> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.autocontentapi.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.autocontentapi.com/quick-start/tools/transcribe-audio.md).

# Transcribe Audio

Turn completed episodes, custom URLs, or uploaded recordings into searchable transcripts that you can reuse across AutoContent.

## Before You Begin

* Add your API key in `Settings`; the transcription page requires authentication.
* Gather the audio source: an existing episode, a public HTTPS link, or a local audio file (MP3/WAV/M4A/FLAC, under 50 MB).
* Decide whether you want timestamps and speaker tags; the transcript viewer lets you toggle them later.

## Step 1: Open the Transcription Workspace

1. In the sidebar, go to `Tools -> Transcribe Audio` (`/tools/transcribe-audio`).
2. Confirm the warning banner shows your API key before submitting any jobs.

## Step 2: Pick an Audio Source

Choose one of the three source buttons at the top of the form:

* **Audio File** – Upload a local file. Validation blocks non-audio MIME types and files above 50 MB.
* **Your Episodes** – Browse completed podcasts pulled from `Content/List`, search by title, and select one.
* **Audio URL** – Paste a direct HTTPS link to an MP3, WAV, M4A, or FLAC file. The form checks common extensions for you.

## Step 3: Submit the Transcription Request

Select **Transcribe Audio**. The UI sends the appropriate payload and shows a confirmation banner with the `request_id`.

Behind the scenes the calls look like this:

```bash
# Upload a local file for transcription
curl -X POST "https://api.autocontentapi.com/content/GetTranscript" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -F "audioFile=@/path/to/interview.mp3"
```

```bash
# Transcribe an existing AutoContent episode
curl -X POST "https://api.autocontentapi.com/content/GetTranscript" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "episodeId": "episode-550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655440000"
  }'
```

```bash
# Transcribe audio hosted online
curl -X POST "https://api.autocontentapi.com/content/GetTranscript" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "audioUrl": "https://cdn.example.com/webinars/briefing.wav"
  }'
```

Successful requests return:

```json
{
  "request_id": "transcript-1234abcd",
  "status": 0
}
```

AutoContent queues the job and redirects you to review results in the right-hand transcripts list.

## Step 4: Review and Export Transcripts

* The **Transcripts** column lists every request with status, language (when detected), and errors if any occur.
* Select a transcript to open it in the modal viewer. Toggle timestamps, copy blocks of text, or download the raw segments.
* Use **Copy** to send the formatted transcript to your clipboard, or **Create** to jump directly into the podcast episode builder with that text preloaded.

## Step 5: Repurpose the Transcript

* Launch `Create Podcast Episode` from the transcript action to produce a narrated version of the conversation.
* Drop the transcript into your show notes, blogs, or X posts; the clipboard button formats it for instant reuse.
* Need to schedule audio based on these transcripts? Convert them into deep research or custom scripts, then follow [Create a Podcast Episode](/quick-start/podcasts/create-podcast-episode.md).

## Related Endpoints

* `POST /content/GetTranscript` – Start a transcription job (file, URL, or existing episode).
* `GET /content/Transcripts` – List submitted jobs and their statuses.
* `GET /content/Transcripts/{id}` – Retrieve transcript data programmatically.

## What's Next?

* Edit or polish the transcript before recording by starting [Create a Podcast Episode](/quick-start/podcasts/create-podcast-episode.md).
* Clone a custom host for the narration via [Clone a Voice](/quick-start/tools/clone-voice.md).
* Save supporting research notes with [Start Deep Research](/quick-start/deep-researches/start-deep-research.md).