Time-based transcripts (WebVTT files)

Admins have the ability to generate a time-stamped transcript (WebVTT file) with a single click in uStudio's video platform admin tool. Not only can this file be used for closed captions in video players, it is also what powers the Read Along Feature in the uStudio audience applications.

IN THIS ARTICLE

• How to generate a transcript
• How to upload a transcript
• How to modify a transcript

How to generate a transcript

1. Log in to the Hub at http://app.ustudio.com using your Admin credentials.
2. On the landing page, locate and open the content you want transcribed in your Studio.
3. In the right pane, under the "Caption" section, click on "Generate Caption." If this option isn't available, please email [e-mail] to enable it for your Studio.
4. Transcript generation will take some time. Once complete:
   • If the content is published in the uStudio application, the Read Along transcript will automatically be available the next time the content is loaded.
   • For players that support closed captioning, a "CC" button will appear. Activating this will display the captions at the bottom of the screen during playback.

Additional Notes:

• Generated transcripts are currently optimized for English.
• Please expect a margin of error typical of AI-generated transcripts.

How to upload a transcript

If you prefer to use your own time-based transcript for Read Along or closed captions, ensure the following:

• The file is a properly formatted WebVTT file.
• It includes only spoken words and timestamps—other metadata like speaker identification is not supported.

Steps for upload:

1. Log in to the Hub at http://app.ustudio.com using your Admin credentials.
2. On the landing page, locate and open the content you want transcribed in your Studio.
3. Navigate to the right pane and locate the Caption section.
4. Click the Upload button to add your transcript. Note that only one transcript or caption file can be associated with each piece of content. If a file already exists, you must replace the existing file.
5. Once the transcript is uploaded:
   • If the content is published in the uStudio application, the Read Along transcript will automatically be available the next time the content is loaded.
   • For players that support closed captioning, a "CC" button will appear. Activating this will display the captions at the bottom of the screen during playback.

How to modify a transcript

AI-generated transcripts may require manual corrections to ensure accuracy. The WebVTT file is a structured text file designed for precise synchronization between text and media, so you'll want to proceed with caution.

While it's relatively straightforward to make edits, even small errors can disrupt the synchronization. We recommend limiting your modifications to direct replacements of words or phrases and avoid altering the time codes. Accurate time codes are crucial for maintaining alignment with the audio or video content.

Steps for modifying a transcript:

1. Log into the Hub at http://app.ustudio.com using your Admin credentials.
2. In the All Media section, find and edit the content for which you wish to modify the transcript in your Studio.
   
3. To modify an existing transcript:

   Option 1: Modify within the Transcript field UI

   1. Scroll down until you see the Transcript field in the middle pane.

   2. Edit the text as desired.
      

   Option 2: Download the file, modify, and re-upload the file

   1. Scroll down until you see the Caption section on the right pane.
   2. Download the current WebVTT file by clicking the "Download" button.
   3. Using a standard text editor, make the necessary changes to the transcript. Be careful to retain the integrity of the WebVTT format to ensure the content's audio maintains alignment with the text.
   4. Upload the modified file by clicking the replace caption button.
   5. Once the modified transcript is uploaded the changes will be visible the next time the content is loaded.
      
4. Click "Save" down below to save the changes you've made.