To turn a YouTube video into text, send its link to the Potok bot on Telegram. A YouTube link can be pasted into the bot instead of uploading a file. The transcript returns in the chat or as a file, and you can export TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT or VTT. About 30 languages have good published results.
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
- Pasting a link is a different path from uploading a file, and the link is the quicker way for a public video.
- Long lectures and interviews on YouTube come back as a file.
- Subtitles exported as SRT or VTT can be loaded back for your own videos.
- Use videos you may reproduce, such as your own, and respect the creator's rights on others.
How to do it
- Copy the video address. Open the video in YouTube and copy its address from the browser or the Share option.
- Open the bot. Start the chat with @potok_now_bot in Telegram.
- Paste the link. Send the address as a message instead of attaching a file.
- Wait for the transcript. A short video returns in the chat. A long one returns as a file.
- Choose labels and a format. Turn on speaker labels for interviews, and export the format you need.
What the result looks like
[00:00] Speaker 1: In this video I show how to repair a bicycle tire.
[00:05] Speaker 1: You need a patch kit and a pump.
[00:10] Speaker 1: Let's begin with removing the wheel.
Sample text written by us to show the layout of a transcript. It is not the output of the recognition engine and not a real recording.
| 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
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Uploading a downloaded copy when a link works | It takes longer and may break the creator's terms. | Paste the link for a public video. |
| Sending a link to a video you may not use | The creator owns the content. | Use your own videos or ask permission. |
| Skipping the language check | Quality varies by language. | Check the language list. |
| Trusting names in the text | Channel names and brands are easy to mishear. | Compare with the video. |
More
See the full list of languages, the tools and the glossary.
Frequently asked questions
Can I paste a YouTube link into the bot?
Yes. A YouTube link can be pasted into the bot instead of uploading a file.
Is the link the same as uploading a file?
No. They are different paths. A file you own is uploaded; a public video can use its link.
How long can the video be?
Long videos work, and long results come back as a file.
Can I get subtitles for my channel?
Yes. Export SRT or VTT and upload the file as subtitles.
Is the text translated?
No. The text stays in the language that was spoken in the video.
Sources
Each source was opened by hand on the date shown. Pages change, so open the source if a detail matters to you.
- YouTube (Wikipedia), Wikipedia · checked
- Subtitle (Wikipedia), Wikipedia · checked
- Speech recognition (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