Tactiq states 60+ recognition languages and translation, with 35+ languages on most pages, plus a YouTube transcript tool that needs no sign-in. As a Tactiq alternative, Potok takes a YouTube link too, inside Telegram, with about 30 languages, no translation, and exports in six formats including 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
- Both sides handle YouTube: Tactiq has a transcript tool that needs no sign-in, and Potok accepts a YouTube link sent to the bot.
- Tactiq lists PDF and TXT as exports; Potok adds MD, DOCX, SRT and VTT.
- Tactiq states speaker labels; in Potok they are optional and shown as numbers.
- Its public pages do not state a largest file or a Telegram bot.
At a glance
| Tactiq | Potok | |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition languages | 60+ | About 30 |
| Translation of transcripts | Translation offered (35+ languages on most pages) | Not available |
| Speaker labels | Yes | Yes, can be switched on |
| Export formats | PDF, TXT | TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT, VTT |
| Telegram bot | Not stated on its public pages | Yes, @potok_now_bot |
| Largest file | Not stated on its public pages | Up to 2 GB |
Facts about Tactiq 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 subtitles from a PDF export | A PDF has no timing. | Export SRT or VTT when you need subtitles. |
| Assuming one translation count for every page | Tactiq pages vary, so 35+ holds for most pages only. | Check the page for the feature you will use. |
| Pulling a transcript from a video with weak audio | Recognition suffers when the sound is poor. | Check names and numbers against the video. |
| Forgetting that the video may not be yours to reuse | A transcript is still derived from the work. | Check the rights before you republish the text. |
| Sending a private video link to a public tool without checking access | A link that needs a login may not be readable by a tool. | Make sure the link opens without a login, or download the file and send it instead. |
More
See the full list of languages, the tools and the glossary.
Frequently asked questions
Can Potok transcribe a YouTube video?
Yes. Send the YouTube link to the bot and the text comes back in the chat. Tactiq states a YouTube transcript tool that needs no sign-in.
Does Tactiq translate?
It states translation, with 35+ languages on most pages. Potok does not translate transcripts.
Which exports does Tactiq offer?
Its public pages list PDF and TXT. Potok exports TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT and VTT.
How many languages does each cover?
Tactiq states 60+. Potok works in about 30 languages with good published results.
Which tool is easier to start with?
Tactiq's YouTube tool needs no sign-in. Potok needs Telegram, which many people already have.
What else can I send to Potok besides a YouTube link?
Voice messages, audio and video files, forwarded voice messages and files sent as documents. Files up to 2 GB are supported, and larger ones can use the Upload button.
Sources
Each source was opened by hand on the date shown. Pages change, so open the source if a detail matters to you.
- Tactiq, official website, Tactiq · 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