How to transcribe a long recording (2, 3 or 4 hours)

Short answer

To transcribe a 2–4 hour recording in one piece, use a tool that accepts long files. Dolcenota takes up to 4 hours and 2 GB per file, uploads large files in parts, and lets you search, ask questions and use timestamps. A 3-hour recording uses 180 minutes.

Board meetings, workshops, hearings, lectures and podcasts often run two, three or four hours, and that's exactly where many transcription tools stop: free plans often cap a single file at 30 or 60 minutes, so you end up cutting the recording into pieces and stitching the text back together.

This guide covers how to transcribe a long recording in one piece, how to upload a large file without trouble, and what it costs.

Transcribe a long recording in 3 steps

1
Check the file
Dolcenota accepts recordings up to 4 hours and 2 GB per file. If yours is a long video, an audio-only version is much smaller and uploads faster.
2
Upload it in one go
Open Dolcenota in your browser and upload the file. Large files upload in parts, so a short connection drop doesn't throw away what was already uploaded. If the recording is split into several files, upload them together for one continuous transcript.
3
Navigate it with search and questions
A long transcript is only useful if you can find things. Search for a word, ask questions ("when did they discuss the budget?"), and use the timestamps on every line. The summary gives you the key points first.

Minutes and plans for long recordings

A 3-hour recording uses 180 minutes. The free plan includes 60 minutes a month, so it's enough to try Dolcenota on a shorter file, but not for a full long recording. Plus is $7.99 a month for 400 minutes, which covers two 3-hour recordings, and Pro and Power include more. If a single recording would use more than half of your monthly minutes, Dolcenota asks you to confirm before uploading, so nothing is spent by surprise.

Tips for long recordings

Plug in the device you're recording with, and turn on Do Not Disturb.
If you record in the browser, keep the page open and the screen on until you stop.
Put the recorder near whoever speaks most, or in the middle of the table.
For multi-day events, keep one recording per session; it makes each transcript easier to navigate.

Making sense of a long transcript

Start with the summary for the main points and decisions.
Rename the speakers first; then search and the summary use real names.
Ask the recording targeted questions instead of reading it top to bottom.
Export to Word to annotate, or to PDF to share.

Frequently asked questions

What's the longest recording I can transcribe?

Up to 4 hours and 2 GB per file. Longer events can be split into sessions.

Can I combine several files into one transcript?

Yes: up to 3 files on the free plan and up to 20 on paid plans.

How long does a 3-hour recording take?

Usually a few minutes once it has uploaded; uploading a large video can take longer than the transcription itself.

What if my upload is interrupted?

Large files upload in parts, so a short drop doesn't start everything over. If an upload never completes, the minutes reserved for it are returned automatically.

Is a long transcript accurate all the way through?

Accuracy depends on the audio, not on the length. Clear audio stays accurate for the whole recording.

Transcribe your long recording in one piece

Upload up to 4 hours and get the transcript, a summary and answers to your questions. Free to start.

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