Timestamp generator
A timestamp generator transcribes an audio or video file and marks each sentence with the time it is spoken, such as [00:03:15], so you can find and quote any line without listening through the recording.
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Keep this tab open. The transcript appears below as it comes in.
Choose the same file again to play it from any timecode.
The first 10 minutes of up to 3 files a day free, no sign-up Then 10 hours for $9.99, paid once Audio is transcribed, not kept Unused minutes refunded within 14 days
Timestamp formats
The same sentence with the three formats the generator writes:
[00:03:15] We started recording the second interview after lunch.
00:03:15.250 We started recording the second interview after lunch.
01:00:03:06 We started recording the second interview after lunch.The first is the usual choice for notes, research and legal transcripts. Milliseconds suit data work and subtitles. The last is SMPTE timecode for video editors, counted in frames at the frame rate you choose, from a start timecode such as 01:00:00:00.
How often to add a timestamp
A timestamp on every sentence makes any line easy to find and to cut. Longer intervals read better on paper: transcription services often put one every 30 or 60 seconds, or at the start of each paragraph. Switch between them after the transcript is done; nothing is transcribed again.
Where timestamps help
- Interviews and research: quote a participant and point to the exact moment in the recording.
- Podcasts and lectures: list the topics of an episode with the time each one starts.
- Video editing: find a soundbite on the timeline from its timecode.
- Legal and medical records: cite what was said and when.
Questions
Is the timestamp generator free?
The first 10 minutes of up to 3 files a day are free, with a timestamp on every sentence and TXT and SRT downloads. Longer files use minutes from a pack, paid once.
What do the timestamps look like?
[00:03:15] in square brackets by default. You can switch to 00:03:15.250 with milliseconds or to SMPTE frames such as 01:00:03:06 for video editing.
Can I get one timestamp every 30 seconds instead of every sentence?
Yes. Choose every sentence, every paragraph, or every 10, 15, 30 or 60 seconds. Each timestamp lands at the start of a sentence, never in the middle of a word.
Does it work with video files?
Yes. MP4, MOV and M4V files work like audio files; only the sound is used. Files up to 3 hours are supported.
How do I jump to a timestamp?
Click it. The recording plays from that point in the player above the transcript.