Kapwing is a full online video editor that states 155 language variants, translation into 100+ languages and files up to 6 GB on eligible paid plans. As a Kapwing alternative, Potok is a Telegram bot: about 30 languages, no translation, files up to 2 GB, and exports as 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
- Kapwing states exports of SRT, VTT and TXT, which is the subtitle route; Potok adds DOCX, PDF and MD for documents.
- It separates speakers automatically into subtitle sections. In Potok speaker labels are optional and appear as numbers.
- Kapwing fits for subtitles on a video plus further editing; Potok fits for text from a voice message in a chat.
- Its public pages do not mention a Telegram bot.
At a glance
| Kapwing | Potok | |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition languages | 155 language variants | About 30 |
| Translation of transcripts | 100+ languages | Not available |
| Speaker labels | Automatic speaker separation into subtitle sections | Yes, can be switched on |
| Export formats | SRT, VTT, TXT | TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT, VTT |
| Telegram bot | Not stated on its public pages | Yes, @potok_now_bot |
| Largest file | 6 GB on eligible paid plans | Up to 2 GB |
Facts about Kapwing 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Opening a video editor for a text job | You learn a timeline to get a paragraph. | If you only need words, send the recording to a transcript tool. |
| Treating language variants as languages | The count looks bigger than the number of distinct languages. | Read what the number counts before you compare. |
| Using TXT for a video that needs subtitles | TXT has no timing, so a player cannot show it. | Export SRT or VTT for anything that sits on screen. |
| Assuming eligible plans means every plan | The 6 GB limit applies only to eligible paid plans. | Check your own plan before you plan a large upload. |
| Sending a video to a transcript tool when you wanted subtitles burned in | A transcript tool returns text or a subtitle file, not a finished video. | Export SRT or VTT from the bot and attach it in whichever editor you use. |
More
See the full list of languages, the tools and the glossary.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kapwing only for subtitles?
It is a full online video editor, and subtitles are one of its jobs. Potok does one thing: it turns speech into text and gives you the file.
What does 155 language variants mean?
Kapwing counts variants, such as regional forms of a language, so the number is not the same as 155 separate languages. Potok lists about 30 languages.
Can I get a translated transcript?
Kapwing states translation into 100+ languages. Potok does not translate transcripts.
How does speaker separation compare?
Kapwing splits speakers automatically into subtitle sections. Potok labels speakers on request as Speaker 1, Speaker 2 and so on.
Which tool takes larger files?
Kapwing states 6 GB on eligible paid plans. Potok takes up to 2 GB.
Can I use the bot and then edit the video in Kapwing?
Yes. Export an SRT or VTT file from @potok_now_bot, then load it into any editor that accepts subtitle files. Check that the timestamps line up with the video before you publish.
Sources
Each source was opened by hand on the date shown. Pages change, so open the source if a detail matters to you.
- Kapwing, official website, Kapwing · 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