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How to turn video into useful transcripts that automate better post captions

Transcribe video into useful source text that automations can use to draft accurate post captions from what was actually said.

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Turn what was said on camera into better post captions

Clipflow can transcribe the media files in your projects. When it finishes, the readable transcript lives in that media file’s Attributes tab.

That turns a 90 minute interview from something only one person has watched into useful source material for automations that draft post captions from the actual words that were said.

Why transcribe?

Common problems solved:

  • Remembering the exact wording from a long recording
  • Writing captions and descriptions from memory
  • Rewatching a recording just to recover the language for a post
  • Caption drafts that paraphrase the speaker instead of using their actual language

What you get:

  • A transcript in the media file’s Attributes tab
  • Source material for post captions, descriptions, and repurposing
  • A trigger automations can react to

Step 1: Request a transcription

  1. Open the project and find the media file.
  2. Choose Transcribe from the file’s actions.
  3. The job is queued.

Transcription runs in the background. Long files take longer, and you can carry on working while it runs.

Step 2: Open the transcript on the media file

When it finishes, open the media file and choose the Attributes tab. The transcript stays with the file it came from, alongside its other media details.

Step 3: Get notified

Finishing a transcription raises an event, which means:

  • Notifications can tell you it is ready. See Notifications.
  • Automations can react to it. See How Automations Work.
  • Webhooks can push it to your own systems as media_file.transcription_completed. See Webhooks.

The automation case is especially useful for publishing. Trigger on a finished transcription and an agent can draft post captions from the recording’s actual language, then summarise the recording or list the strongest standalone moments before anyone opens it. There is a worked version in Automation Recipes.

Use the transcript to automate better post captions

Automate post captions. Use the completed transcript as the source for an automation that drafts captions for posts connected to the project. Your team starts from language the speaker actually used, then reviews the draft before publishing.

Write descriptions. Use the wording and context from the transcript when drafting long-form descriptions, chapters, and supporting copy.

Repurpose the recording. Give an agent the source text to summarise an interview, pull out themes, or prepare first drafts for a newsletter or blog post.

Tips and best practices

  • Transcribe the final cut by default. It is the best source for post captions because it reflects what the audience will actually hear. Transcribe a raw file instead only when you need source material from before the edit.
  • Record clean audio. Transcription quality follows audio quality. A lapel mic changes the result more than any setting.
  • Check names in generated drafts. Product names, people, and jargon are where transcription errors cluster. Correct them before a post caption is approved.
  • Automate the summary. If you transcribe regularly, have an agent produce the summary so the transcript is useful the moment it lands.
  • Automate a caption draft, then review it. A transcript gives the automation the source material; your team still owns the final post language and publishing decision.
  • Transcripts do not identify speakers. On a multi-speaker recording, review the wording against the footage before attributing a quote in a post.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?

It scales with the length of the file. Short clips are quick, long interviews take a while. It runs in the background either way.

What languages are supported?

Transcription handles the major languages. Accuracy is highest on clear, single-speaker audio.

Where do I find the completed transcript?

Open the media file and select its Attributes tab. The transcript stays with that media file; it does not appear as a project page.

Can I transcribe audio-only files?

Yes. Audio is extracted before transcription anyway.

Will it transcribe automatically on upload?

Transcription is requested per file today. If you want it every time, the request is a good candidate for your own integration through the API.

Does transcription cost extra?

It is included in your plan. See Plans and Billing.

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