Audio transcription, translation and subtitling

First establish what you need: a verbatim record of every word, an edited readable transcript, a translated transcript, subtitles adapted to reading speed, or subtitles for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers with speaker labels and relevant sounds. A clear specification saves time and avoids reworking the material.

Transcription, translation and subtitles are different deliverables

A transcript follows the recording and may be verbatim or edited. A translation conveys the content in another language. Subtitles also require short segments, timecodes and length adjustments so viewers can read without losing the image or meaning.

Content for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers may include labels for speakers, music and relevant sounds. Agree this scope beforehand, as it differs from ordinary subtitle translation.

Which type of transcript should you choose?

  • Verbatim transcription includes repetitions, interruptions, fillers and other speech features relevant to analysis or an evidential record.
  • Edited transcription removes unnecessary repetition and fillers while retaining the meaning, sequence and speaker’s style.
  • A transcript with speaker labels identifies who is speaking; provide a participant list or voice samples for reliable identification.
  • A timecoded transcript adds timestamps at agreed intervals or each speaker change.
  • A summary presents key topics and conclusions but cannot replace a full transcript when a faithful record is required.

The key question
Is the text for reading, evidence, analysis, publication or subtitling? Its purpose determines the detail, format and price.

Subtitle creation and translation

Subtitles must be linguistically accurate, correctly timed and readable. A long sentence often cannot fit word for word into one shot, so the text is condensed while preserving the key message. We check names, companies, products, specialist terminology and numerical data.

We can deliver translated text alone, a timecoded file or a file ready for import into a video platform. Specify the format, resolution and final video version before work begins. Editing the video afterwards may shift every timecode.

  • SRT for most video platforms and standard projects
  • VTT for web players and additional display features
  • A spreadsheet with source text, translation and timecodes
  • A plain transcript in Word or another agreed format
  • Subtitles with speaker labels and relevant sounds, where required

Recording quality directly affects the result

Background noise, overlapping speakers, distant microphones, strong accents and specialist terminology increase processing time. We do not fill unclear passages with guesses. We mark them as unintelligible, request a better recording or ask the client for clarification.

For meetings and interviews, provide participant names, an agenda, slides, abbreviations and correct spellings of proper names. This reduces uncertainty and speeds up the final check.

Content we transcribe and subtitle

  • Interviews, focus groups and research discussions
  • Meetings, conferences, lectures and training
  • Marketing, corporate and social media videos
  • Webinars, online courses and training materials
  • Podcasts, documentary material and archive recordings
  • Legal or official recordings, subject to checking the purpose and required format

How to order transcription or subtitles

  1. Send the file or a secure link and specify its duration, language and number of speakers.
  2. Choose verbatim or edited transcription, timestamps, speaker labels and the target format.
  3. If you need a translation, specify the target language, audience and existing terminology materials.
  4. After reviewing recording quality, we provide a quote, deadline and delivery specification.
  5. The finished material undergoes linguistic, content and technical checks before delivery.

Transcription prices and turnaround

Prices are generally assessed by duration, recording quality, speaker count, language, detail, timecodes and translation requirements. Subtitles also involve timing and technical checks. We confirm the deadline after briefly reviewing the actual file, rather than relying on the stated duration alone.

Frequently asked questions

Can you transcribe a recording with several speakers?

Yes. A participant list or introductions at the start help identify speakers reliably. We flag unclear passages where voices overlap.

What is the difference between SRT and VTT files?

Both contain text and timecodes. VTT is more common on the web and supports additional display features; SRT is widely accepted by video platforms. Choose the format supported by the receiving system.

Can you translate existing subtitles only?

Yes, if you provide the source subtitle file and final video. We check length, line breaks, terminology and alignment with the video.

Do you handle confidential recordings?

Yes, subject to agreed secure transfer, restricted access and file deletion arrangements. Specify confidentiality requirements before sending files.

Can you repair a very poor recording?

We can assess what is intelligible, but cannot reliably reconstruct inaudible speech. For poor sound, we suggest reviewing a sample or agreeing how to mark unclear passages before commissioning the full project.

Send your document: Send a short sample or the complete recording, specifying whether you need a transcript, translation, SRT/VTT subtitles, speaker labels and timecodes. After review, you will receive a precise scope, price and deadline.

Request a quote