes speech in about 100 languages. You can keep the transcript in the detected language or translate it into one of 20 output languages.
How much does transcription cost?
A transcript costs $1 per file plus $0.10 per minute. Captioned video costs $1 per file plus $0.20 per minute, and translation adds $0.05 per minute. No subscription is required.
Can I continue if the transcript preview is unavailable?
Yes, once file details and required language choices are ready. A preview may be unavailable or limited; it is not the complete transcript. Review the price before paying. The final amount is confirmed at checkout.