There are two methods for transcribing a Zoom meeting: utilizing Zoom’s built-in transcription feature or opting for a dependable, accurate third-party tool like Krisp.

Here is a table comparing what each option offers.

Feature Zoom Krisp
Price Starts with $15/month Free
Accuracy Needs manual editing Minimal to no editing required
Automatic Summarization
AI-Generated Action Items
Works with Any App Only works for Zoom Works with any conferencing app

 

 

Let’s explore how you can transcribe Zoom meetings using both approaches:

How to Transcribe Meetings on Zoom

Does Zoom transcribe meetings? Yes, it does, but only with certain conditions. To access transcription services, you must have a paid plan, such as a Business, Education, or Enterprise license. This is because transcription relies on the cloud recording feature, which is exclusive to these plans.

Although you can still record on your laptop using a free account, you cannot get automated transcriptions. Note, that you cannot generate transcripts from existing Zoom meetings. It will start transcribing after the feature is enabled. 

How to Enable Zoom’s Transcription Feature: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Sign into your Zoom web portal as an admin.
  2. Click ‘Account Management’ then ‘Account Settings.’
  3. Open the ‘Recording’ tab.
  4. Verify that the ‘Cloud Recording’ setting is enabled.Verify that the ‘Cloud Recording’ setting is enabled in Zoom
  5. Enable the ‘Create Audio Transcript ‘ in the ‘Advanced Cloud Recording’ settings section.Enable the ‘Create Audio Transcript ‘ in the ‘Advanced Cloud Recording’ settings section in Zoom
  6. Click on ‘Save’ to confirm your settings.

Now that you are all set, you may start or join a Zoom meeting, and if you hit record, Zoom will automatically transcribe the meeting for you. Once you complete recording your meeting, you will receive two emails on your preset admin address. 

One of the emails will tell you that the cloud recording of the meeting is ready, with a link to access it. The other email provides you with instructions on how to access your transcript. 

How to View or Edit Audio Transcripts on Zoom

You can view or edit your transcriptions by following these steps: 

  1. Sign in to your Zoom web portal.
  2. Click on ‘Recordings’ in the navigation menu.
  3. Click on the name of the recorded meeting.
  4. You will see a list of recording files displayed. Click on the one you are interested in.
  5. Click on the ‘Play’ icon.
  6. As the video plays, a transcript text is shown on the right-hand side of the video. You can hover a phrase you want to edit and click on the pencil icon.

Drawbacks of Transcribing Meetings Directly From Zoom

There are several drawbacks to transcribing meetings directly from Zoom that may be dealbreakers, especially for people or organizations that want reliable transcriptions. Some of the key cons include: 

  • You cannot use this service with a free Zoom account.
  • Enabling this feature may be challenging for most people.
  • The transcript does not identify individual speakers. This means you will have to identify the speakers for other people, which can be inconvenient. 
  • Zoom transcripts lack features for summarizing or creating action plans; manual export and external processing is required

Transcribe Zoom Meetings For Free 

Krisp’s AI Meeting Assistant is an excellent alternative for transcribing Zoom meetings. Designed specifically for online meetings and webinars, this tool operates silently in the background. After your call, it delivers a complete transcript of the conversation.

Moreover, Krisp’s AI meeting assistant transcription notes provide a comprehensive record of your Zoom meetings, facilitating easy reference and ensuring important points are captured effectively.

Krisp’s advanced AI technology significantly elevates the transcription process, offering several advantages such as:

Free Unlimited Zoom Transcriptions

Krisp’s AI Meeting Assistant offers unlimited Zoom meeting transcriptions without the need for card details. It provides transcriptions without extra costs or limits.

Automatic Summarization

Krisp’s AI note-taker not only transcribes but also summarizes, identifying key discussions, decisions, and actions from your meetings. 

Bot-Free, Non-Intrusive Experience

Krisp ensures a smooth, non-intrusive transcription process. It works in the background, unlike other tools that may be cumbersome or disruptive, allowing for uninterrupted conversations.

Unlimited Meeting Transcriptions

Krisp offers unrestricted transcription across various conferencing apps and meeting types. From daily stand-ups and weekly team meetings to regular client calls Krisp’s AI Meeting Assistant seamlessly handles them on any conferencing platform.

No Downloads or Installations

Krisp requires no additional downloads or installations. Its integration with Zoom is straightforward, providing a hassle-free transcription experience without the need for additional software or plugin installations.

Minimal to No Edits Required

Krisp’s speech-to-text AI function, combined with its top-notch noise-cancellation feature, delivers clear audio and precise transcripts, minimizing the need for post-meeting edits. It accurately distinguishes and transcribes individual speakers, streamlining your review process by reducing manual corrections.

Conclusion

In summary, although you can transcribe Zoom meetings with Zoom’s built-in feature, some downsides might be dealbreakers. These include needing a paid Zoom account, inaccurate transcripts, and lots of manual editing. Alternatively, you can try Krisp’s transcription feature, which offers more features, is free with Krisp’s basic plan, and is simple to use.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Transcribe A Zoom Meeting For Free?
You can transcribe a Zoom meeting for free using third-party meeting transcription services like Krisp’s AI Meeting Assistant.
How Do You Do an Audio Transcription on Zoom?
You can do an audio transcription through Zoom’s native cloud transcription services if you have a paid account. However, you can also rely on third-party tools like Krisp to do an audio transcription of all your audio Zoom recordings.
Can I Get A Transcript Of A Zoom Meeting?
Yes, you can get a transcript of a Zoom meeting if you are on a paid Zoom plan. If your cloud recording and transcription are turned on, you will get a link to the transcription in your email shortly after the meeting. Alternatively, you can access the transcription on your Zoom web portal.
Can you get a Zoom transcript without recording?
Yes, you can do that using Krisp’s transcription feature.