Google Drive Now Transcribes Video Audio - Search Inside Videos!

Google Drive Introduces Searchable Video Transcripts

Following the introduction of automatically created video captions in the previous year, Google Drive is now implementing a new functionality: searchable video transcripts.

Google has revealed that, beginning Monday, Drive users will be able to view and search the transcripts generated for their video content.

Eliminating the Need for Third-Party Services

This new capability removes the necessity of uploading a video's audio to external transcription platforms, such as Otter.

Enhanced Video Navigation and Accessibility

Transcripts will be displayed in a sidebar adjacent to the video player. The text corresponding to the currently playing segment will be highlighted in real-time.

Google explains that this update is intended to simplify the process of locating specific segments within a video by enabling users to search directly within the transcript.

Furthermore, it improves accessibility by providing a text-based accompaniment to the video's audio content.

Accessing Video Transcripts

To utilize the video transcript feature, open a video with existing captions in Google Drive.

Click the settings gear icon located in the lower-right corner of the video player to access the video settings menu.

Select the “Transcript” option from the available settings.

Caption Requirement

It is important to note that a video must have captions enabled to display a corresponding transcript.

The presence of captions is indicated by an active “CC” button in the video player’s bottom-right corner.

Adding Captions to Videos

Captions can be added to a video by right-clicking the file and selecting “Manage caption tracks.”

Within the caption management interface, users can choose the “generate automatic captions” option.

Rollout Schedule

The rollout of this new feature will occur over the next several weeks.

It will be available to all Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and individuals utilizing personal Google accounts.