Supported Video and Audio Formats for Transcription
TranscribTxt supports MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, WEBM, MP3, WAV and more. Learn which formats work best for accurate AI transcription and how to convert unsupported files.
TranscribTxt uses ElevenLabs Scribe — one of the most accurate speech-to-text models available — to transcribe your files. Here's everything you need to know about supported formats.
Supported Video Formats
| Format | Extension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MP4 | .mp4 | Best compatibility, recommended |
| QuickTime | .mov | Common on iPhone and Mac |
| AVI | .avi | Older Windows format, fully supported |
| Matroska | .mkv | Popular for high-quality recordings |
| WebM | .webm | Browser recordings and screen captures |
Supported Audio Formats
| Format | Extension | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MP3 | .mp3 | Most common audio format |
| WAV | .wav | Uncompressed, excellent quality |
| OGG | .ogg | Open-source audio format |
| M4A | .m4a | Apple audio, common in iPhone recordings |
File Size and Duration Limits
- Maximum file size: 500 MB
- Free plan: up to 30 minutes per file, 5 files/month
- Pro plan: up to 600 minutes/month total
- Business plan: unlimited
Tips for Best Transcription Quality
Audio quality matters most. The transcription accuracy depends far more on clear audio than the file format. Here's what helps:
- Minimize background noise — recordings in quiet rooms transcribe significantly better
- Use a good microphone — built-in laptop mics often pick up keyboard and fan noise
- Avoid heavy compression — highly compressed files lose audio detail
How to Convert Unsupported Formats
If your file isn't in a supported format, you can convert it for free:
On Windows: Use HandBrake — open your file, select MP4 as output, click Start.
On Mac: Open your video in QuickTime Player → File → Export As → 1080p (saves as .mov, which we support).
Using FFmpeg (any OS):
ffmpeg -i input.your_format -c:v copy -c:a aac output.mp4
YouTube Videos
Instead of downloading and uploading, paste the YouTube URL directly into the YouTube URL tab — we'll extract the transcript instantly for free, no account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What video formats does TranscribTxt support?
TranscribTxt supports MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, and WEBM video formats, as well as MP3, WAV, OGG, and M4A audio formats. Maximum file size is 500 MB.
What is the best format for transcription accuracy?
MP4 with H.264 encoding gives the best results. Clear audio with minimal background noise matters more than the container format.
Can I transcribe an MKV file?
Yes, MKV files are fully supported. Just upload the file directly — no conversion needed.
How do I convert an unsupported format?
Use a free tool like HandBrake or FFmpeg to convert to MP4. On Mac, you can also use QuickTime Player to export as MP4.