> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tryhamsa.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating Transcriptions

> Step-by-step guide to creating transcription jobs from files, YouTube links, or recordings

## Overview

Speech to Text supports three methods for creating transcription jobs:

* **File Upload**: Upload audio or video files from your device
* **YouTube Link**: Transcribe videos directly from YouTube
* **Live Recording**: Record audio directly in your browser

<img className="block dark:hidden" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw/images/speech-to-text/speech-to-text-upload-types-light.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw&q=85&s=e2c88cd93c70d4d2f3e15b026b4b38ff" alt="Supported file types for upload" width="2014" height="474" data-path="images/speech-to-text/speech-to-text-upload-types-light.png" />

<img className="hidden dark:block" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw/images/speech-to-text/speech-to-text-upload-types-dark.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw&q=85&s=1db955652b566b540ee4a12c9baf8d5f" alt="Supported file types for upload" width="1828" height="424" data-path="images/speech-to-text/speech-to-text-upload-types-dark.png" />

<Info>
  All transcription jobs are processed asynchronously. Processing time depends on file length, typically 1-5 minutes for most files. You can monitor
  job status in real-time.
</Info>

## Creating File Upload Transcriptions

File upload allows you to transcribe audio and video files stored on your device.

### When to Use File Upload

File upload is ideal for:

* Pre-recorded audio files
* Video files with audio tracks
* Archived recordings
* Files from your computer or mobile device

### Supported File Formats

| Format       | Extension | Max Size | Recommended        |
| ------------ | --------- | -------- | ------------------ |
| Audio - MP3  | `.mp3`    | 200 MB   | Best compatibility |
| Audio - WAV  | `.wav`    | 200 MB   | High quality       |
| Audio - WEBM | `.webm`   | 200 MB   | High quality       |
| Audio - OGG  | `.ogg`    | 200 MB   | High quality       |
| Video - MP4  | `.mp4`    | 200 MB   | Most common        |
| Video - MOV  | `.mov`    | 200 MB   | Apple format       |

### Requirements

| Field        | Requirement | Validation                          |
| ------------ | ----------- | ----------------------------------- |
| **File**     | Required    | one file max size 200 MB            |
| **Title**    | Required    | Auto-filled from filename, editable |
| **Language** | Required    | Select from language dropdown       |

### Step-by-Step Process

1. **Navigate to Speech to Text**

   * Go to the Speech to Text section in your dashboard
   * Click the **"Upload"** button in the action buttons area

   <img className="block dark:hidden" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw/images/speech-to-text/speech-to-text-navigate-section-light.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw&q=85&s=b278c3649e357921536227239e3f550e" alt="Navigate to Speech to Text section" width="1950" height="554" data-path="images/speech-to-text/speech-to-text-navigate-section-light.png" />

   <img className="hidden dark:block" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw/images/speech-to-text/speech-to-text-navigate-section-dark.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw&q=85&s=05e2b0aeb5669cf28b8723852fd98641" alt="Navigate to Speech to Text section" width="1920" height="608" data-path="images/speech-to-text/speech-to-text-navigate-section-dark.png" />

2. **Open Upload Modal**

   * The "Transcribe Files" modal opens
   * You'll see a drag-and-drop area

   <img className="block dark:hidden" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw/images/speech-to-text/speech-to-text-open-upload-modal-light.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw&q=85&s=96eede3b0106918707af4b97dfd34ebe" alt="Open upload modal" width="1062" height="820" data-path="images/speech-to-text/speech-to-text-open-upload-modal-light.png" />

   <img className="hidden dark:block" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw/images/speech-to-text/speech-to-text-open-upload-modal-dark.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw&q=85&s=a8df7cdd7669fea6bf05fe2d8be471cf" alt="Open upload modal" width="1110" height="830" data-path="images/speech-to-text/speech-to-text-open-upload-modal-dark.png" />

3. **Select File**

   * **Drag and Drop**: Drag a file from your file explorer into the upload area
   * **Click to Browse**: Click the upload area to open file picker
   * **Single File**: Select one file at a time
   * File appears below the upload area

4. **File Validation**

   * System validates file format immediately
   * Invalid files are rejected with error message
   * File size is checked (must be under 200MB)

5. **Enter Job Details**

   * **Title**: Auto-filled from filename, can be edited
     * Example: "Meeting Recording - January 15"
     * Example: "Customer Interview - Product Feedback"
   * **Primary Language**: Select the language spoken in the audio
     * Default: Arabic
     * Options: Arabic, English
   * Title field updates automatically when file is selected

6. **Review File**

   * Check file name is correct
   * Verify file details are accurate
   * Remove file if needed (click X button)

7. **Submit for Processing**
   * Click **"Upload"** button
   * File uploads to the server
   * Transcription job is created
   * You're redirected to the jobs list

<Warning>Once uploaded, file cannot be modified. Ensure you upload the correct file and enter accurate metadata before submitting.</Warning>

### File Upload Best Practices

**File Preparation:**

* Ensure files are not corrupted or password-protected
* Verify audio quality is sufficient for transcription
* Use clear, descriptive filenames before uploading
* Compress very large files if possible (while maintaining quality)

**Content Quality:**

* Clear audio with minimal background noise
* Single language per file (multi-language may reduce accuracy)
* Adequate volume levels
* Minimal echo or distortion

**Example Filenames:**

```
Good: "Team_Meeting_2024_01_15.mp3"
Good: "Customer_Interview_Product_X.wav"
Bad: "recording.mp3"
Bad: "file_final_final_v2.mp4"
```

### File Upload Limitations

* **Maximum file size**: 200MB per file
* **Maximum files per upload**: 1 file
* **Processing time**: 1-5 minutes per file (depends on length)
* **File format**: Must match supported formats exactly

### Upload Process Details

After clicking "Upload", the system:

1. **Upload Phase**: File uploads to secure storage

   * Progress indicator shows upload status
   * Upload time depends on file size and connection speed

2. **Validation Phase**: System validates files

   * Format verification
   * Size verification
   * Audio track detection (for video files)

3. **Job Creation**: Transcription job created

   * Job ID assigned
   * Status set to "PENDING"
   * Job appears in jobs list

4. **Processing Starts**: Transcription begins automatically
   * Status changes to "IN\_PROGRESS"
   * Real-time status updates available
   * Completion notification when done

<Info>Each uploaded file creates a separate transcription job. You can upload one file at a time to create transcription jobs.</Info>

## Creating YouTube Link Transcriptions

YouTube link transcription allows you to transcribe videos directly from YouTube without downloading them.

### When to Use YouTube Links

YouTube links are ideal for:

* Public YouTube videos
* Video content you don't have downloaded
* Online video transcription
* Quick transcription without file handling
* Videos already on YouTube

### Requirements

| Field           | Requirement | Validation                             |
| --------------- | ----------- | -------------------------------------- |
| **YouTube URL** | Required    | Valid YouTube video URL                |
| **Title**       | Required    | Auto-filled from video title, editable |
| **Language**    | Required    | Select from language dropdown          |

### URL Validation Rules

**Required Format:**

* Must be a valid YouTube URL
* Formats supported:
  * `https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID`
  * `https://youtu.be/VIDEO_ID`
  * `https://youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID`

**Not Supported:**

* Private or unlisted videos (unless you have access)
* Videos with age restrictions
* Live streams (completed streams only)
* Videos longer than 2 hours (processing limitations)

### Step-by-Step Process

1. **Navigate to Speech to Text**

   * Go to the Speech to Text section
   * Click the **"YouTube"** button in the action buttons area

   <img className="block dark:hidden" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw/images/speech-to-text/youtube-navigate-light.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw&q=85&s=0d71850f8a06e7b9287df66e7b10449a" alt="Navigate to Speech to Text section and click YouTube button" width="1237" height="268" data-path="images/speech-to-text/youtube-navigate-light.png" />

   <img className="hidden dark:block" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw/images/speech-to-text/youtube-navigate-dark.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw&q=85&s=b31fc2a6d2faffa14c8ef4d35f757753" alt="Navigate to Speech to Text section and click YouTube button" width="1227" height="272" data-path="images/speech-to-text/youtube-navigate-dark.png" />

2. **Open YouTube Modal**

   * The "Transcribe YouTube Video" modal opens
   * You'll see URL input field

   <img className="block dark:hidden" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw/images/speech-to-text/youtube-modal-light.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw&q=85&s=ff24e95049d27643fc730c38908c7905" alt="Transcribe YouTube video modal" width="605" height="510" data-path="images/speech-to-text/youtube-modal-light.png" />

   <img className="hidden dark:block" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw/images/speech-to-text/youtube-modal-dark.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw&q=85&s=b02fee0b5f956875dfed6e2633c4d2c8" alt="Transcribe YouTube video modal" width="587" height="506" data-path="images/speech-to-text/youtube-modal-dark.png" />

3. **Enter YouTube URL**

   * Paste or type the YouTube video URL
   * URL validation happens in real-time
   * Valid URLs show green checkmark
   * Invalid URLs show error message

4. **URL Validation**

   * System validates URL format
   * Checks if video is accessible
   * Retrieves video metadata
   * Status indicator shows validation progress

5. **Video Information**

   * Video title is retrieved automatically
   * Title field is auto-filled
   * You can edit the title if needed

6. **Enter Job Details**

   * **Title**: Auto-filled from video title, can be edited
     * Example: "Product Demo Video - January 2024"
     * Example: "Tutorial: Getting Started Guide"
   * **Primary Language**: Select the language spoken in the video
     * Default: Arabic
     * Options: Arabic, English

7. **Submit for Processing**
   * Click **"Submit"** button
   * System extracts audio from video
   * Transcription job is created
   * You're redirected to the jobs list

<Warning>YouTube videos must be publicly accessible. Private or unlisted videos may fail if you don't have proper access permissions.</Warning>

### YouTube URL Examples

**Standard YouTube URL:**

```
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ
```

**Short YouTube URL:**

```
https://youtu.be/dQw4w9WgXcQ
```

**With Timestamp:**

```
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ&t=120s
(Note: Timestamp is ignored, entire video is transcribed)
```

### YouTube Processing Details

The system:

1. **Video Access**: Validates video is accessible
2. **Audio Extraction**: Downloads and extracts audio track
3. **Job Creation**: Creates transcription job
4. **Processing**: Transcribes extracted audio
5. **Completion**: Video title and metadata preserved

<Info>YouTube transcription uses the same processing pipeline as file uploads. The only difference is the source of the audio file.</Info>

## Creating Live Recording Transcriptions

Live recording allows you to record audio directly in your browser and transcribe it immediately.

### When to Use Live Recording

Live recording is ideal for:

* Quick voice notes
* Immediate transcription needs
* Testing and practice
* Interviews or conversations
* Real-time recording scenarios

### Requirements

| Field                 | Requirement | Notes                         |
| --------------------- | ----------- | ----------------------------- |
| **Recording**         | Required    | Minimum 30 seconds            |
| **Title**             | Required    | Enter descriptive title       |
| **Language**          | Required    | Select from language dropdown |
| **Microphone Access** | Required    | Browser permission needed     |

### Browser Compatibility

**Supported Browsers:**

* Chrome (recommended)
* Firefox
* Edge
* Safari (with limitations)

**Requirements:**

* Microphone access permission
* HTTPS connection (required for microphone access)
* Modern browser with MediaRecorder API support

### Step-by-Step Process

1. **Navigate to Speech to Text**

   * Go to the Speech to Text section
   * Click the **"Record"** button in the action buttons area

   <img className="block dark:hidden" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW/images/speech-to-text/record-navigate-light.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW&q=85&s=7381caace349d7e1b7d0cdf6a96387bc" alt="Navigate to Speech to Text section and click Record button" width="1220" height="276" data-path="images/speech-to-text/record-navigate-light.png" />

   <img className="hidden dark:block" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW/images/speech-to-text/record-navigate-dark.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW&q=85&s=17fa3770f411c3893b1dcb66a76d9dbb" alt="Navigate to Speech to Text section and click Record button" width="1248" height="297" data-path="images/speech-to-text/record-navigate-dark.png" />

2. **Open Record Modal**

   * The "Record Audio" modal opens
   * You'll see recording interface

   <img className="block dark:hidden" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW/images/speech-to-text/record-modal-light.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW&q=85&s=8d5f6be46160b3698ed5bed291841d46" alt="Record audio modal" width="575" height="330" data-path="images/speech-to-text/record-modal-light.png" />

   <img className="hidden dark:block" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW/images/speech-to-text/record-modal-dark.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW&q=85&s=a60d24c6cd25781df5fc604d0e703fa9" alt="Record audio modal" width="577" height="322" data-path="images/speech-to-text/record-modal-dark.png" />

3. **Grant Microphone Permission**

   * Browser requests microphone access
   * Click **"Allow"** to grant permission
   * Permission is remembered for future recordings

4. **Prepare for Recording**

   * Ensure microphone is working
   * Test audio levels (visual indicator)
   * Find quiet environment if possible
   * Position yourself near microphone

5. **Start Recording**

   * Click the **"Record"** button (microphone icon)
   * Recording starts immediately
   * Timer shows recording duration
   * Visual indicator shows recording is active

6. **During Recording**

   * **Pause**: Click pause button to temporarily stop
   * **Resume**: Click resume to continue recording
   * **Stop**: Click stop when finished
   * Minimum recording: 30 seconds
   * Maximum recommended: 2 hours

   <img className="block dark:hidden" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW/images/speech-to-text/during-record-light.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW&q=85&s=8281570c19ede2208a6bc46dc4fd91d8" alt="During recording interface showing pause, stop, and cancel buttons" width="583" height="403" data-path="images/speech-to-text/during-record-light.png" />

   <img className="hidden dark:block" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW/images/speech-to-text/during-record-dark.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW&q=85&s=e09ba0637846513e542dee09f3429f32" alt="During recording interface showing pause, stop, and cancel buttons" width="575" height="410" data-path="images/speech-to-text/during-record-dark.png" />

7. **Stop Recording**

   * Click **"Stop"** button
   * Recording is finalized
   * Audio preview is available
   * You can review before submitting

8. **Review Recording**

   * Playback available to review
   * Check audio quality
   * Delete and re-record if needed
   * Recording duration displayed

   <img className="block dark:hidden" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw/images/speech-to-text/review-record-light.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=QGtXicSiiFwXSvOw&q=85&s=ee4a0bbb694fc96df8ea189aa4ed4bf0" alt="Review recording interface with playback, delete options, and job details" width="573" height="552" data-path="images/speech-to-text/review-record-light.png" />

   <img className="hidden dark:block" src="https://mintcdn.com/hamsa-452fa79a/z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW/images/speech-to-text/review-record-dark.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=z1y0oNwHv1IXNjPW&q=85&s=cd95b39842f21db2d93b3c5136e660a6" alt="Review recording interface with playback, delete options, and job details" width="580" height="553" data-path="images/speech-to-text/review-record-dark.png" />

9. **Enter Job Details**

   * **Title**: Enter descriptive title
     * Example: "Voice Note - Project Ideas"
     * Example: "Interview Recording - Candidate Name"
   * **Primary Language**: Select language spoken
     * Default: Arabic
     * Options: Arabic, English

10. **Submit for Processing**
    * Click **"Submit"** button
    * Recording is saved and uploaded
    * Transcription job is created
    * You're redirected to the jobs list

<Warning>
  Browser-based recording quality depends on your microphone and environment. For best results, use a good quality microphone in a quiet environment.
</Warning>

### Recording Controls

**Record Button:**

* Starts recording session
* Changes to pause/stop when active
* Visual feedback (pulsing animation)

**Pause/Resume:**

* Temporarily stops recording
* Resumes from same point
* Timer pauses during pause

**Stop Button:**

* Finalizes recording
* Prepares audio for submission
* Cannot resume after stopping

**Delete Recording:**

* Removes current recording
* Returns to start state
* Must re-record to continue

### Recording Best Practices

**Environment:**

* Use quiet room with minimal background noise
* Close windows to reduce external noise
* Turn off notifications on devices
* Use headset microphone if available

**Speaking:**

* Speak clearly and at moderate pace
* Maintain consistent distance from microphone
* Avoid covering microphone
* Pause naturally between thoughts

**Technical:**

* Test microphone before important recordings
* Check browser permissions
* Ensure stable internet connection
* Close unnecessary browser tabs

### Recording Limitations

* **Minimum duration**: 30 seconds
* **Maximum duration**: 2 hours (recommended)
* **Quality**: Depends on microphone and browser
* **Format**: Browser-encoded audio format
* **Network**: Requires stable connection for upload

## Language Selection

All transcription methods require selecting the primary language.

### Available Languages

* **Arabic** (default)
* **English**

### Language Selection Guidelines

**Single Language:**

* Select the primary language spoken
* Best accuracy when one language is dominant
* Mixed language may reduce accuracy

**Language Detection:**

* System attempts automatic detection
* Manual selection recommended for accuracy
* Incorrect language selection affects quality

<Info>
  Selecting the correct language significantly improves transcription accuracy. Choose the language that represents the majority of spoken content.
</Info>

## Job Status and Processing

After creating a transcription job, it goes through these states:

### Processing States

| Status        | Description               | Duration              | Actions Available          |
| ------------- | ------------------------- | --------------------- | -------------------------- |
| **PENDING**   | Transcription in progress | 1-5 minutes (typical) | Wait, view progress        |
| **COMPLETED** | Transcription finished    | -                     | View, edit, export, delete |
| **FAILED**    | Processing error occurred | -                     | View error, delete, retry  |

### Monitoring Job Status

**Jobs List:**

* View all transcription jobs
* Status indicator for each job
* Sort and filter by status
* Real-time status updates

**Job Details:**

* Detailed status information
* Processing progress (if available)
* Error messages (if failed)
* Completion timestamp

### Processing Time Estimates

| File Length   | Estimated Processing Time |
| ------------- | ------------------------- |
| 1-5 minutes   | 1-2 minutes               |
| 5-15 minutes  | 2-4 minutes               |
| 15-30 minutes | 4-8 minutes               |
| 30-60 minutes | 8-15 minutes              |
| 1-2 hours     | 15-30 minutes             |

<Warning>
  Processing times are estimates. Actual time depends on audio quality, language complexity, and system load. Very long files (2+ hours) may take
  significantly longer.
</Warning>

## Validation and Error Handling

### File Upload Validation

**File Format Errors:**

* "Invalid file type" - File extension not supported
* "File too large" - Exceeds 200MB limit
* "Corrupted file" - File cannot be read

**Solutions:**

* Verify file format matches supported types
* Compress large files or split into smaller files
* Re-export corrupted files from source

### YouTube URL Validation

**URL Errors:**

* "Invalid YouTube URL" - URL format incorrect
* "Video not accessible" - Private or restricted video
* "Video too long" - Exceeds processing limits

**Solutions:**

* Verify URL format matches YouTube URL patterns
* Ensure video is publicly accessible
* Use shorter videos or split long videos

### Recording Validation

**Recording Errors:**

* "Microphone access denied" - Permission not granted
* "Recording too short" - Less than 30 seconds
* "Audio quality insufficient" - Poor recording quality

**Solutions:**

* Grant microphone permissions in browser settings
* Record for at least 30 seconds
* Improve recording environment and equipment

### Processing Errors

**Common Processing Errors:**

* "Audio extraction failed" - Cannot extract audio from video
* "Transcription failed" - Processing error occurred
* "Language detection failed" - Cannot determine language

**Solutions:**

* Check file is not corrupted
* Verify language selection is correct
* Try re-uploading with different settings
* Contact support if errors persist

## Best Practices

### File Organization

**Naming Conventions:**

* Use descriptive, consistent names
* Include dates for chronological organization
* Use clear naming patterns

**Examples:**

```
Good: "Team_Meeting_2024_01_15.mp3"
Good: "Customer_Interview_Product_Feedback.wav"
Bad: "recording1.mp3"
Bad: "audio_final_v3.mp4"
```

### Content Preparation

**Audio Quality:**

* Use clear, high-quality recordings
* Minimize background noise
* Ensure adequate volume levels
* Avoid echo and distortion

**File Management:**

* Keep original files as backup
* Organize files before uploading
* Verify file integrity before upload
* Archive completed transcriptions

### Workflow Optimization

**Batch Processing:**

* Upload one file at a time
* Process files sequentially
* Use consistent naming for organization
* Track processing status

**Quality Control:**

* Review transcriptions after completion
* Edit transcripts for accuracy
* Organize speakers properly
* Export in appropriate formats

## Next Steps

After creating transcription jobs:

1. **[Managing Transcripts](./managing-transcripts)** - Organize and manage your transcription jobs
2. **[Speaker Management](./speaker-management)** - Work with speaker separation and identification
3. **[Export Options](./export-options)** - Export transcripts in various formats
4. **[Overview](./overview)** - Learn about Speech to Text features

## Related Documentation

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Managing Transcripts" href="./managing-transcripts">
    Organize and manage your transcription jobs
  </Card>

  <Card title="Speaker Management" href="./speaker-management">
    Work with speaker separation and identification
  </Card>

  <Card title="Export Options" href="./export-options">
    Export transcripts in multiple formats
  </Card>

  <Card title="Overview" href="./overview">
    Learn about Speech to Text features
  </Card>
</CardGroup>
