AccurateScribe.ai

How To Download A Transcript On Zoom

By Julia Bennett
6 min read
  • AI
  • Transcription
  • zoom

If you’re using Zoom for crucial virtual gatherings, capturing every key takeaway is vital. Zoom’s built-in Transcription feature can transform a recorded session into a detailed text record of your meeting. This article explores how you can transcribe your Zoom meetings or webinars, harnessing both native Zoom capabilities and advanced tools such as AccurateScribe.ai for multi-language support and enhanced accuracy.

Why Transcribe a Zoom Meeting?

  1. Improved Note-Taking
    Keeping detailed notes in real time is taxing. A transcript ensures no information gets overlooked or inaccurately noted.

  2. Accessibility & Inclusivity
    Transcripts help individuals with hearing impairments or non-native speakers follow the conversation at their own pace.

  3. Archiving & Compliance
    Many industries have regulations requiring saved meeting records. Text transcripts are easily searchable and storable for compliance purposes.

  4. Convenient Reference
    Searching text is far simpler than scrubbing through hours of video. Quickly pinpoint decisions, tasks, and relevant statements.

Creating Zoom Transcripts Using Zoom

What Is Transcription in Virtual Meetings?

In the Zoom context, transcription converts spoken dialogue from a virtual session into written text. This feature, which typically outputs a VTT file, ties each text snippet to a specific timestamp. Hosts can decide whether these captions appear live or remain hidden, and participants can benefit from the permanent record after the meeting ends.

Requirements for Using Zoom’s Transcribe Feature

Zoom’s automatic transcriptions are only available on Business, Education, or Enterprise accounts. Additionally:

  • Cloud Recording Enabled: Turn this on in your Zoom admin panel so sessions can be captured.
  • Correct Account Version: Users of free Zoom plans don’t have access to transcripts.
  • Contact Support if Missing: If you still can’t find the feature, ask Zoom to activate it for your account.

Creating a Transcript

Once Cloud Recording and the Transcription feature are live:

  1. Start a Cloud Recording
    Hosts or co-hosts must pick “Record to the Cloud.” Zoom concurrently produces a video file and transcript, though the transcript might arrive slightly later.

  2. Email Notifications
    Once processed, Zoom sends two emails to the host: one link for the Cloud Recording and another for the Transcript (VTT format).

  3. Availability
    Longer sessions can prolong transcript generation. The full transcript might not be immediately downloadable after the session ends.

Additional Settings

Editing the Transcript

You can tweak the text in either a text editor or directly in the Zoom portal:

  1. Log In to Zoom
    Go to Recordings in the navigation panel.
  2. Select the Relevant Meeting
    All associated files, including your transcript, will appear.
  3. Play the Recording
    The transcript text displays on the right side.
  4. Click the Pencil Icon
    Edit any section for accuracy or rename “Unknown Speaker.”
  5. Save Changes
    Confirm or click a checkmark icon to keep your edits.

Displaying Transcripts as Closed Captions

Automatic transcripts don’t always display as subtitles by default:

  1. Go to Recordings on the Zoom Web Portal
    Look for the meeting of interest.
  2. Click Play under the video preview.
  3. Tap CC at the video’s bottom**
    Subtitles appear so you can watch with on-screen captions.

Note: Zoom’s built-in transcription currently only supports English.

Searching Specific Text in a Transcript

For large volumes of recordings or lengthy meetings, use Zoom’s transcript search to find precise keywords:

  1. Sign in to Zoom.
  2. Navigate to Recordings or Recording Management if you’re an admin.
  3. Locate “Audio Transcript Search.”
  4. Type Your Keyword/Phrase.
  5. Click Search.
    • Matching sections are highlighted.
    • Select View Detail to open the entire transcript.

Transcribe Zoom Meetings with AccurateScribe.ai

While Zoom’s native tool works fine for English, it’s limited for multi-language or advanced editing. That’s where AccurateScribe.ai comes in:

1. Broader Capabilities

AccurateScribe.ai handles 120+ languages and accents, letting you transcribe and translate beyond English. It accommodates domain-specific terminology more effectively than default Zoom transcriptions.

2. Flexible Transcription Options

  • Machine Transcription: Quick and budget-friendly.
  • Human Transcription: Near-perfect accuracy for high-stakes sessions.

3. Easy Integration

  1. Upload your Zoom recording to AccurateScribe.ai (from device or direct link).
  2. Select Language & Output Settings.
  3. Download finished transcripts in TXT, DOCX, PDF, or HTML formats.
  4. Review, Edit, and Share with your team for consistent alignment on critical notes.

4. Additional Perks

  • Speaker Labels: Identify who’s speaking for clarity.
  • Timestamp Management: Quickly find specific moments.
  • Translation Tools: Expand reach to global teams or clients.

Final Thoughts

Transcribing your Zoom meetings or webinars helps maintain precise, easily accessible records of vital business conversations. While Zoom’s built-in feature suits many English-language scenarios, advanced solutions like AccurateScribe.ai can expand your capabilities with multi-language support, higher accuracy, and robust editing tools.

By integrating consistent transcription into your meeting culture, you’ll keep important details from slipping through the cracks and ensure everyone on your team remains informed—even those who weren’t present. Whether you rely on Zoom’s native tool or an external platform, a well-maintained transcript drives efficiency, inclusivity, and clear communication.