Automate meeting minutes! 17 transcription apps for web conferences [How to choose]

What? You still take minutes by hand?

For those of you who are feeling a bit startled, we'd like to introduce you to a handy tool for transcribing web conferences and online meetings .

• I am looking for a tool that can automatically create minutes of web conferences (online meetings).
• It's a hassle to hand-transcribe recorded audio data later... I want to save as much time as possible.
• I don't know which one to choose, so please tell me how to choose and what apps you recommend!

This content is recommended for those who have such concerns.

Although they are all called "transcription apps," there are a wide variety of prices and features.

Even if we limit it to only those that are compatible with web conferencing, there are so many options that it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

In this article, we will introduce as many web conference transcription apps (minutes tools) as possible and provide detailed explanations of the checkpoints to consider when selecting one .

*We have also summarized the transcription support status of popular web conferencing tools such as Zoom and Teams.

The tools introduced are all useful tools that are being increasingly adopted not only by information-sensitive venture companies but also by large corporations and local governments.

By reading this article, you'll be sure to find the perfect transcription app for your needs and be amazed at how quickly you can save time on creating meeting minutes.

Please be sure to watch until the end.

17 Recommended Apps and Web Services for Transcribing Web Conferences

Now, let's introduce some apps and web services that can be used to transcribe web conferences (online meetings)!

1. Mr. Transcription

"Transcription-san" is a Japanese web transcription service that uses the latest AI.

Its greatest strength is the transcription accuracy achieved through high-performance transcription AI .

Mr. Transcription allows you to choose from two types of transcription AI.

• AmiVoice: Speaker separation function (transcription for each speaker), supports Japanese and English
• PerfectVoice: Transcription completed in about 10 minutes, supports 100 languages

When transcribing online web conferences, one feature you should definitely make use of is the "speaker separation" feature built into "AmiVoice."

Since the AI automatically identifies who spoke and transcribes it, it greatly reduces the effort required to edit the transcribed text file to make it clear who spoke.

It's also very easy to use. Although it doesn't have the ability to connect to Zoom or have a real-time transcription function, you can easily convert the recorded audio file into text by simply uploading it via your browser.

You can use it for free for up to one minute without registering or logging in , so you can check the transcription performance in advance.

It supports not only audio but also video files, making it perfect for those who want to transcribe directly from recorded web conference data.

If you are unsure about how to transcribe, we recommend that you first try out Mr. Transcription.

2. Google Docs

Google Docs also has a feature that can be used to transcribe web meetings.

If you have never used a transcription app before, we recommend starting with the one you are familiar with.

To use it, just select Tools → Voice Input from the menu bar. You can easily perform automatic transcription (voice input) by turning the microphone button on and off.

*Transcribing recorded data can be a bit of a hassle, so we recommend using another app.

Google Docs

3. Sloos

Sloos is an automated transcription service.

This also has a speaker separation function , which is useful for creating minutes during web conferences.

The advantage is that a single microphone can distinguish between multiple speakers , making it easy to check and correct the content later.

The accuracy of the voice recognition is also quite good. I recommend it for creating minutes of online meetings with the assumption that they will be edited.

Sloos

4. User local voice recording system

The user-local audio minutes system is a service that allows multiple people to easily use the transcription function by issuing and sharing a dedicated URL.

It's very unique in that it automatically analyzes comments and graphs the ratio of positive/negative comments, etc.

It also extracts frequently used words in conversations , which will be useful when looking back on the conversation.

This is a service that specializes in creating minutes for web conferences (online meetings), and as it is a business service for Japanese companies, you can use it with confidence.

Audio Minutes System (Free) - User Local

5. Talk To CSV

This is also a transcription service developed by an individual that can be used online simply by accessing the URL.

Not only can you transcribe conversations, but you can also temporarily record them. Another key point is that you can also enter text chat.

The contents will be output to a CSV file.

It looks like it would be easy to edit using Excel etc.

Talk To CSV

6. Smart Secretary

If you are looking for a transcription tool for web conferences to introduce to your company, we recommend that you first consider this tool, which has a long track record of implementation in large corporations and local governments.

The defining feature of Smart Secretary is that its editing functions are extremely easy to use.

The minutes you create can be output to a Word file , making it easy to create future documents.

In addition to using it online from a PC browser, it can also be used via dedicated apps for iPhone and Android.

Smart Secretary

7. Onyaku

We also recommend this tool if you have a lot of online interactions with your overseas partners.

Another key point is that it not only provides automatic transcription, but also translates in real time.

The translation engine uses the high-performance AI "T-3MT" developed by Rosetta Co., Ltd.

Another key point is that in addition to the cloud version, there are various styles to choose from, such as PC-installed and mobile versions, to suit your environment.

They also hold webinars that provide detailed explanations on how to use the software to address issues specific to each industry and department, so you can rest assured when using it to transcribe the minutes of online conferences at your company.

Onyaku

8. AI GIJIROKU

If you use Zoom as your web conferencing tool, we also recommend this service.

As it touts itself as "the only Zoom integration in Japan," its major feature is that it has a system that is extremely easy for Zoom users to implement .

It supports not only online meetings but also offline meetings.

There are many different pricing plans, and you can try it out for free, so why not give it a try?

AI GIJIROKU (AI Minutes)

9. Toruno

For Windows users who want an easy way to transcribe online web conferences, we also recommend this tool provided by RICOH.

Toruno is a simple tool that allows you to easily transcribe automatically with just one or two clicks, and it also has a function that not only captures and saves audio and text, but also the screen during meetings.

In addition to the personal version, a business version is also available, suitable for team use.

You can try it for free for the first three hours, so it's perfect for those who want to compare its usability with other tools.

toruno

10. Minutz

This is a web-based online transcription service that was previously offered under the name "ObotAI Minutes."

Its main feature is that it uses a unique voice processing and translation system based on Google's engine.

It also has a function that allows you to customize it to suit your own environment by registering dictionaries, etc.

Another key point is that the website loudly advertises its complete security system.

Another reassuring point is that the system has a long track record of being implemented in local governments .

Minutz

11. COTOHA Meeting Assist

COTOHA Meeting Assist is an online transcription service for web conferences operated by NTT Communications.

Since it is an NTT service, it may be relatively well-known for business use.

The price is relatively reasonable for a service provided by a major company. The AI automatically recognizes homework items being spoken and labels them as "tasks," making it an excellent tool not only for creating minutes but also as a total business support tool.

Since it is well-known, it may be relatively easy to introduce it with business partners, etc.

COTOHA Meeting Assist

12. AmiVoice ScribeAssist

This can be considered a modern version of "AmiVoice," a Japanese voice recognition software that was once all the rage.

The biggest feature is that it can be used as a standalone (offline) device .

A major feature of this system is that voice recognition can be performed without connecting to the Internet, minimizing the risk of information leaks .

Since the whole process from recording to transcription and editing can be completed within one software, you can proceed with your work smoothly.

It is also possible to display transcribed text on the Zoom screen.

Because it is a standalone app, the transcription accuracy is inferior to that of online AI transcription services, but the major advantage is that there are fewer security risks .

It is a valuable tool that can be used even when not online.

Too bad it's Windows only and not Mac compatible.

AmiVoice ScribeAssist

13.YouWire WebMeeting

Here is the minutes service of the call recording system "YouWire" .

The unique feature of this service is that you can record your own voice and the other person's voice simultaneously using one app .

Zoom also has the ability to automatically upload recording files saved by the Zoom app to a voice recognition system.

Another important point is that the service has comprehensive security measures in place to prevent the recording data from being tampered with or leaked. This is exactly what you'd expect from a service with a good reputation for call recording.

YouWire WebMeeting

14. ZMEETING

Here is an online AI meeting minutes creation tool developed by Hmcomm, a venture company spun off from the National Research and Development Agency .

A unique feature of ZMEETING is that it not only transcribes in real time, but also allows you to upload saved recording files later and convert them into text.

Many transcription tools for web conferences focus on real-time transcription functionality, so the ability to upload files and have them transcribed, like with Mr. Transcription introduced above, is a major advantage.

It also has a function to automatically remove unnecessary words such as "ah" and "um" (filler removal) .

There is also an academic version for students and educational institutions, which can be used at a reasonable price.

This online service is likely to be useful for multilingual lectures and seminars.

ZMEETING

15. Texta

This is also an automatic transcription tool that supports both real-time and audio files .

To use this, you need the Google Chrome web browser.

The best part is that you can use it regardless of device or environment as long as you have Google Chrome .

The operation is very simple, and you can easily record, transcribe, and download the text.

It is a simple online service, so even beginners to transcription tools can use it conveniently.

The fee is 30,000 yen, with one plan for up to 100 hours, so the pricing is very easy to understand.

Texta

16. Otter

Otter is an AI transcription service specializing in English.

This is a highly recommended option if you are only using it for English web conference minutes .

Its main feature is its highly accurate proprietary voice recognition engine.

Furthermore, the corporate plan allows for smooth integration with Zoom.

If you log in with the same account, you can record on your smartphone while checking the text on your computer's easy-to-read screen.

If you are not confident in your English, we recommend using these highly specialized services.

Otter

17. Notta

If you are looking for flexible usage that suits your needs, we also recommend this transcription service.

Notta is a transcription tool whose main feature is its highly functional and easy-to-use smartphone app.

The browser version also comes with a Chrome extension that converts audio content from web conferencing tools into text, as well as the Zoom-specific "Notta Bot."

It is also recommended to use the smartphone version to record and transcribe face-to-face meetings, and the web version for online meetings.

Notta

7 points to consider when choosing a transcription app

There are so many recommendations that I can't narrow it down to just one...

To help you out, we've put together a list of things you should keep in mind when choosing a transcription tool .

• Transcription method
• Speech recognition engine (AI)
• Multiple Speaker Identification
• Web conferencing tool integration
• Languages spoken
• Safety features
• Fee

This may seem like a lot, but they are all very important check items, so be sure to check them carefully.

1. Transcription method

There are two main types of transcription tools:

• Converting audio files to text
• Real-time transcription (audio input)

There are two types:

There are some services that offer both, but they can be quite pricey.

If you have a limited use case, it is best to choose something more specialized.

If you are looking for a service that will convert audio files into text by uploading them, we recommend Mr. Transcription .

Find the perfect real-time transcription service from the services introduced in this article.

2. Speech recognition engine (AI)

The heart of any transcription tool is the AI speech recognition engine .

There are many types of AI voice recognition engines, including PerfectVoice and AmiVoice, which are used by Mr. Transcription.

Well-known systems created by major companies include those developed by Google, Microsoft, and IBM, but there are also systems that have been independently developed and improved by various companies providing AI transcription services.

Different AIs excel in some genres and not others, so if you have the opportunity to try out samples, we recommend testing as many different systems as possible.

Specifically, when transcribing web conferences, check whether the device has the "speaker separation function" described below.

3.Speaker separation function (function to distinguish between multiple speakers)

The speaker separation feature provides AI transcription for each speaker.

It automatically distinguishes speakers, greatly reducing the effort required to transcribe online web conferences.

Meetings are often recorded simultaneously using multiple devices, and some tools have the ability to combine audio from multiple input sources and transcribe each speaker separately.

This is useful when checking the minutes later or compiling them into documents, so when choosing a transcription service for web conferences, it's recommended to choose one that has this function .

4. Web conferencing tool integration

General transcription tools are designed to be launched and used separately from web conferencing tools.

However, there are also some apps that have more comprehensive integration functions and are designed to minimize the need for complicated operations.

It's easy to forget to launch the app or press the record button, so we recommend taking advantage of this feature to prevent such careless mistakes .

5. Supported languages

Recently, we have been dealing with more and more overseas business partners and clients, not just in Japanese, so multilingual support has become an important factor.

English is the most widely supported language, but there are also AI transcription services that support other languages, so it's worth checking out.

For example , Mr. Transcription uses the AI transcription engine PerfectVoice to transcribe in 100 different languages.

In addition to the languages supported by the voice recognition engine, there are also tools that can automatically translate while transcribing, so be sure to choose one that suits your level.

6. Security

Web conference transcription deals with important business interactions.

Therefore, sufficient consideration must be given to safety .

If complete security is important, you will need to record the meeting as an audio file and then use a standalone (offline compatible) service after the meeting has ended, but in reality, in terms of transcription accuracy, you will likely often choose to use an online AI transcription service during the meeting.

When choosing an AI transcription service, be sure to check in advance what kind of security measures the service has in place.

For example, in the case of Mr. Transcription, various security measures are taken, as explained on this page.

Of course, even when not using an AI transcription service, you should take proper precautions to prevent audio files and transcribed text files from being leaked.

7. Fees

Finally, the cost differences for each service are also an important consideration.

Some services have free and paid plans, and even the same paid service may have significantly different pricing structures for businesses and individuals.

Depending on the plan, the number of simultaneous meeting participants, additional features, the amount of support, and other features may vary, so it is important to make a comprehensive judgment rather than simply comparing the price difference.

Another important thing to check is whether you can try it for free before you actually pay for it.

When choosing an online AI transcription service for web conferences, it is recommended that you check the actual accuracy of the transcription before using it.

For example , Mr. Transcription allows you to transcribe up to one minute without having to register or log in , so if you choose an AI transcription service that you can try for free, you can transcribe without any mistakes.

Summary of transcription support for popular web conferencing tools

Doesn't the web conferencing tool itself have a transcription function?

For those of you with these questions, we have researched the transcription capabilities of various web conferencing tools, including ZOOM.

ZOOM

ZOOM has transcription features called "Subtitles" and "Full Transcript."

each

• Subtitles: Display the transcript like subtitles
• Full transcript: displayed in chat format on the right side of the screen

This is how it is displayed differently.

Previously, ZOOM could only transcribe in English, but as of September 2022, it has also started supporting transcription in Japanese .

This is a useful feature, so we recommend using it in web conferences in conjunction with the transcription services introduced in this article.

Microsoft Teams

The desktop version offers "live transcription" and "cloud recording transcription," both of which are available in Japanese.

View live transcription in a Teams meeting
Teams cloud meeting recording - Microsoft Teams | Microsoft Docs

Google Meet

Google Meet's "live captions (subtitle function)" previously did not support Japanese, but now it supports Japanese as well.

Use subtitles and subtitle translation in Google Meet

You can also display Japanese subtitles by using the Chrome extension called "Koemoji."

Koemoji - Chrome Web Store

As such, transcription tools are built into web conferencing apps as a standard feature, making them convenient to use.

However, if you want to create an official document that serves as the minutes of a web conference, dedicated transcription tools and services like those introduced in this article have the advantage.

We recommend that you use dedicated transcription tools and services and the transcription functions of web conferencing tools to complement each other's strengths and transcribe intelligently.

summary

This time, we explained a tool that can automatically transcribe online web conferences.

In conclusion, we recommend that you introduce a transcription app (meeting minutes tool) immediately.

• Advances in AI have dramatically improved the accuracy of voice recognition.
• Even if there are occasional mistakes, it still saves a lot of time compared to the effort of transcribing manually from scratch.
• Time is money, so we recommend using it for more productive tasks.

If you want to reduce unnecessary work and become a capable businessman, there is no reason not to use a transcription tool.

AI will become even more indispensable in our lives and work in the future. If we miss the boat, we may find ourselves falling far behind our rivals.

Be sure to try out some of these convenient tools from the future, no, the modern era.

■ AI transcription service "Mr. Transscription"

"Mr. Transcription" is an online transcription tool that can be used from zero initial cost and 1,000 yen per month (* free version available).

• Supports more than 20 file formats such as audio, video, and images
• Can be used from both PC and smartphone
• Supports technical terms such as medical care, IT, and long-term care
• Supports creation of subtitle files and speaker separation
• Supports transcription in approximately 100 languages ​​including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Italian, etc.

To use it, just upload the audio file from the site. Transcription text is available in seconds to tens of minutes.
You can use it for free if you transcribe it for up to 10 minutes, so please try it once.

It is "Mr. Transcription" who can easily transcribe from audio, video, and images. Transcription allows you to transcribe for up to 10 minutes for free. You can copy, download, search, delete, etc. the transcribed text. You can also create subtitle files, which is ideal for transcription of interview videos.

HP: mojiokoshi3.com
Email: mojiokoshi3.com@gmail.com