How to Convert Audio to Text in 2026? 5 Steps to Do It with Tinrec

Tinrec (Seconds to Listen) is an AI recording and audio/video organization tool that integrates three core functions: real-time recording-to-text, file transcription, and online video transcription. It supports iOS, Android, and web versions. The free version provides a basic monthly transcription allowance, suitable for professionals, students, and content creators, helping you quickly turn meetings, courses, interviews, or videos into searchable text.

What is Tinrec?

Tinrec is not just an ordinary recording-to-text app; it emphasizes turning audio and video content into "workable materials." In addition to verbatim transcripts, it offers AI summaries, chapter highlights, to-do item extraction, AI Q&A, and multi-format export, making a recording truly actionable knowledge.

Core Features and Highlights

Real-Time Recording-to-Text: Transcribes as you record, with text appearing simultaneously during meetings or classes, and the transcript is complete when the recording ends.
Audio/Video File-to-Text: Upload existing audio or video files to instantly get transcripts and summaries. Great for organizing old recordings, podcasts, and source materials.
Online Video-to-Text: Paste a link to public videos from YouTube, Bilibili, etc., and directly extract text and key points. Ideal for content creators or learners.
AI Summaries and Chapters: Automatically extract important paragraphs and chapters from long recordings, so you don't have to listen from start to finish.
AI Conversational Query: Ask questions about the recording content like querying a database, e.g., "What was the meeting conclusion?" or "Who is responsible for what?"
Multi-Format Export: Export results to txt, docx, srt, etc., or sync to Notion and Google Docs for further editing.

Plans and Pricing

Tinrec offers different plans based on usage frequency:

Version	Target Audience	Allowance Description
Free	Light trial	Basic monthly transcription allowance to experience core features
Weekly Card	Short-term intensive use	Ideal for project sprints, exam weeks, or short courses
Pro Monthly	Regular users	Higher monthly allowance for steady meetings and study
Pro Yearly	Long-term users	Lower monthly cost for continuous accumulation of recordings

If you're unsure about usage, we recommend starting with the free version to try it out.

Stop organizing recordings by hand

Upload audio or video and automatically get a transcript, summary, and action items

Try Tinrec Download the Tinrec app

Tutorial: Convert Audio to Text in 5 Steps

Step 1: Download and Install

Search for "Tinrec" or "Seconds to Listen" on the App Store or Google Play, then download and install. You can also use the web version directly without installation.

Step 2: Record or Import Audio

Open Tinrec and tap the record button to start recording. You can also import old audio or video files from your phone or cloud, or paste links to public videos on YouTube, etc.

Step 3: Get Transcript and AI Summary

After recording, the system automatically converts to a verbatim transcript and generates AI summaries, chapters, and to-do items. You can tap any sentence on the timeline to jump directly to the corresponding audio position.

Step 4: Use AI Q&A to Find Key Points

Below the transcript page, there is an "AI Q&A" input box where you can type questions like "What was the division of tasks decided at last week's meeting?" Tinrec will answer based on the recording content, saving you from flipping through 30 pages of transcript.

Step 5: Export or Share

Choose your desired export format, such as plain text, Word, or subtitle files, or sync to Notion or Google Docs with one click. You can also share the organized meeting minutes directly with colleagues.

FAQ

What languages does Tinrec support?

It supports Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, English, and more. Its Chinese content processing is quite good, and it can recognize mixed Chinese-English conversations. Actual performance depends on audio quality, accent, and background noise.

Is the free version enough?

The free version has a basic monthly allowance, suitable for occasional short meetings or classes. If you need to transcribe a lot, consider the Weekly Card or Pro plans.

How accurate is the transcription?

With clear recordings and standard accents, accuracy is high. However, when multiple people speak simultaneously, there is background noise, or there are many technical terms, errors may occur. We recommend proofreading important content by playing back the recording.

Can I transcribe online videos?

Yes, just paste a link to a public video. However, please comply with each platform's terms of use and copyright regulations.

How is this different from a regular phone recorder?

A built-in recorder only records. Tinrec not only records but also turns your audio into text, offers summaries, Q&A, and export options, making recordings reusable data rather than just files.

How long can my audio files be?

The free version has a time limit for single recordings or imports, while Pro plans offer more generous allowances. See the subscription details within the app for exact numbers.