What is a transcript?

A transcript is a text version of all of the words spoken in your video. We create a transcript by carefully watching and listening to your video — several times — and typing out every word that is spoken. In addition, we add timecodes, so that search engines and video sites know exactly when each sentence is spoken. You'll see why that's important in a moment.

Why should I have my online videos transcribed?

It's all about SEO. Without some help, Google can't tell much about your video aside from the title and tags that you provide when you upload it. By having your video transcribed, and uploading that transcript to YouTube, you're giving Google specific information about the content of your video. When someone searches for a phrase mentioned in the video, Google will be able to include your video in the search results, and may even start the video playing at the point where that search phrase is used.

Here's an example: we searched for "sonic tape measure": not only was the video site able to find a video on the subject, it gives the viewer the option of starting the video at the moment that phrase is used. Thanks to time-coded transcription, Internet users will be able to quickly find the portion of your video that's most relevant to them.

How do I upload the finished transcript to YouTube?

On YouTube, just click on "My Account" and then "My Videos." Find the video you want to add captions to and then select it by clicking on the image. Scroll down to the "Captions and Subtitles" section at the bottom left. Then upload the captions/subtitles file.

How do I upload the finished transcript to Google VIdeo?

To add captions or subtitles to your video, log in to your Video Status page at Google Video, and click "Add Captions/Subtitles" in the "Actions" column for the selected video. We will provide your transcript in the time-coded format that Google Video requires.

I'm not ready for my video to be seen by the world; how can I get it to you privately?

Upload it to Google Video, but set the video as "unlisted" so that it won't be seen by the world. Google will give your video a private URL which you can supply to us. Later, when you're ready, you can make your video public.

Can you transcribe videos at Revver, or other video sites?

Absolutely — just tell us the URL of the video at any of those sites. However, at this time only YouTube and Google Video support captioned/subtitled video. So for now, time-encoded transcripts are only useful for videos that are available at YouTube and Google Video. (Of course, you can use the transcripts elsewhere too, such as on your own web site.)

Is there a minimum cost per project?

We don't mind transcribing short videos at all! The minimum fee per video is just $6 — videos of under 2 minutes will be charged $6.

Can I see examples of your transcripts?

Yes! Take a look at our clients page.