Can I paste a YouTube URL here?

Use the separate YouTube Transcript tool for public YouTube links. This page works with a local file you choose from your device.

No. Local video upload currently accepts MP4. You can export another recording as a supported file before submitting it.

Will it transcribe a silent video?

No. Speech recognition needs spoken audio. It does not read slides or describe images.

How big can the video be?

The maximum upload is 4 MB, and only the first 10 minutes are processed. A longer file is not transcribed in full.

Do I need an account?

Yes. File transcription requires sign-in. The separate public YouTube caption tool does not require an account.

Does video transcription use credits?

This version does not deduct ToTextly credits for local file transcription. No recurring free allowance has been established.

Can I download subtitles?

SRT is available when timed utterances are returned. Check synchronization and split long cues in an editor. VTT export is not currently available.

Where does the uploaded video go?

The file is sent to AssemblyAI. Result controls can request deletion of the provider transcript. Provider retention and backup policies apply; ToTextly does not offer a saved upload library.

Transcribe Video to Text

Upload a local MP4 to transcribe its spoken audio with speaker labels. Process up to 4 MB and the first 10 minutes. Export TXT or timed SRT.

Speaker labels distinguish voices; they do not identify real people and can be wrong. Download your result before leaving this page. ToTextly does not provide a saved file-transcript library.

How to transcribe an MP4 video

Sign in and choose a local MP4 file. The file must be no larger than 4 MB; the transcription covers only its first 10 minutes. Confirm permission to process the recording and select Transcribe file. Keep the page open while the upload and speech recognition run.

Review the text while playing the original clip. Download plain TXT for notes or labeled TXT to separate dialogue turns. When timed utterances are available, Download SRT provides a subtitle draft. Processing time varies; do not resubmit the same clip while it is still working.

Local MP4 files vs YouTube links

This page sends an uploaded recording to AssemblyAI to recognize speech in its audio track. It does not retrieve existing YouTube captions. If your source is a public YouTube URL with accessible captions, use the separate YouTube Transcript tool instead.

Uploading a video does not extract text from slides or describe silent visual scenes. If a tutorial only shows steps on screen, the transcript will miss that information. Add visual context yourself when preparing accessible notes or a written tutorial.

Video format, size and duration limits

MP4 is the supported local video extension. MOV is not accepted in this version. A valid extension does not ensure a readable codec or a working audio track. Play the file on your device first and check that spoken audio is present.

High-resolution video may exceed 4 MB even when the recording is short. Export a smaller MP4 with clear audio, or export its audio as an accepted MP3, M4A or WAV. A smaller picture does not by itself improve speech recognition. Only the first 10 minutes are processed, even if a longer file fits.

Check audio tracks and subtitle timing

A silent clip cannot provide a speech transcript. Music, distant microphones, echo and simultaneous speakers can reduce recognition quality. For multiple audio tracks, export the intended spoken track into a separate file before uploading rather than assuming the correct track will be selected.

SRT timing follows the recording submitted for transcription. If you trimmed an introduction before uploading, those times will start from the trimmed clip, not your original edit. Check cues near the beginning and end in your video editor before adding subtitles to a final export.

Use the video transcript in an editing workflow

Editors can search dialogue to find a useful take and compare the wording against the source before cutting. Keep the original video beside the transcript; automatically generated speaker labels are not a verified identity record.

Course creators can turn a short spoken demonstration into draft lesson notes. Add descriptions for actions, diagrams and on-screen examples that were not narrated. Review technical terms and numbers before sharing the text with students.

File handling and exports

This version does not deduct ToTextly credits for local video transcription, and no recurring free allowance has been established. Sign-in and the file limits still apply. TXT is intended for reading and editing; SRT contains timed cues when available. There is no VTT export here.

The recording is sent to AssemblyAI for processing. The result offers a provider-transcript deletion request. Download your files before leaving the page because ToTextly does not provide a saved upload-transcript library. Provider retention and backup policies continue to apply.

Frequently asked questions

Can I paste a YouTube URL here?: Use the separate YouTube Transcript tool for public YouTube links. This page works with a local file you choose from your device.
Can I upload MOV?: No. Local video upload currently accepts MP4. You can export another recording as a supported file before submitting it.
Will it transcribe a silent video?: No. Speech recognition needs spoken audio. It does not read slides or describe images.
How big can the video be?: The maximum upload is 4 MB, and only the first 10 minutes are processed. A longer file is not transcribed in full.
Do I need an account?: Yes. File transcription requires sign-in. The separate public YouTube caption tool does not require an account.
Does video transcription use credits?: This version does not deduct ToTextly credits for local file transcription. No recurring free allowance has been established.
Can I download subtitles?: SRT is available when timed utterances are returned. Check synchronization and split long cues in an editor. VTT export is not currently available.
Where does the uploaded video go?: The file is sent to AssemblyAI. Result controls can request deletion of the provider transcript. Provider retention and backup policies apply; ToTextly does not offer a saved upload library.