How to convert audio to text for free?

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get the work donefor any meeting

Do you need to convert an audio file into text? Are you looking for free solutions? Don't worry, you've come to the right place! In this article, you will discover all the free options available to you to quickly and easily transcribe your audio recordings into text!

Transcribe manually

Your first option seems the most obvious. Indeed, by manually transcribing your audio files yourself, you can be sure to benefit from a free transcription solution.

However, this option has many disadvantages. Manual transcription requires a lot of time and concentration. Your transcription will probably be close to the recording, but it will have taken you a considerable amount of time, which you will also spend on proofreading.

Transcribing with Google Docs voice input

The Google Docs tool will be presented here as an alternative to other word processors such as Word. Equipped with a voice input function, Google Docs will allow you to transcribe your audio files.

To do this, simply activate your microphone, click on the "tools" tab in the menu and then turn up the sound of your audio file. The voice input is then launched!

But be careful! Google Docs voice input is not precise enough to allow you to benefit from a quality transcription. You will be able to get a rough transcript of your file, but you will still have to go through the transcription yourself to make sure that nothing has been missed.

Transcribing with YouTube's automatic subtitles

Another option is to transcribe your audio file via the YouTube platform.

First of all, before you can start using YouTube's automatic subtitling feature, you need to convert your audio file into a video, otherwise you won't be able to import it into the platform. A still image that accompanies the audio will suffice, as long as your audio file is converted to video.

Then you can upload your video to YouTube. A few hours later, you will have access to an automatic transcription of the audio. To see your transcript, simply go to the video page, click on the icon (...) at the bottom right, and then click on "Open Transcription Tab". A new tab will open and reveal your automatic transcription.

Again, the transcript will not be perfect and will require extensive proofreading and correction. In addition, you will not be able to transcribe all of your audio files, as some data cannot be published on YouTube, at the risk that your competitors, for example, will benefit from it.

Transcribe with Noota

At Noota, we have created an artificial intelligence that can transcribe your audio and video files into text in just a few minutes!

To take advantage of your transcription, you just need to import your audio or video file into our platform, fill in some information such as the number of participants, then wait a few minutes while our artificial intelligence transcribes your file.

A few moments later, you will see your transcript and can modify it as many times as you wish. You also have the possibility to enjoy a summary of your file and can add elements manually.

With Noota, your files are transcribed quickly and accurately. You save time and can devote it to other tasks.

Want to test Noota?

Try Noota for free

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FAQ

How does Noota help recruitment teams save time?
It automates interview transcriptions, generates structured candidate reports, and updates ATS records—eliminating hours of manual work
Can Noota analyze candidate skills and soft skills?
Yes! It extracts and organizes candidate responses, providing insights into qualifications, communication style, and confidence levels.
How does Noota support sales teams?
It records sales calls, tracks key objections, identifies buying signals, and integrates with CRMs for automated follow-ups.
Can Noota help in project management and decision-making?
Yes, it captures meeting discussions, highlights key takeaways, and ensures alignment by making past meetings easily searchable.
Which platforms does Noota support for recording and transcription?
It works with Google Meet, Zoom, Teams, Webex, and even in-person meetings—offering high-accuracy transcription in 50+ languages.
Does Noota integrate with CRM, ATS, and productivity tools?
Yes! It connects with Salesforce, HubSpot, BullHorn, Notion, Slack, and many more, ensuring smooth data transfer.
Can Noota generate follow-up emails and reports automatically?
Yes, it drafts emails based on meeting content and creates structured reports, so you never miss an action item.
How does Noota ensure security and compliance?
All data is encrypted, stored in EU data centers, and meets strict compliance standards, including GDPR, SOC2, and ISO 27001.
What is the custom summary and what’s it for?
The custom summary is a template that enables you to structure your meeting minute. You can create as many custom summaries as you like!
Can I transcribe an audio or video file I've already recorded?
Yes, you can transcribe a document that has already been recorded. Simply upload it to the Noota interface.
How does the recording work, with or without a bot?
You can record in two ways: using the Noota extension or by connecting your calendar.

In the first case, you can directly activate recording as soon as you join a videoconference.

In the second case, you can add a bot to your videoconference, which will record everything.
Can I transcribe and translate into another language?
Over 80 languages and dialects are available for transcription.

Noota also enables you to translate your files into over 30 languages.
Is the data integration  into my ATS secure?
Yes, your interview data is transmitted securely to your ATS.
How does conversational intelligence work?
Conversational intelligence is based on NLP analysis of the words and intonation used by each participant to identify emotions and behavioral insights.
Why is it important to conduct structured interviews?
Numerous studies have proven the accuracy, efficiency and objectivity of structured interviews. By asking each candidate the same questions in the same way, you streamline your interview process and reduce the influence of cognitive bias.
Why should I generate an interview report ?
An interview report helps pooling standardized information on your candidates, sharing it with all stakeholders and objectifying your assessment. Clear, structured data enables you to make more informed recruitment decisions.
How are job ads generated?
Our job ads generator leverage the latest LLMs to turn the data from your meeting or brief into an eye-catching and easy-to-read job description.
Do I have to change the way I conduct interviews?
No, Noota is just an assistant to your work. You can continue to conduct interviews as you do today. To improve the accuracy of the report, you should customize the interview templates based on your existing list of questions.
Can I remove my data from Noota?
Yes, just use the delete function on our interface and within 24 hours we'll have deleted this data from our database.
Can I record my meetings over the phone or in person?
Yes, Noota includes a built-in recorder to capture sound from your computer, and soon from your phone.
Do the candidates have access to the AI notes?
No, you manage the accessibility of the data you record. If you want to share it with them as feedback, you can. Otherwise, it won't be accessible to them.
Does Noota evaluate candidates?
No, Noota records, transcribes and summarizes your interviews. It helps you make informed decisions with clear information about the candidate. But it's not a substitute for your own judgment and assessment skills.