Verbatim transcription
To agreed rules, with pauses, interruptions, non-verbal sounds or other contextual information where required.
Audio · Video · Text
From spoken words
to usable text.
Interview, film or podcast: we transcribe your recordings in over 80 languages. Verbatim or edited, with optional timecodes – for documentation or as the basis for translation, voice-over and subtitles.
AI-assisted processing with human final quality control
Languages. Service. Quality. Technology.
- Turnaround
- Hours–days
depending on project volume and requirements
- Experience
- 30+ years
localization experience at zappmedia GmbH, since 1993
- Projects
- 90,000+
completed localization projects
- Client testimonials
- 1,047
published feedback from our clients
- Languages
- 80+
for translation, voice recording, subtitling and transcription
- Certification
- ISO 9001
TÜV-audited quality management at zappmedia GmbH, since 2006
A transcript for your needs
Capture accurately.
Use purposefully.
Intended use determines how much detail the transcript needs. We agree rules, accuracy and output before starting.
Edited transcript
Readable and edited, where content is the priority or the text is intended for publication.
For media production
Timecodes and suitable text structures provide the basis for translation, subtitles or a new language version.
Audio transcription with project management
Your material.
Our attention.
Sources can include audio files, video files with sound or an online video address. We assess sound quality, content, languages and required accuracy before quoting.
Software can support capture. Our specialists review the text and add the agreed corrections and contextual information. The same team can coordinate native-language translation, voice-over and subtitling where required.
Key points for your brief
- Audio or video material
- Languages and total running time
- Verbatim or edited
- Speaker changes and transcription rules
- Timecodes and additional information
- Intended use and delivery format
Transcription in detail
A clear text.
A clear starting point.
The right level of detail depends on your goal. Explore the individual options here.
Verbatim transcription to defined rules
A detailed transcript can capture not only words but also laughter, throat-clearing, pauses, interruptions, dialect and particular emphasis. Video can require relevant descriptions of atmosphere, facial expressions, gestures and actions.
The brief defines which features are recorded and how. The same rules apply consistently across the entire recording.
Edited, readable transcription
Where content and readability take priority, we create an edited transcript. This can suit interview publication or content documentation.
We agree the level of editing. The balance between faithful reproduction and readability must remain consistent throughout.
Interviews, research and group discussions
Recording avoids interrupting a conversation to take notes. A transcript then makes the content available for documentation, analysis or publication.
In empirical social research and other detailed applications, transcription rules are defined beforehand. The relevance of pauses, overlaps and speech characteristics depends on your research purpose.
Film and video transcription, timecodes and research
A transcript helps locate particular passages and can support film analysis or new language versions. Timecodes connect text to positions in the recording and support further post-production.
We can research unfamiliar terms and names. Repeated listening or viewing, checking difficult passages and precise timecode matching form part of the agreed work.
Transcription as the basis for captions
Captions may need important sounds and other audio information beyond dialogue, such as an off-screen phone ringing or approaching traffic.
We agree the relevant contextual information. On request, we supply timecodes or create suitable subtitle files from the text.
AI support and human final review
We combine suitable speech recognition with human review. Sound quality, multiple speakers, specialist terms, names and required accuracy affect suitability for automated steps.
Speech recognition alone cannot reliably capture all relevant sounds or visual context. Specialists add the agreed information and check the text; software also supports adherence to transcription rules.
Quality, confidentiality and personal service
Our quality management is ISO 9001-certified and TÜV-audited. A personal contact coordinates the agreed services, deadlines and quality checks.
Client data is handled confidentially. Find details of secure transfer, German server locations and confidentiality agreements in our business service.
From sound to text
Capture. Review.
Reuse.
Agreed rules and one personal contact keep the project coordinated.
Agree material & purpose
We assess recording, language and sound quality, then agree accuracy, rules, timecodes and output.
Create the transcript
Suitable tools and specialists capture the content using the agreed method.
Review & complete
Text, names, speaker identification and agreed contextual information are checked.
Deliver & continue
You receive the agreed version. Translation, voice-over or subtitles can follow directly.
Transcription prices
Priced to the work.
Quoted at a fixed price.
Running time, sound quality, speaker count, subject matter and required accuracy determine the quote. Timecodes, research and additional contextual information are included according to your scope.
The fixed price includes project management, incoming file checks, analysis, scheduling and resource planning, communication, quality control and delivery. We do not assume a universal processing-time multiplier.
Request a quote ↗From our reference portfolio
The logos represent documented work with clients in our reference portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
A quick question.
A clear answer.
Which recordings can you transcribe?
Audio files, video files with sound and online videos. Send the file or an accessible web address, plus language, running time and required output.
Can you supply timecodes and subtitle files?
Yes. We can capture timecodes in the transcript and create suitable subtitle files on request. We agree details for your target medium.
Why does running time alone not determine the price?
Poor sound, multiple speakers, specialist terms, research and detailed capture of pauses or context increase review work. We therefore quote against your material and the agreed accuracy.
Let’s talk about it
What is inside
your recording?
Send your material and tell us how you will use the text. We will recommend the right transcription method and prepare a fixed-price quote.