Knowing how to get transcripts of YouTube videos is a simple skill all business owners and marketers should learn. Think of transcripts as an aide to help you repurpose your content into blog posts, social media captions, and email newsletters.
In addition, transcripts will help improve your content’s SEO by making your video’s keywords searchable while making the content more accessible. It means reaching a wider audience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple solutions to get transcripts of YouTube videos.
Use YouTube’s Built-In Transcript Feature
YouTube has already made it easy with its built-in transcript text feature. Follow these steps, which will apply whether you’re on desktop or mobile:
Step 1: Open the video you want to transcribe.
Step 2: On the Video Description box, click on ‘more’ to expand.
Step 3: Scroll down until you see the built-in transcript feature.
Step 4: Click the Show Transcript button. It’ll open a transcript panel displaying the video’s text along with timestamps.
Step 5: Copy and paste the transcript.
Using the built-in feature on YouTube is quick and easy to do; however, along with its convenient features, there are some limitations.
The timestamps on the transcript make it easy to follow along, and you can search for specific words within the transcripts. However, since transcripts come from auto-generated captions, they may have errors. Manually uploaded subtitles tend to be more accurate.
Another limitation is that you’re not allowed to download the YouTube transcript unless it’s from one of your own videos. Lastly, some video creators may disable the transcript feature. If that’s the case, there are some third-party tools and Chrome extensions you can explore.
Third-Party and Website Transcript Tools
If the built-in feature has been disabled, don’t despair. There are other available options to help you get a transcript YouTube video. We’ll go over a few you can explore, and see how it works for you.
YouTube Summary with ChatGPT and Claude
The YouTube Summary with ChatGPT and Claude is an easy-to-use and free Chrome extension. The extension allows you to do a few things, including:
- Summarizing videos in one click
- Get the video transcript with timestamps
- Highlight sections of the transcript with the Glasp extension so you can organize the content
- Customize it by setting up a prompt
Free YouTube Transcript Generator
Tactiq.io has a free YouTube transcript generator. All you need to do is copy and paste the video URL that you wish to get a transcript for, then click on the ‘Get Video Transcript’ button.
Once generated, it’ll provide you with a YouTube video and timestamped transcript, which you can copy or download.
NoteGPT
NoteGPT.io is an AI summarizer and generator for enhanced learning, according to its website. It gives you the option to add the free Chrome extension, or you can subscribe to its monthly or yearly membership. The membership will give you additional access to just getting a YouTube transcript, making it a business expense, depending on your goals.
TurboScribe
TurboScribe allows you to get three free transcripts daily, and it also offers subscription options. Unlike the tools we’ve provided above, TurboScribe is an AI transcription service for both audio and video. It means that you’re not limited to video transcripts but meetings and calls, which then you can summarize.
Use Speech-to-Text Software
There are many free and paid-for speech-to-text software, such as Live Captions on Windows, Mac, and Google Chrome.
Generally, speech-to-text software provides more accurate transcriptions, especially when using high-quality AI models. It also allows you to customize and edit, so it makes the text more readable and suited for specific needs.
Using this method is also useful for videos that lack built-in transcripts or auto-captions. However, there are some drawbacks to consider. Many advanced tools require payment for longer or more precise transcriptions. You also need to consider any background noise as it can affect accuracy, meaning you’ll spend some time editing to ensure a good final transcript.
Reasons to Get a YouTube Video Transcript
As a business owner and marketer, enabling the transcript feature on your YouTube videos provides a series of benefits for your viewers. However, there are also advantages for your business’ YouTube Channel.
Content repurposing
Content creation takes time and effort as you need to put a product to educate or inform your audience. With a transcript, you can easily convert your video content into blog posts, social media captions, email newsletters, and even podcast episodes. You can also create summaries, infographics, or an eBook. That means less time spent on creating content from scratch while still maintaining your online presence.
SEO and website traffic
Did you know that adding transcripts and captions can improve your SEO? YouTube SEO is a topic that would require its own article. Besides optimizing your title, descriptions, and tags, transcripts help clarify keywords, helping your content get more views for those search terms.
Accessibility and audience engagement
Video engagement—likes, comments, shares, and watch time—sends signals to the algorithm that your content is valuable, helping it reach a wider audience. With transcripts, you can amplify that as it makes it accessible to the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, which brings us to the next point.
Translation and localization
Your audience may not all know the language of your videos. As such, transcripts provide a great alternative as your audience can create subtitles in different languages. This continues to expand your audience reach.
Easier Reference and Note-Taking
Transcripts are also a great way to summarize your videos, and you can quickly locate any specific information, without having to rewatch the entire video. It makes it useful for you and your audience when performing research, presentations, or any internal documentation.
Get Your YouTube Video Transcript
We hope this guide provides you with easy steps on how to get a transcript of YouTube videos. Between the built-in features and third-party tools, it’ll save you time and effort. Need video-making assistance? Reach out to Minifridge Media, it’s what we do!