Choosing between Fathom and Potok comes down to what you do with the text afterwards. Fathom lists 38 languages for transcripts but lets you copy them rather than download, and it does not support uploads of outside recordings. Potok takes files in a Telegram bot, up to 2 GB, and exports TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT and VTT.
Transcribe a recording
Send your voice message, audio or video to @potok_now_bot on Telegram and the text comes back in the chat.
Open @potok_now_bot in Telegram
Files up to 2 GB · export to TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT and VTT · speaker labels and timestamps · about 30 languages
Key facts
- Fathom translates summaries for 6 languages, but its transcripts are not translated; Potok has no translation of any kind.
- Fathom recordings download as MP4, while transcripts can only be copied; Potok sends transcripts back as downloadable files.
- Fathom's public pages do not say whether speaker labels exist; Potok can switch them on and numbers them Speaker 1, Speaker 2.
- Fathom's public pages do not mention a Telegram bot, whereas Potok is a bot you open in Telegram.
- Export formats: Fathom lists Transcripts can be copied but not downloaded; recordings download as MP4, and Potok lists TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT, VTT.
At a glance
| Fathom | Potok | |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition languages | 38 languages for transcripts | About 30 |
| Translation of transcripts | Summaries are translated for 6 languages, transcripts are not | Not available |
| Speaker labels | Not stated on its public pages | Yes, can be switched on |
| Export formats | Transcripts can be copied but not downloaded; recordings download as MP4 | TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT, VTT |
| Telegram bot | Not stated on its public pages | Yes, @potok_now_bot |
| Largest file | Uploads of outside recordings are not supported | Up to 2 GB |
Facts about Fathom come from its public pages and from third-party reviews. They can change; check the vendor's site before you decide.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Where it works | Telegram bot @potok_now_bot; large files go through the bot's mini app |
| File size | Up to 2 GB |
| Export | TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT, VTT |
| Speakers and time | Speaker labels and timestamps can be switched on |
| Languages | About 30 languages with good published results; a few more with warnings |
| Translation | The transcript is not translated into another language |
| Dictation | A separate Potok desktop app lets you dictate text into any program; it recognises Russian speech |
Common mistakes when choosing
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Expecting a downloadable transcript file from Fathom | You can only copy the text, losing a ready DOCX or SRT. | Pick a tool whose export list names the format you need. |
| Planning to upload an old recording to Fathom | Outside recordings are not supported, so the plan fails at the first file. | Send the existing file to a bot that accepts uploads. |
| Assuming translated summaries mean a translated transcript | The transcript stays in the spoken language and the summary differs. | Read which output the vendor actually translates before relying on it. |
| Counting languages without checking your own | A larger list may still handle your language worse than a shorter one. | Test a short sample in your language on both tools. |
| Deciding from one line of the table alone | A strong line can hide a weak one that matters for your recording | Go through every row and mark the ones that are deal breakers for you |
More
See the full list of languages, the tools and the glossary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I download a Fathom transcript as a file?
Its public pages say transcripts can be copied but not downloaded, while recordings download as MP4. Potok returns TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT or VTT.
Does Fathom accept recordings made outside its own tool?
Its public pages state that uploads of outside recordings are not supported. Potok accepts a file you already have, up to 2 GB.
Are Fathom transcripts translated?
No, only summaries are translated, for 6 languages. Potok does not translate text at all, so neither tool turns a transcript into another language.
How do I send an existing file to Potok?
Open @potok_now_bot in Telegram and send the file. If it is larger than 2 GB, use the Upload button of the bot's mini app.
Does Fathom name its speaker labels?
Its public pages do not state anything about speaker labels. Potok can switch them on and marks speakers as numbers, never as real names.
What does the table say about largest file?
For Fathom it lists Uploads of outside recordings are not supported, and for Potok it lists Up to 2 GB. Check the vendor page for the current wording before you decide.
Sources
Each source was opened by hand on the date shown. Pages change, so open the source if a detail matters to you.
- Fathom, official page, Fathom · checked
- Fathom, official page (help.fathom.video), Fathom · checked
- Fathom, official page (help.fathom.video), Fathom · checked
- Whisper speech recognition system (Wikipedia), Wikipedia · checked
Try it on your own recording
Send your voice message, audio or video to @potok_now_bot on Telegram and the text comes back in the chat.
Open @potok_now_bot in Telegram