What is The Best Transcription Software for Mac Users?

Recent research suggests that there are about 100 million MacOS users worldwide. Among US consumers, MacOS is the second-most popular operating system. Currently, more than half of companies either approve of or require the use of MacOS devices by employees.  

As MacOS continues to play a major role in daily corporate operations, it’s important for business leaders to invest in Mac-compatible technology solutions. Transcription is one tool that professionals use to improve the quality of communications and foster more inclusive work environments. Let’s discuss which transcription software provides the most comprehensive support and positive user experience for Mac users.  

What is transcription software? 

Transcription refers to the process of converting audio to written text. The transcription process produces text versions of video and audio recordings, calls, meetings and live events. In a traditional transcription process, a human transcriptionist listens to a selected audio sample and manually types out everything they hear on the recording. However, recent technological advances can streamline the transcription process and reduce the amount of manual labor involved in transcript production.  

Today, consumers can choose between a variety of transcription software solutions to help them scale up their transcription efforts. Some devices and platforms for Mac users feature built-in transcription tools. However, business leaders can also turn to third-party transcription services for enhanced support and advanced transcription features. Transcription users should understand the importance of investing in high-quality transcription software and how implementing the right solution for your business supports the diverse needs of your team.   

Overview of transcription software for Mac 

There are currently a number of transcription software solutions available to Mac users. Some of these solutions are built into platforms like Google Docs, while others are downloadable third-party applications and plug-ins. It’s worth noting that professionals should carefully research the system requirements of third-party apps and features to ensure compatibility with the Mac operating system.  

The vast majority of these transcription tools rely on a type of artificial intelligence, specifically, automatic speech recognition software (ASR). ASR uses highly advanced language and learning models to convert spoken audio to written text. This technology plays a major role in many consumers’ daily lives, even if they’re not aware of it. For example, ASR is a cornerstone of the technology that virtual assistants like Alexa and Siri use to interpret and respond to verbal commands. Similarly, ASR technology is responsible for basic functions like voice-to-text that many smartphone owners use on a regular basis.  

Speech-to-text technology and accuracy  

ASR technology is already highly advanced, but experts are constantly working to enhance the capabilities of ASR solutions and tools. As it stands right now, however, automatic transcription tools like those built into certain media hosting or social media platforms leave much to be desired in terms of transcription accuracy.  

While users often appreciate the convenience and efficiency afforded by automatic transcription tools, the reality is that these solutions aren’t well-suited for all transcription projects. To effectively aid modern workers and support stringent accessibility standards, written transcripts must achieve exceptionally high accuracy rates. Most speech-to-text algorithms perform very well when tasked with transcribing information from simple, high-quality audio recordings. However, auto-transcription tools often struggle to accurately transcribe audio from low-quality recordings or samples that feature multiple speakers or dialects. For this reason, business leaders must carefully consider the needs of their workforce when selecting an appropriate, MacOS-compatible transcription solution for their team.  

Alternative transcription solutions for Mac users 

In addition to auto-transcription solutions, business leaders have the option to partner with a professional transcription service like Verbit for their transcription needs. Verbit uses a two-pronged approach to transcription that delivers highly accurate final transcripts without compromising on speed, reliability or cost-efficiency.  

Verbit’s transcription process is outlined below:  

• Step 1: A user uploads an audio or video recording for transcription.  

• Step 2: Verbit’s proprietary AI software transcribes the audio automatically.  

• Step 3: One of Verbit’s professionally-trained human transcribers reviews and edits the automatic transcript for maximum accuracy.  

• Step 4: The final transcript becomes available for download in a variety of Mac-compatible file formats.  

Verbit’s platform features several popular options for integration with media hosting platforms and virtual communication sites. With Verbit, users can easily request and initiate transcription of their content and communications. Verbit also offers live transcription services to support real-time communications that take place both virtually and in person. Live transcription is a great tool for boosting audience engagement during meetings and other events and can significantly cut back on the time employees usually spend taking meticulous notes during business discussions.  

What are the benefits of Verbit’s accurate transcription solution? 

Verbit’s unique transcription approach can provide clients with final transcripts that are accurate enough to support modern accessibility requirements. Below are a few of the key benefits of incorporating transcription technology into your workplace:  

Improved accessibility 

Accurate transcripts are one of the most valuable accessibility resources business leaders can provide to their team members. Many individuals with disabilities benefit significantly from receiving information in a written format. For example, employees who are Deaf or hard of hearing often require additional support to engage equitably with information provided through audio or video content. Similarly, employees with specific learning needs or certain neurodivergent conditions may need or prefer to receive information in a readable format. Accurate transcripts provide the additional support these individuals require.  

Increased engagement 

Verbit’s transcription platform is a highly efficient time-saving tool for modern business leaders. When employees receive accurate transcripts, they can focus less on tedious note-taking and engage more fully during meetings, calls and special events. Similarly, providing accurate transcripts of business communications can help streamline messaging for employees or clients tuning in virtually for meetings and discussions. Transcripts provide an added layer of security and can help safeguard against hard-to-control variables like audio quality, background noise and internet speed.  

Expanded reach 

First, proactively offering accommodations like accurate transcripts can help your business develop a positive reputation as a company that values inclusivity and accessibility. On a more technical level, converting audio and video content to text can actually improve your brand’s online presence by enhancing your content’s discoverability. Transcripts are useful to search engines, which crawl online content. The text of the transcripts can influence a search engine’s results and boost your brand’s SEO ranking.  

Use cases for transcription in the workplace  

After investing in a Mac-compatible transcription solution like those offered by Verbit, business leaders may choose to implement the technology in various ways. In addition to serving as a valuable accessibility tool, accurate transcripts can streamline ongoing workflows and improve the quality of business communications.  

Transcripts replace meeting notes for both in-person and virtual attendees. Also, an accurate transcript can foster improved collaboration between team members by safeguarding against miscommunications or misunderstandings. Transcribed recordings of prior communications like Zoom calls or Teams meetings can provide a highly accurate and accessible record of all information from a session. Transcripts also make it easier to incorporate insight from interviews and market research into a company’s marketing efforts by converting long audio and video recordings into searchable text. 

Verbit’s platform is unique in that it offers users the opportunity to choose from a variety of transcription file formats and export options, including a searchable transcription format. Searchable transcripts serve as effective study and reference tools because they allow users to locate specific keywords rather than navigating entire audio or video recordings. Providing employees with searchable transcripts of important communications can help further streamline messaging and contribute to increased information retention.  

Working with Verbit for transcription services 

With so many modern businesses relying upon MacOS-powered devices in the workplace, it’s critically important to find and invest in compatible software solutions for improving accessibility and fostering more effective business communications. Verbit’s transcription platform is compatible with MacOS devices and offers software integrations and features that make transcription a simple part of your company’s day-to-day operations.  

With the recent addition of Verbit’s self-serve transcription platform, it’s easier than ever for business leaders and other professionals to produce highly accurate transcripts of their content and communications. Simply upload your file, select your service, and Verbit will do the rest. To learn more about the benefits of transcription technology for Mac users or for other assistive technology recommendations, reach out to speak to a member of the Verbit team.