With the transcript feature, writers can auto-generate a text version of an audio post and show the transcript on the episode page. When listeners play the audio, they can follow along by reading the highlighted text in the transcript. Listeners can also jump to specific parts of the audio by clicking the transcript text.
Note: The transcript feature is only available on the web version of your publication and not on the Substack app or email.
To generate a transcript of an audio post, follow these steps.
1. On your Home or Posts tab, select "Audio post".
2. Upload an audio file and a transcript will automatically begin generating in the Transcript tab. The transcript can take around 1-5 minutes to generate depending on the length of your audio.
3. To edit the transcript, select the three dots and click on "Correct transcript" and make your edits. Select "Save" to save any changes to the text.
4. When you publish an audio post, a collapsable transcript will appear on the post. To remove the transcript, slide the toggle to the left next to "Show transcripts and captions" on the transcript settings. If you show the transcript on your post, the captions and timestamps will be synced to allow readers to easily navigate to different parts of your episode.
5. If you'd like to add your own transcript to the audio post, select "Upload transcript" on the transcript tab. Formats accepted are .txt file, .vtt file, and .srt file.
What will my subscribers see?
Once you publish the audio post, a transcript button will appear under your byline in the web version of your post. Listeners can click on any timestamp in the transcript to jump to that part of the episode.
Can I paywall just the transcript for paying subscribers?
If the podcast episode is for paying subscribers, the transcript will be just for paying subscribers. Free readers won't be able to access the transcript.
If the post is set to "Everyone" or to "Free subscribers only", the transcript cannot be paywalled.