How to transcribe audio to text on a Mac - Free & 90% Accuracy

github.com/mat...
I’ll show you how to transcribe your audio to text on a Mac. And the way I used to transcribe my KZbin Audio to text is using Google Docs. There's a few issues with that lately I found that when I play a KZbin video and I actually try to use the speech or the voice to text feature of Google Docs it doesn't actually transcribe anything anymore. And the other thing is even when it did work there was all this interference within the room. If it was somebody on the phone or background noise like a TV could even be noise from outside like traffic. This would just make the text garbled and it'd be quite frustrating especially when you had a lot of audio to transcribe.
Now, I found a little hack. I've done it on a Mac and it's a driver call Soundflower. And rather than the audio coming out the speakers and then feeding back into your computer through the microphone, we are using this driver so that the audio from the source to the transcriber is exactly how it is. And it's works wonders for me. It's free and lets dive in and take a look at it.
I'm going to play the KZbin video on the left and on the right in Google docs I'm going to choose voice-to-text.
As we saw the Google voice typing just didn't seem to cut it. I didn't get any text at all. So now we're going into the preferences and choosing the Soundflower as the speakers as well as the microphones and we're going to give this another try.
We're not going to hear any sound this time and the reason is it's using the sound driver so nothing's going to come out of the speakers. But as you can see already there is a lot more information coming through. What I'm going to do is, I'm going to try and line up the audio to the video so that you can hear what it would be saying if the audio is coming up the speakers.
So as you can see the soundflower driver made a big difference to my results of converting audio to text.
We are now on a different computer this computer doesn't have Soundflower installed as I'm demonstrating through sound in the system preferences. I'm going to run through how to find an install this Soundflower driver as so that you can have this working on your system as well.
The person who is responsible for this driver is Matting Alls. We go to his github, you can scroll down and go to the latest release I'm using Catalina on this particular computer. Download the dmg file onto your Mac. Save that. I'm just going to chuck it into my desktop so I know where to find it. Now that's downloaded you can run it.
Something to be mindful here, because when you run this you will have permissions issues and you have to run it again so if you just double click on it you actually not going to be able to install it. So you have to right click and click on open, then it willl give you the option to open that program. Now when you go to install it is.. actually I have to type in my password here but I use a fingerprint. And it's saying it needs a security preference so I'm going to unlock the security and privacy that's just been popped up in front of me. I haven't clicked anything to get that. I'm going to click on it and I'm going to go back to the installation. I'm going to close it and I'm going to start it again the same way. Right click and click on open and this time it will go all the way through so that's the only little glitch. Well not glitche, it’s for security because it's not from the Apple Store or anything like that so that's a little work around there.
This takes a while to install. I've actually sped up the video to that. I had to wait for this install click on close and that's it. You're pretty much done and good to go.
I'm going to go into sound just to show you the difference. Now you can see the Soundflower 64-channel and 2 channel that's on the input. Go to the output, same thing 64-channel Soundflowers in there and you can also go to sound effects and we can also select Soundflower in there.
If you found this helpful drop me a like and help me with the KZbin algorithm. If you didn't like it also smash the dislike button but please just leave a comment on why so I can bring my best game next time cheers and thanks bye

[@mwijajege]

Exactly what i was looking for, I followed the steps and it worked like cham!!! Thank you.. Is there a way for me to listen while transcribing?

[@gmbogrowmybusinessonline6070]

Yes you can also listen while transcribing. In OSX > spotlight > Audio MIDI Setup.app > + (bottom left) > Multi-Output Device > choose your MACBook Pro Speakers and SoundFlower (64ch). See screenshot drive.google.com/file/d/1d5xiFhnXrVBa2KZp3JRR47KXklDCgthA/view?usp=sharing. Also see support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/audio-midi-setup/ams7c093f372/mac

[@xiyungong2708]

Thank you for sharing, but I also meet the problem as the fomer people, could you give us another video for me to listen while transcribing?

[@xiyungong2708]

@@gmbogrowmybusinessonline6070 when I set like this and choose multi-output all the sound looks grey and no voice

[@aspirity_agency]

The idea is to forward the output of your MAC directly to the input with a sound driver. A short version for advanced users: 1. Install audio driver (btw Soundflower does not work on M1, I used BlackHole). 2. In sound settings set sound output and input and sound effects to your driver (Soundflower or BlackHole) instead of speakers and mic. 3. Launch any voice dictation software (Google Docs in this example, Tools -> Voice typing) 4. Play any audio. It'll forward your output to the input.

[@geoffbatra8748]

Exactly. Its not userful for the users who are using M1 chip :)

[@KJ99otis]

Thank you!!!!! This is so incredibly helpful. It works perfectly. I have a 3 hour audio file automatically transcribing to a google doc right now. This is a game changer. I’ve just added hours to my week.

[@Savayla100]

Thank you so much. I am technologically challenged and needed this for transcribing my Zoom classes. I followed your steps and managed to download Sunflower. So chuffed with myself. Your video was amazing.

[@flevin58]

Nice video. To listen to the audio while transcribing: add a multiple device in MIDI settings with both soundflower (or iShowu audio capture) and the system output. You then set that new device in your output settings

[@lussyl1642]

Can you please do a video showing this, not that tech savy :/

[@tracieowens5280]

Thank you! Great video including all the steps for installing the added driver (this non-techie appreciates the step-by-step instructions).

[@jsf7148]

Thanks so much! I really needed this and almost dropped $50 for a transcription service. Thank you!

[@emilyg834]

I've just tried this and it seems to stop transcribing at a certain point? How can I avoid this happening until the audio has finished?

[@amywang4442]

Thank you. You are a good teacher since your teaching is 'straight' and 'simple' for me to follow. This is such a good video. Thank you!!

[@pedroferraz5918]

I just played the video using my headphones and it worked!

[@MichaelDynieYoga]

I use BlackHole on mac, exact same process and result. Thank you for this video!

[@wereyare9143]

Thank you very much. I tried, but failed with this message: "The installation failed. The Installer encountered an error that cause the installation to fail. Contact the software manufacturer for assistance." I’m using MacOS Sonoma 14.1.1 on a MacBook Pro. Thank you in advance.

[@erikavdh1385]

Yes, installation finally succeeded. I forgot to rightclick to open. And hopefully it works in Audacity. We will see. Thank you.

[@liciabeez7743]

Hello, Thanks for this informative video, however, I have not had any success uploading the sound flower. I have a new iMac and the security features are not allowing this action to take place... any advice?

[@valeriebedard1892]

Same for me 😬

[@connieahlstrom7240]

Just what I needed -- perfect directions! need to transcribe long dictaphone files.. can do it now.

[@charleswright7638]

I have downloaded sound flower. Google docs, in Google Chrome, will not transcribe anything from youtube when I play a video using sound flower as the input and output source. Why not?

[@robertboucnik7050]

perfect spot on

[@andreacalmon8024]

I get to the install part and then it won't install. I've tried this several times. Is my MAC blocking the install??

[@ezis0]

Does anyone else is having problems with installing it? It says installation failed and I have to contact the developer.

[@szacha03]

is the voice typing feature an extension? For some reason it is not in my google docs. =/

[@4dvoc4tethe4byss6]

I tried this and my "systems-app" does not pop up and it doesn´t let me allow to install it

[@qigongintheparkraanana7730]

The latest mac does not support sound flower, what else can we use?

[@shashankbipinkumar]

I am using it on MacOS Ventura. It works for me.

[@justfelicia6671]

@@shashankbipinkumar ...on Macbook? I have an iMac and it won't download. Any advice?

[@shashankbipinkumar]

@@justfelicia6671 Try a different browser or check if your browser is blocking pop-up/downloads. I don't think it has to be with the OS.

[@AngelDogInc]

Hoping for some help here. I installed Blackhole and used it with google doc and it would work for a few minutes and stop. I'd come check and find it wasn't transcribing the audio playing and would reclick the mike and it would begin again and the process would repeat again. The total length of the video was 30 min. The audio is clear yet the transcribe is significantly off. I decided to try Word and it won't transcribe at all with the same set up. I'm on a MAC. Anyone know how to improve results? Thanks

[@justfelicia6671]

I have an iMac, not MacBook. Everything ran smoothly up to the installation process. I tried 3 times, but I'm guessing, since I'm not using a laptop, I can't install the software. Any suggestions?

[@davidwalcutt1555]

For some reason it does install to my application folder but is stuck in the place with what looks like hard-drive-symbol, what should I do now? This is probably a dumb question...

[@msl1013]

I have installed sunflower for BIgSur on iMac 27 (late 2015) with Big Sur 11.1. I have Google doc transcribe video output, but I cannot hear audio. How can I hear audio, while transcribing to text? Thank you.

[@nickcharles1241]

The current version of Google docs - Tools - doesn't offer a voice to text option. What is the workaround for this?

[@lucy6008]

Hi, what settings do you put in audio midi? I’m using black hole but it’s not working. Software installed but no transcribing

[@aierterkorekamusiccomposer6949]

Is not transcribing for me when getting audio,... everything configured as you said,...

[@jacobissac6948]

Hi, I followed the steps; managed to install, change the settings in audio preferences, but nothing happens when I click the record button in google docs. Please help.

[@kebert]

Wow, this is great. Thank you for the tip.

[@ericcomox3755]

hi does SoundFlower or some other software do the following. I call my hard of hearing mom. she can hear my voice and what i am saying also shows as text on her screen. ie a live conversation where our words are also displayed in text. and since I'm new at all this commenting on you tube videos how do i know you have commented on this question?

[@drymountainmustangs]

My mac is saying that I can't install it...what do I do then?

[@lussyl1642]

IS there a way to listen to the audio also as its doing that? Its kind of pointless if you cant hear the audio right

[@andrearagan8870]

Thank you. I'm going to try it. I wish you had put the link in the description. LOL So lazy!! I'll look it up ;)

[@gmbogrowmybusinessonline6070]

Thank you for your suggestion - I have added the link to the description. github.com/mattingalls/Soundflower/releases/tag/2.0b2

[@Pari-ul6wb]

How do you get soundflower? I've been trying to download it but my Mac won't take it

[@4436Julia]

fI followed the directions and can't install. Message is developer is unknown and can't guarantee there is no malware. I'm incredible disappointed.

[@Pharping]

This is brilliant! Praying that it works on my mini-mac, Catalina. CDs of interviews need to be transcribed. No CD player connected...Any suggestions appreciated.

[@cassidy776]

I have the new macOS M1 update seems not to work - and really need this help, please

[@verenahammes2989]

Thank you very much! I was able to set up everything on an OLD Mac a month ago. Now when I tried the same on a NEW MacBookAir I failed with the installation of the soundflower as in security was no option to allow the soundflower installation, it just did not pop up. Is there an option to install it anyway? Thank you very very much in advance.

[@gabrieladeazevedocouto3646]

You're amazing!!! You've saved my PhD!! Thank you very much!

[@oboragbroko]

Hi, how do I get to the settings please. I have searched my mac and can not find it

[@CR34TIV3M1ND]

Doesn’t seem to be working anymore

[@anitamehta6108]

Thanks a lot, this has been really helpful

[@karenmacmillan9980]

Hi, does anyone know if it will transcribe audible books on to an iPad, please?

[@chriscsmoon]

Excellent! Thank you so much!

[@vincedee871]

Perfect. Just what I needed. Thanks.

[@vincedee871]

BTW, tried to use this method with Pages. Didn't work. Works with Google Docs only in Chrome, not Safari!

[@TheGyaltsenT]

This is what I was looking for. However, I was not able to download it as the laptop rejected it. Not sure what to do next. Any suggestions?

[@gigiandbj]

Very useful video on how to convert audio to text for free. Thank you.

[@tamirissantos2433]

You saved me lots of time and bucks, guy. Many thanks :)

[@melissapetronel462]

Great video, thank you! 🙂 I tried and was able to transcribe a KZbin video but when when I use my audio file (.mp4) it doesn't work. Am I doing something wrong - can you please help. Any suggestions? Thank you!

[@just1john]

If you don't mind, liking is not enough. I'm loving!

[@jehnew]

not working in Aug 2023

[@shemiranibrahim4433]

Hi again, it looks like the voice tools is not on Google Docs anymore... any ideas?

[@aligensa]

You have to use the Google Chrome browser.

[@shemiranibrahim4433]

@@aligensa thank you ; ‘ )

[@michaelandremovies]

Thank you, this awesome!

[@dstanl]

my google docs doesn't have voice typing. It says that its only on android.

[@aligensa]

You have to use the Google Chrome browser.

[@erikavdh1385]

Great video and I did what you suggested but Unfortunately it doesn't complete installing and it fails. I tried it several times. Not working as it should :( I have a Mojave macbook

[@olajonsnow]

This was great. Thanks

[@dd-pv6gh]

Thank you that was useful!

[@aanuadetifa7444]

Awesome video! Do you have any suggestions that could work the same magic for windows users?

[@rebecaeigen6715]

Can you convert an mp3 to text in Google docs?

[@jonibentley49]

Hi I just tried this today and it won't accept that I'm right now in a Mac.

[@siddaviscomedy]

Step by step. nice thank you

[@sheetalarya4094]

Brilliant! But my chrome stops recording after few seconds and I have to toggle the record icon and it resumes. Any info what might be causing it?

[@aligensa]

I have the same problem. It works, but it keeps stopping.

[@babitsm100]

Thank you for this video. I was able to download Soundflower and see the software in my System Preferences 'Sound' folder. When I select the Soundflower in preferences and go back to the google.doc blank page I select Voice Typing. At this point I activate the microphone that has appeared but instead of beginning a transcription---an audio file is turned on----I get a message saying that Google Docs needs to access my microphone in order to work. What am I doing wrong? Any help would be much appreciated.

[@aligensa]

You have to allow accessing your microphone.

[@melissapetronel462]

I have the same issue. Could you please help me, were you able to solve this problem?

[@DheerajKumar-yp4qo]

Thank you very much Bro..

[@zwadejupiter1]

Awesome! & thank you!

[@ntambuemedia2910]

Thanks it works fine

[@darshwana6912]

Can you share link of the goggle docs

[@danielantiporda6841]

Thank you!!! This helped me a lot. I can't listen to the audio thou while transcribing, even after setting the multi-out. Could someone help me out, please?

[@Awadhesh_kr]

it didn't work in my mackbook 😒

[@breathfocused5472]

Brilliant thank you

[@eneriniets4845]

Thanks for that!!! 👍🏼

[@timwsullivan4956]

Tried many times. My Sonoma won’t open it

[@user-nz2gk6th9y]

how to open that "Sound" window?

[@shoppersdream]

Thanks for sharing but I have the same Catalina as yours but in my case installation failed both times. I followed all your steps but it is failing every time. Can you please advise? Thanks

[@gmbogrowmybusinessonline6070]

Hi @Peace. Sorry I just saw this comment now. Did you get an error message when you installed the soundflower driver?

[@shoppersdream]

@@gmbogrowmybusinessonline6070 Thank you for your reply. Yes, rather than saying installation successful, it said installation failed. Thanks

[@gmbogrowmybusinessonline6070]

@@shoppersdream Yes, it's not very helpful when the error message doesn't give some detail. Did this fail happen before or after allowing "MATT INGALLS' in the security preferences?

[@shoppersdream]

@@gmbogrowmybusinessonline6070 Thanks! I am sorry, I don't remember exacly if you want i can try to install it again. Its over a month when I tried to install. Thanks

[@BearcatJamboree]

How do you get voice to text in Google Docs? I don't see that add-on

[@aligensa]

You need to use the Google Chrome browser.

[@giaenergia]

THANKS!

[@soulonasolojourney391]

Thank you so much. I have downloaded Sunflower, however not sure where the mic is in order to transcribe the audio. I'm using the Mac TextEdit but how do I get the mic? Thanks a million!

[@Bunny-bq5et]

You have to use Google Chrome! (not safari/firefox)

[@Aladinzc]

@@Bunny-bq5et He is asking about Mac app now web app. I tried this with build in MacOS transcription service but it does not work. It sucks. It does not reflect system settings and listen to internal microphone anyway. I really do not want to use Google apps.

[@shemiranibrahim4433]

THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@ryuu_longweii]

Very helpful!!!!!!

[@merterdogan4760]

amazing man!

[@RodyaTheIdiot]

Hey, I got it installed, by disabling my security setting, set it on audio input, output and sound effect and it even the bars of speaker icon moves with sound in word yet it doesnt write anything..

[@RodyaTheIdiot]

and thank you so much for this video, even if it doesnt work for me , this process looks cool.

[@gmbogrowmybusinessonline6070]

Hi @RodyaTheldiot can we check that we picked the Soundflower driver for the input, output and sound effects? If so then please confirm that you play the audio before clicking the microphone on your google document.

[@RodyaTheIdiot]

Hey thanks for quick reply@@gmbogrowmybusinessonline6070​I actually did that, set it all in input, output and also the sound disappear as you said and I can see the bar moving with sound as you have mentioned it but when I click on the work audio to text, it doesnt write anything, may be its because of some shit in word, not with the sound setting or soundflower

[@gmbogrowmybusinessonline6070]

@@RodyaTheIdiot yes it seems like word isn't isn't picking it up. Is it Google Docs that you are using?

[@RodyaTheIdiot]

@@gmbogrowmybusinessonline6070 Its working, finally, thanks a lot man, really appreciate it... I was trying it in Microsoft word (yeah I know, stupid me) but thanks.. its a great help..

[@jluvmusic1001]

May God richly bless you

[@zapotar2]

Note that if trying this on Chrome, the transcription only works for 5 minutes! Microsoft Edge doesn't have this limitation though!

[@arawak0604]

it was OK on Edge for a few hours and now it's doing the same as on Chrome and keeps stopping.. any ideas?

[@Yvero94]

Hello, unfortunately it does not work with M1 chip...

[@gmbogrowmybusinessonline6070]

You could try blackhole github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole

[@tbouni]

This doesn't work for macbooks with the m1-chip.

[@SeanRyder101]

Yes I think Tarik is correct. Please look at github.com/ExistentialAudio/BlackHole if you have an m1 chipset.

[@warahgate1334]

the installation failed :(

[@fingerfish31]

Me too! :(

[@aligensa]

@@fingerfish31 You have to give all permissions and have to go through that process twice.

[@IsidoroDaSilva]

Good, but unfortunately this only works with youtube videos not with other audio players on the mac

[@aligensa]

It works with any for me (Quicktime, iTunes ...)

[@melissapetronel462]

Hi Isidoro! I have the same issue. Were you able to solve this problem?

[@melissapetronel462]

@@aligensa do you have any suggestions as it works only with KZbin videos?

[@aligensa]

@@melissapetronel462 Sorry, no. It works with every program for me, and I see no reason why it shouldnt. I was just confirming that, but I cant check your setup. Maybe in the midi setup you restricted the sound input to a particular app, like a browser, instead of the system audio in general. I vaguely remember that some if these virtual audio devices have that option.

[@melissapetronel462]

@@aligensa Thanks a lot for your quick reply. Never changed the Midi setup and when you mentioned it I didn't know what it was. I'm gonna give up as at least with me Sundflower doesn't work or better I don't know how to make it work. Once again thank you!

[@AK-ql4ir]

what about M1 macbooks?

[@aligensa]

Use Black Hole

[@sfl74]

The more important part it not clear, the video is fluw

[@freebieforalluser4384]

you no need to show your face on your KZbin Video..

[@paultaylor4460]

In Google Docs, on the drop down menu I do not have the option for voice typing. How do I install that?

[@aligensa]

You need to use the Google Chrome browser.