1. Get better audio before you start
- Place the recorder or phone 10–20 cm from the speaker, not across the table.
- Pick a quiet room; silence notifications and fans.
- Record ten seconds, listen back, then start.
- Say the date, place and the speaker's full name on the recording.
2. Choose the method
| Method | Time for 1 h of tape | Best when |
|---|---|---|
| Type by hand | Often 3–5 hours | A few critical minutes, or material kept offline |
| AI transcription + review | Minutes to convert, then your review | Most interviews and press meets |
| Human transcription service | Hours to a day | Legal or high-stakes transcripts |
3. Convert, label — and translate if needed
Upload the file (up to 2 hours, 1 GB), choose your output language and, for panels, switch on speaker labels. Interviewed in Hindi but filing in English? Choose English — you get the translated text in the same step.
4. Verify before you quote
Skim the text, then check every quote against the audio at its timestamp. Names, numbers, dates and place names get a second listen — use the accuracy checklist.
5. Export and file
DOCX for editing, PDF for the archive, SRT for video, Markdown for the CMS — or click Write article to draft the story.
Frequently asked questions
How long can a recording be?
Up to 2 hours per recording and 1 GB per file. Long recordings are processed in sections and joined back together, so the upload doesn't fail halfway. Large videos are compressed on your own device first, so only a small audio file is uploaded.
What do I get after converting a recording?
Clean text in your chosen language with optional speaker labels and timestamps, and an article draft written from that text: headline, lead paragraph, sub-headings, quotes and context. Export as TXT, Markdown, DOCX, PDF or SRT.
What happens to my audio file?
Audio is deleted from the server as soon as the text is produced. Your records keep the text and the article — not the recording.
Is the article ready to publish as it is?
Treat it as a strong first draft. AI can mishear names, numbers and heavy accents, so check every quote, figure and proper noun against the recording before you publish. You are the editor; AI Journalist removes the typing and translating, not the responsibility.