How do I transcribe the audio of a video on my iPhone?
Save the video to the Files app, open Transcribe, tap Import Audio and choose the video. Transcribe reads its audio track and transcribes it on your iPhone. If the file cannot be decoded, the import is refused with a message instead of failing silently.
Download Transcribe on the App Store
How the options compare
- Otter (cloud service): Otter's features page lists import of pre-recorded audio and video files. On its pricing page the free Basic plan lists 3 lifetime imports and 30 minutes per conversation; plans change, so check the current page. Files go to the service, which collects audio you provide under its privacy policy.
- Captions on the video platform: Some video apps show their own automatic captions. Those captions stay inside that app, and their accuracy and language support are up to the platform.
Where Transcribe fits
In Transcribe the Import Audio button accepts audio and video files. Screen recordings and exported meeting recordings work when their audio track is a common format. Importing is free and unlimited, and it is transcribed on the device like any recording.
Once imported, you get the same tools as a recorded session: search, word-by-word highlight during playback, folders and tags. Pro adds PDF and subtitle (SRT) export, and on an Apple Intelligence iPhone, summaries with action items.
Honest limits: you save the video to Files first, because the import button reads from Files. Very long videos take time and storage. Audio in unusual formats, including Ogg/Opus, is not supported. Only transcribe videos you have the right to use.
What it costs
Transcribe is free to download. Unlimited recordings, with no time limit, and full on-device transcription are free. Pro adds export, encrypted backup, marking moments, more transcription languages and, on Apple Intelligence devices, AI summaries, action items and Ask AI. Plans and prices are shown in the app and on the App Store page, and vary by region. Prices from the US App Store, checked 2026-11-04; they vary by region.
Quick answers
Which files can I import?
Audio and video files that Transcribe can decode. Others are refused with a message.
Does the video leave my phone?
No. The audio is transcribed on your device and is not uploaded.
Is importing a video free?
Yes. Importing is free and unlimited. Export to PDF or subtitle files is part of Pro.
Can I get subtitles from it?
Pro exports a subtitle (SRT) file from a transcript.
More questions about Transcribe
- How do I transcribe a lecture on my iPhone, even without Wi-Fi?
- What is the best way to turn voice memos into text on an iPhone?
- How can I transcribe a meeting privately, without uploading the audio?
- What is the best way to record and transcribe an interview on iPhone?
- Is there an iPhone app that summarizes meetings and lists the to-dos?
- Is there a transcription app that never uploads my audio and works offline?
Full details: Transcribe app page · all answers