transcription puppy - What Will My Transcript Look Like? Transcripts take many forms so it's important to ask yourself: what will my transcript look like? With automated transcription services, it is always possible that your transcript will look like gibberish. All software transcription platforms attempt to deliver a verbatim account of your audio file (including ‘ums’, ‘errs’ and false starts), and attempt to distinguish between different speakers. Although most automated transcription services claim to be able to distinguish between speakers, this is one area where they struggle — along with deciphering a clear transcript when there is background noise, poor audio quality or certain accents. What Do Human Transcription Services Deliver? Access to different types of transcription services and transcripts Human transcription services deliver error-free transcripts with different speakers accurately distinguished, even with poor audio quality. They also deliver options. So what transcript do you really need? There are three main categories of transcript: word for word, summary/notes and verbatim. These offer different levels of detail vs. readability at a number of different price points — allowing you to tailor results to suit your needs. Word for word transcripts, also called ‘intelligent verbatim’, deliver an edited but detailed transcript. ‘Ums’, ‘errs’, false starts and direct repetitions are removed. However, the word for word account of the recording is retained. They are easier to read and easier to create than strict verbatim transcripts, and often cost less per minute of recorded audio to produce. They are the most common format delivered by human transcription services. Note transcriptions are an abridged account. They do not focus on capturing direct phrasing and instead summarise the sentiment, meaning and conclusion of a conversation. This is a valuable option when transcription is being sought specifically to enable the faster consumption of information. They are cheaper per minute of audio than other options with the understanding that the result will be rougher, condensed and in ‘note’ form. Verbatim transcription covers a few options that are more precise than intelligent verbatim transcripts. This can reintroduce all ‘ums’, ‘ahs’, repetitions, coughs, and the phonetic use of colloquialisms such as ‘cos’, ‘gonna’ etc. Pauses can also be included and denoted in length by (.), (..), (...), along with comments on tone and laughter. When extreme details matter, you can always pay more for their inclusion.
Think About Who Is Transcribing Your Recording When your professional reputation is on the line, it is important to think about who is transcribing your audio for three reasons: quality, accountability and security. The content that businesses and individuals want transcribed can be sensitive and confidential. It is vital you answer security conscious questions for transcription services in order to find suitable services for you. It is important to look into the reputation of transcription firms and their encryption/online security protocols. You should also think about who is transcribing your file. A lot of companies will outsource transcriptions abroad to bring down costs. If you find human-based transcription fees starting at less than £0.75 ($1) per recorded minute, you can pretty much guarantee that offshoring is how those fees are achieved. From a cost perspective, this is great. It is not optimal from a security or quality standpoint.
Quality of transcription services Accents and local colloquialisms present challenges. Meaning can be missed and less accurate results delivered. This is particularly important when relying on the industry standard of ‘intelligent verbatim’ and even more important if you get a ‘summary’ transcription. The use of double negatives, technically incorrect conjugations and slang are all regionally relevant. Industry jargon is professionally relative. It is important that the person transcribing your audio understands the meaning in order to make an accurate transcript.
Look for transcription services that offer transcriptionists in your area and those that offer transcriptionists with relevant professional experience. Hidden costs when using transcription services abroad When engaging with offshore transcription services, it is possible that you will suffer extra fees because of accents, removing the cost-saving advantage of using offshore labour. Check to see if the transcription service reserves the right to increase their fees based on ‘difficult’ audio, look into how that is defined. Security and accountability when using transcription services By engaging with a transcription service (rather than transcribing the material yourself), you lose a degree of control. It might be wise to get your transcription partner to sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) — most are willing to do so. However, you need to think about their ability to enforce that agreement and your ability to pursue violations. If your files are sent abroad, it becomes more difficult to prosecute any breaches in security — a reality that increases the likelihood that such breaches might occur. Fundamentally, your transcription service partner will have degraded their ability to guarantee compliance by offshoring their labour. The moral high-ground of not using offshore transcription services It is important to pay fair wages. If you work with a company that keeps transcriptions local, you know that you are not engaging in exploitation. Although companies that employ offshore labour charge less, they also often keep a more significant percentage of that fee. Think about the types of working practices you are supporting.
If you pay people a fair wage, they will do a better job. If you want someone creating your transcripts who feels valued and is interested in their job, you are going to have to find a company that keeps its employees in-country. You are also probably going to have to pay a premium. The advantage is that you will get a better product that someone spent more time and effort creating. How Much Do Transcription Services Cost? There is a lot of variability in the cost of transcription services and an equal number of variables in outcomes. Automated and human transcription services sit in somewhat different product categories. Rates For Automated Transcription Services (Speech to Text Software) Automated transcription services are relatively straightforward with pricing, although different companies use different models. Some operate on subscriptions, others have additional or standalone per minute fees. With the exception of platforms like Otter that have relatively generous free packages, you can expect to pay around £0.08 ($0.10) per minute of recorded audio time. Subscription models range between £12 to £7 per month. Are Human Transcription Services Too Expensive? Human transcription services offer more options than transcription software platforms, creating more complex pricing models. However, they deliver certainty and control over what you get. Many pricing variables are linked to quality control. If you need quality and options around the detail captured in your transcription, then human transcription services are how you get that — no matter what it costs. This is particularly true when you require high levels of accuracy, have complex requirements or poor quality audio files. Factors impacting the cost of transcription services Starting prices vary based on the type of transcription you want. Strict verbatim transcripts cost more, summaries cost less. Intelligent verbatim is seen as the industry standard. In most cases, transcription services will level fees for poor audio quality, multiple speakers, timestamps and accelerated turnaround times. These kinds of hidden fees in transcription services are what you need to look out for when selecting a service.