You can convert audio and video files into text. The two may share certain similarities, but they have unique differences. Captioning and transcription go hand in hand together as the popularity of videos in content creation and marketing gains prominence. Many ask if video transcription differs from its solo-audio counterpart. This article examines the differences, but we also need to understand what video and audio transcription are.
What Is the Difference Between Video and Audio Transcription?
Video transcription is commonly known as captioning, while transcription instead refers to audio-to-text conversions. Despite this, the term transcription frequently encompasses audio and video when they need their content turned into text. The two words have become quite popular as videos gain prominence in content creation and marketing. Just remember, transcription is the process of converting audio into written text, while captioning divides the transcript text into caption frames.
Audio Transcription
Converting audio to text is something transcriptionists often do. The audio can be from recordings, such as phone calls, meetings, or conferences. In certain instances, the audio file may be a part of a video. It is hence accurate to say that transcription is the foundation of captioning.
Transcriptions can be clean or full verbatim, depending on where you intend to use them. Transcripts are similar to captions in many ways, such as providing textual content for audio or video files. However, you can have it as a separate text file, PDF, or Word document for translation into other languages when needed. You can also have them indexed or in plain text. Time-indexed transcripts are what captioners use to produce video captions.
Video Transcription
Video transcription often goes by the name of captioning in certain circles. Even though captions are derived from transcripts, video transcription and audio-to-text conversion processes differ. The two also serve different purposes. Transcription makes audio-only content accessible, while closed captioning is a legal requirement for content creators and marketers to make videos accessible to everyone. Furthermore, captioning involves dividing the transcript into time-coded chunks called caption frames. Depending on your needs, you can also format video captions with clean verbatim, full verbatim, or time-stamped transcripts.
Most videos will use open or closed captions. Open captions are part of the video. You cannot turn them off, while closed captions can be switched on and off. Closed captions are a legal requirement to ensure the deaf and hard of hearing can access entertainment and information on TV and other media.
Benefits of Video Captions and Audio Transcription
Transcription comes with immense benefits, irrespective of the type. Here are some of the advantages that come with video and audio transcription.
· Video Captions
Captions allow the deaf, the hard of hearing, and viewers with learning disabilities or English as a secondary language to access your content. It also improves SEO as search engines scan relevant keywords in the videos to rank them higher than the ones without captions. Users can also consume the content in sound-sensitive environments, improving user experience. Including closed captions in your video content will also save you from legal suits since it is a legal requirement for all live and pre-recorded video content.
· Audio Transcription
Transcription compliments audio and video content to improve access. It also increases SEO ranking for audio and video content since search engines can read the transcripts. Users can easily search for keywords and topics in the audio or video content for a better user experience. Translated transcripts can also allow users to access your content in their native language, making your audio file more impactful.
Video Transcription vs. Audio Transcription: Use
Even though both transcription and captioning make content accessible to viewers, it is crucial to know where to use each. For instance, deaf students may benefit from audio and video transcription, but it is not enough to meet the requirements set by law. Captioning will be the best solution. Understanding these details will help you make informed decisions to elevate the value of your content and comply with legal requirements.
Video Transcription vs. Audio Transcription: Accessibility
Your video content must be fully accessible to viewers to comply with the law. Audio transcription alone is inadequate because it lacks time codes that allow the disabled to follow the content in real-time. Video transcription provides the perfect solution for this setback.
Final Thoughts
Video and audio transcriptions are crucial for content creators. Audio transcripts contribute immensely to content accessibility and form the building block for creating captions. They are superb for creating a written record of things and making content easily searchable. On the other hand, video transcription or captioning helps the autistic, people with learning difficulties, and those who speak English as a second language to understand and enjoy video content. Get in touch with professionals that can help you on both sides today using this link: https://gotranscript.com/video-to-text.
