WhatsApp launches its audio transcription feature: discover how to activate it

No longer do you have to wait to listen to an audio (or feel like it) to discover its content, transcribe it in just a few clicks.
Sobre un fondo azul y verde, de la parte inferior de la imagen emerge la mitad de un teléfono móvil. En su pantalla se ve una conversación de WhatsApp en la que el usuario ha usado la herramienta de transcripción de mensajes de voz para poder leer el contenido de un audio transcrito. En la esquina superior derecha de la imagen aparece el símbolo de WhatsApp
November 25, 2024

WhatsApp has announced a major update: the introduction of voice message transcription on its platform, which aims to improve user experience. This feature currently supports transcribing voice messages in Spanish, English, Portuguese, and Russian. It will be gradually rolled out to devices worldwide over the next few weeks, with plans to add more languages in the coming months.

Read voice messages when you cannot listen

Voice messages are a convenient way to send quick, easy, and natural communications without typing. However, they are not always convenient for the listener, who might be in a situation where listening isn’t possible, pressed for time, or, let’s be honest, just not in the mood to listen.

To overcome these obstacles and streamline communication for users, WhatsApp is introducing the voice message transcription feature. This will convert the audio content into text, allowing you to read and respond to messages at your convenience.

WhatsApp has clarified that transcriptions are generated entirely on your device and are protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring that neither WhatsApp nor anyone else can access these messages.

How to Enable Voice Message Transcription on WhatsApp

To use the voice message transcription feature on WhatsApp, you first need to enable it, as it is turned off by default. Follow these steps:

  1. Go to WhatsApp’s settings.
  2. Choose the “Chats” section.
  3. Turn on “Voice message transcription” and select your preferred language.

After enabling the feature, you can transcribe any voice messages you’d like. Here is how:

  1. In a chat, press and hold the voice message you want to transcribe.
  2. Choose the “transcribe” option that appears.
  3. Tap the downward arrow icon next to the voice message.
  4. Read the transcription.

Transcriptions might take a few seconds to complete, but occasionally they may not work. If this happens, you’ll see a “Transcription not available” notification. Possible reasons include the audio language not being supported or excessive background noise making the message hard to understand.

Photo: WhatsApp and Canva

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Content Manager in Marketing4eCommerce
Content Manager in Marketing4eCommerce, which translates to: writer, editor, and absolute fan of generating images with AI.

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