Google Meet Transcription For Remote Meetings

Everyone has accepted that information technology effortlessly enables remote meetings and calls in businesses, education, and personal contexts. Despite the convenience, virtual communication comes with the rigid task of maintaining a meticulous record of everything said during the meeting in order to ensure that minimal details are omitted and nothing is forgotten. This is where transcription proves to be an asset that converts. Providing an accurate written record, transcription enables revisited discussions, important pointers shared among peers, and responsibilities tracked and acted upon.  

Google Meet Transcriptions
Google Meet Transcriptions

Does Google's Meet Application Have Transcription?

As of now, Google Meet includes transcription as one of its features, which was added in late 2022. This is meant to assist users in capturing as well as saving the content of their online meetings.

This feature works by providing a transcript text for audio in English, and can greatly benefit those who need to document discussions or want to extract important details from meetings. While this feature can be of great help to many people, it is crucial to be aware of the restrictions and the circumstances under which this feature will be turned on.

 

transcribing on notebook

Google Meet Transcription Supported Workspace Plans

Meetings in Google Meet have become a common practice among a variety of users, and the platform offers diverse features that can improve productivity and teamwork. One distinct feature of Google Meet is that it allows the generation of transcripts from meetings for later use. Google has set certain restrictions in terms of features for individual workspace plans – transcription being one. 

Transcription services are only available to core paid Google Workspace plans. These are:  

- Business Standard

- Business Plus

- Enterprise Starter

- Enterprise Standard

- Enterprise Plus

- Teaching and Learning Upgrade

- Education Plus  

Transcription features cannot be used by free-tier Google accounts or users under the Business Starter plan. Limitations in these features will result in users seeking third-party transcription services or upgraded plans for those not qualifying under the current stipulations. However, you can use MeetEcho AI for your Google Meet transcriptions.

Conditions for Using Google Meet Transcription Feature

Users have to meet some requirements to be able to fully take advantage of Google Meet’s transcription tool: 

For Desktop or Laptop Use

Transcription works only on a desktop or laptop device. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices do not support the transcription feature.  

Adequate Google Drive Storage Space 

Transcription files created by Google Meet are stored directly in Google Drive. Users should have enough storage space in their Google Drive accounts to avoid any interruptions.  

Paid Eligibility Through Listed Plans

As highlighted earlier, only users subscribed to the Google Workspace paid plans are eligible for these features. This limitation is put in place to provide advanced tools and services to premium users.  

How to Transcribe Meetings in Google Meet

Meeting transcription is one of those things that could improve collaboration and productivity, especially in hybrid or remote work settings. Google Meet has an integrated transcription feature that takes the worry out of writing down notes. We will explain how to set up and use Google Meet transcription features along with major benefits, so you can take notes with confidence.  

Here are the steps that get you started with Google Meet Transcriptions:  

Join and Set Up the Google Meet Call

Start off by joining or setting up a Google Meet session. Make sure that the transcription feature is available for your Workspace plan, as some plans, like Google Workspace for Education or Business Plus have limited access.

Use the ‘Activities’ Button to Activate Transcription 

In the bottom right corner of your Google Meet window, locate and select the ‘Activities’ button. From the popup menu, select transcription to commence recording the meeting conversation in text form. All participants will be notified that transcription has been turned on.

Access the Transcript After the Meeting

The transcript will be saved automatically after the meeting ends. You may receive it through email (sent to the email linked with the meeting organizer’s account), or directly through Google Calendar if the meeting was scheduled. The document is kept in Google Docs format for easy editing and sharing.

Advantages of Google Meet Transcription

As with the other meeting platforms, Google Meet transcription is an essential part of the business suite that offers different advantages to users and teams. Here are some of the key benefits:

Seamless Integration within the Google Meet Workflow  

Transcription is part of Google Meet's functions without the need for additional software or services, which guarantees a user experience and eliminates any integration issues.

Automatic Email and Google Calendar Attachment of the Transcript  

After the meeting ends, Google Meet sends an email with the transcript and attaches it to the corresponding Google Calendar event. This organization of information is done automatically, which helps save time and ensures that all records of meetings are organized.  

You can polish the text and make edits with your Transcripts in Google Docs.  

Transcripts are automatically saved in Google Docs, so they can be edited in their entirety. Users can make edits, add highlights, and mark up the document with information for later review. This flexibility is useful when trying to produce accurate records or minutes of a meeting.  

Improve Communication

Using Google Meet transcription allows teams to improve their communication planning, cut down on manual record-taking, and have reliable records of conversations. Whether you are brainstorming ideas with teammates or having a meeting with a client, transcription ensures that everything is taken into account, which makes the process seamless. A few clicks can enhance productivity, clarity, and workflow within a single session.

Drawbacks of Google Meet Transcriptions

As much as Google Meet transcriptions can be helpful in a lot of ways, there are some limitations users need to think about. The following are some obvious disadvantages:  

Not Accurate for Non-English Languages  

For English speakers, the transcription service functions just fine, but for other languages, it might not be as accurate. This is especially troublesome for international meetings with multilingual participants because key details could be misinterpreted and result in misunderstandings.  

Limited to Desktop Devices  

As of today, only users on desktops are able to access Google Meet transcription. This can be frustrating for participants who would like to join meetings using their tablets or smartphones, as it limits mobility and flexibility when attending meetings.  

Paid Google Workspace Plan Required, Along with Google Drive Storage Space  

To use Google Meet transcription, you should have sufficient storage space in your Google Drive because transcripts are saved there automatically. Furthermore, Google Transcription is only granted with purchased Google Workspace plans, which can be an issue for personally run startups or individuals on subsidized plans.

Records Will Only Be Kept For a Period of 3 Months

Recording transcripts on Google Meet has a three-month expiration period after which they’ll be automatically deleted. If you need these records for a longer duration, you will have to manually save them, which can add excessive steps to your workflow.

Note : It may Take Over 24 Hours to Grant Accessibility to Transcripts  

Though the transcription feature adds great value to Google Meet, the limitations make it less useful for a wider audience. The restriction of specific paid plans excludes lower-tier and free plan users who would benefit from having transcription features. Additionally, the lack of mobile device support makes it difficult for users who need to access the feature on the go.

For individuals or companies that require transcription services, assessing the previously mentioned guidelines and picking the most suitable Google Workspace plan comes first. Considering alternative options like third-party providers could also work well. As a whole, the tool does serve its purpose of improving productivity, though it would be ideal if Google expanded the availability to other users, which would make the tool easier for more people to access and use.  

Understanding these requirements and supported plans allows users to make better decisions when integrating Google Meet transcription features into their workflows.  

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Google Meet transcription?  

Google Meet transcription is a feature that automatically converts spoken content from your meeting into a text format, enabling participants to reference discussions later.

How do I enable transcription in Google Meet?  

To enable transcription, an administrator must configure the transcription settings for your Google Workspace account. Once configured, you can activate it during a meeting.

Is transcription available in all versions of Google Meet?  

No, transcription is only available for select Google Workspace editions, like Business Standard, Business Plus, and Enterprise.

Is transcription appropriate for recordings?  

Transcription serves a different function from recordings. While recording captures audio, video, and any other visuals, transcription only converts speech to text. 

How accurate is transcription in Google Meet?  

Meeting transcription accuracy relies heavily on sound quality, how clearly the speaker articulates words, and the amount of background noise. It’s generally trustworthy but not infallible. 

Does Google Meet transcription allow for other languages?  

Yes, but only to a certain extent. The languages that are best for the feature are English, Spanish, and French. For the most up-to-date list of supported languages, refer to Google’s support documentation. 

Is transcription instant?  

No, in most cases, you have to wait until the meeting ends for the transcription to be processed. Depending on when a user decides to access them, transcripts can take minutes to hours to become fully available. 

Where would I retrieve the transcription from after a meeting?  

They take the transcription and send it to the organizer through email, and also keep it on Google Drive, provided that the settings of your account allow it. 

Can I alter the transcription after retrieving it?  

Yes, users can modify transcripts as they see fit in editable formats. .docx and .txt files are commonly used for transcription files.

Does Google Meet transcription work for breakout rooms?  

No, transcription does not support breakout rooms at this time. As of now, it only applies to the primary meeting.  

Can I turn off transcription during a meeting?  

Yes. Transcription can be stopped during a meeting by going into the transcription settings and turning off the option.  

Is there a way to prevent transcription for sensitive meetings?  

Yes. Transcription can be restricted to only specific organizers, so meeting organizers can set transcription as enabled or not. Also, permission settings can be adjusted to enhance meeting control.  

How long are transcriptions stored?  

Transcriptions remain within the system’s storage for as long as stipulated in your Google Workspace or organizational settings. You may consult your admin to check the laws pertaining the retention policies.  

Can guests in the meeting access the transcription?  

Usually, transcriptions are restricted to being accessed by the host and participants from the organization or work domain. Guests are unlikely to be given access unless it is explicitly provided.  

Does Google Meet transcription work for webinars?  

Yes. Transcription can be done for webinars as long as it is included for that session.  

What formats are available for downloaded transcriptions?  

Transcriptions can easily be shared and edited because they can commonly be downloaded in text formats such as .txt or .docx.

Is there any extra fee when using transcription in Google Meet?  

The transcription function does not incur extra payments since it is included in qualifying Google Workspace subscriptions.  

Can transcription recognize different speakers?  

Transcription can distinguish among several speakers' voices and mark them differently, but may not do so accurately in every case.  

What do technical issues mean regarding transcription?  

A transcription service is accessory in some way or fashion to the primary function being performed. If a technical problem arises, the transcription could be absent or incomplete. A good internet connection and clearly audible sounds add to positive performance.  

Is Google Meet transcription compliant with GDPR regulations?  

Yes, Google Meet transcription complies with strict data protection and privacy policies, including GDPR guidelines with compliant organizations.

Conclusion

Google Meet Transcriptions help you to come back and read whatever talk you had in the meeting. It offers you integrated functionality, but you need the paid plans. But if you can’t afford it, you can use other AI transcribers such as MeetEcho AI.

Google Meet Transcriptions
Google Meet Transcriptions

Google Meet Transcription For Remote Meetings

Everyone has accepted that information technology effortlessly enables remote meetings and calls in businesses, education, and personal contexts. Despite the convenience, virtual communication comes with the rigid task of maintaining a meticulous record of everything said during the meeting in order to ensure that minimal details are omitted and nothing is forgotten. This is where transcription proves to be an asset that converts. Providing an accurate written record, transcription enables revisited discussions, important pointers shared among peers, and responsibilities tracked and acted upon.  

Does Google's Meet Application Have Transcription?

As of now, Google Meet includes transcription as one of its features, which was added in late 2022. This is meant to assist users in capturing as well as saving the content of their online meetings.

This feature works by providing a transcript text for audio in English, and can greatly benefit those who need to document discussions or want to extract important details from meetings. While this feature can be of great help to many people, it is crucial to be aware of the restrictions and the circumstances under which this feature will be turned on.

 

transcribing on notebook

Google Meet Transcription Supported Workspace Plans

Meetings in Google Meet have become a common practice among a variety of users, and the platform offers diverse features that can improve productivity and teamwork. One distinct feature of Google Meet is that it allows the generation of transcripts from meetings for later use. Google has set certain restrictions in terms of features for individual workspace plans – transcription being one. 

Transcription services are only available to core paid Google Workspace plans. These are:  

- Business Standard

- Business Plus

- Enterprise Starter

- Enterprise Standard

- Enterprise Plus

- Teaching and Learning Upgrade

- Education Plus  

Transcription features cannot be used by free-tier Google accounts or users under the Business Starter plan. Limitations in these features will result in users seeking third-party transcription services or upgraded plans for those not qualifying under the current stipulations. However, you can use MeetEcho AI for your Google Meet transcriptions.

Conditions for Using Google Meet Transcription Feature

Users have to meet some requirements to be able to fully take advantage of Google Meet’s transcription tool: 

For Desktop or Laptop Use

Transcription works only on a desktop or laptop device. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices do not support the transcription feature.  

Adequate Google Drive Storage Space 

Transcription files created by Google Meet are stored directly in Google Drive. Users should have enough storage space in their Google Drive accounts to avoid any interruptions.  

Paid Eligibility Through Listed Plans

As highlighted earlier, only users subscribed to the Google Workspace paid plans are eligible for these features. This limitation is put in place to provide advanced tools and services to premium users.  

How to Transcribe Meetings in Google Meet

Meeting transcription is one of those things that could improve collaboration and productivity, especially in hybrid or remote work settings. Google Meet has an integrated transcription feature that takes the worry out of writing down notes. We will explain how to set up and use Google Meet transcription features along with major benefits, so you can take notes with confidence.  

Here are the steps that get you started with Google Meet Transcriptions:  

Join and Set Up the Google Meet Call

Start off by joining or setting up a Google Meet session. Make sure that the transcription feature is available for your Workspace plan, as some plans, like Google Workspace for Education or Business Plus have limited access.

Use the ‘Activities’ Button to Activate Transcription 

In the bottom right corner of your Google Meet window, locate and select the ‘Activities’ button. From the popup menu, select transcription to commence recording the meeting conversation in text form. All participants will be notified that transcription has been turned on.

Access the Transcript After the Meeting

The transcript will be saved automatically after the meeting ends. You may receive it through email (sent to the email linked with the meeting organizer’s account), or directly through Google Calendar if the meeting was scheduled. The document is kept in Google Docs format for easy editing and sharing.

Advantages of Google Meet Transcription

As with the other meeting platforms, Google Meet transcription is an essential part of the business suite that offers different advantages to users and teams. Here are some of the key benefits:

Seamless Integration within the Google Meet Workflow  

Transcription is part of Google Meet's functions without the need for additional software or services, which guarantees a user experience and eliminates any integration issues.

Automatic Email and Google Calendar Attachment of the Transcript  

After the meeting ends, Google Meet sends an email with the transcript and attaches it to the corresponding Google Calendar event. This organization of information is done automatically, which helps save time and ensures that all records of meetings are organized.  

You can polish the text and make edits with your Transcripts in Google Docs.  

Transcripts are automatically saved in Google Docs, so they can be edited in their entirety. Users can make edits, add highlights, and mark up the document with information for later review. This flexibility is useful when trying to produce accurate records or minutes of a meeting.  

Improve Communication

Using Google Meet transcription allows teams to improve their communication planning, cut down on manual record-taking, and have reliable records of conversations. Whether you are brainstorming ideas with teammates or having a meeting with a client, transcription ensures that everything is taken into account, which makes the process seamless. A few clicks can enhance productivity, clarity, and workflow within a single session.

Drawbacks of Google Meet Transcriptions

As much as Google Meet transcriptions can be helpful in a lot of ways, there are some limitations users need to think about. The following are some obvious disadvantages:  

Not Accurate for Non-English Languages  

For English speakers, the transcription service functions just fine, but for other languages, it might not be as accurate. This is especially troublesome for international meetings with multilingual participants because key details could be misinterpreted and result in misunderstandings.  

Limited to Desktop Devices  

As of today, only users on desktops are able to access Google Meet transcription. This can be frustrating for participants who would like to join meetings using their tablets or smartphones, as it limits mobility and flexibility when attending meetings.  

Paid Google Workspace Plan Required, Along with Google Drive Storage Space  

To use Google Meet transcription, you should have sufficient storage space in your Google Drive because transcripts are saved there automatically. Furthermore, Google Transcription is only granted with purchased Google Workspace plans, which can be an issue for personally run startups or individuals on subsidized plans.

Records Will Only Be Kept For a Period of 3 Months

Recording transcripts on Google Meet has a three-month expiration period after which they’ll be automatically deleted. If you need these records for a longer duration, you will have to manually save them, which can add excessive steps to your workflow.

Note : It may Take Over 24 Hours to Grant Accessibility to Transcripts  

Though the transcription feature adds great value to Google Meet, the limitations make it less useful for a wider audience. The restriction of specific paid plans excludes lower-tier and free plan users who would benefit from having transcription features. Additionally, the lack of mobile device support makes it difficult for users who need to access the feature on the go.

For individuals or companies that require transcription services, assessing the previously mentioned guidelines and picking the most suitable Google Workspace plan comes first. Considering alternative options like third-party providers could also work well. As a whole, the tool does serve its purpose of improving productivity, though it would be ideal if Google expanded the availability to other users, which would make the tool easier for more people to access and use.  

Understanding these requirements and supported plans allows users to make better decisions when integrating Google Meet transcription features into their workflows.  

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Google Meet transcription?  

Google Meet transcription is a feature that automatically converts spoken content from your meeting into a text format, enabling participants to reference discussions later.

How do I enable transcription in Google Meet?  

To enable transcription, an administrator must configure the transcription settings for your Google Workspace account. Once configured, you can activate it during a meeting.

Is transcription available in all versions of Google Meet?  

No, transcription is only available for select Google Workspace editions, like Business Standard, Business Plus, and Enterprise.

Is transcription appropriate for recordings?  

Transcription serves a different function from recordings. While recording captures audio, video, and any other visuals, transcription only converts speech to text. 

How accurate is transcription in Google Meet?  

Meeting transcription accuracy relies heavily on sound quality, how clearly the speaker articulates words, and the amount of background noise. It’s generally trustworthy but not infallible. 

Does Google Meet transcription allow for other languages?  

Yes, but only to a certain extent. The languages that are best for the feature are English, Spanish, and French. For the most up-to-date list of supported languages, refer to Google’s support documentation. 

Is transcription instant?  

No, in most cases, you have to wait until the meeting ends for the transcription to be processed. Depending on when a user decides to access them, transcripts can take minutes to hours to become fully available. 

Where would I retrieve the transcription from after a meeting?  

They take the transcription and send it to the organizer through email, and also keep it on Google Drive, provided that the settings of your account allow it. 

Can I alter the transcription after retrieving it?  

Yes, users can modify transcripts as they see fit in editable formats. .docx and .txt files are commonly used for transcription files.

Does Google Meet transcription work for breakout rooms?  

No, transcription does not support breakout rooms at this time. As of now, it only applies to the primary meeting.  

Can I turn off transcription during a meeting?  

Yes. Transcription can be stopped during a meeting by going into the transcription settings and turning off the option.  

Is there a way to prevent transcription for sensitive meetings?  

Yes. Transcription can be restricted to only specific organizers, so meeting organizers can set transcription as enabled or not. Also, permission settings can be adjusted to enhance meeting control.  

How long are transcriptions stored?  

Transcriptions remain within the system’s storage for as long as stipulated in your Google Workspace or organizational settings. You may consult your admin to check the laws pertaining the retention policies.  

Can guests in the meeting access the transcription?  

Usually, transcriptions are restricted to being accessed by the host and participants from the organization or work domain. Guests are unlikely to be given access unless it is explicitly provided.  

Does Google Meet transcription work for webinars?  

Yes. Transcription can be done for webinars as long as it is included for that session.  

What formats are available for downloaded transcriptions?  

Transcriptions can easily be shared and edited because they can commonly be downloaded in text formats such as .txt or .docx.

Is there any extra fee when using transcription in Google Meet?  

The transcription function does not incur extra payments since it is included in qualifying Google Workspace subscriptions.  

Can transcription recognize different speakers?  

Transcription can distinguish among several speakers' voices and mark them differently, but may not do so accurately in every case.  

What do technical issues mean regarding transcription?  

A transcription service is accessory in some way or fashion to the primary function being performed. If a technical problem arises, the transcription could be absent or incomplete. A good internet connection and clearly audible sounds add to positive performance.  

Is Google Meet transcription compliant with GDPR regulations?  

Yes, Google Meet transcription complies with strict data protection and privacy policies, including GDPR guidelines with compliant organizations.

Conclusion

Google Meet Transcriptions help you to come back and read whatever talk you had in the meeting. It offers you integrated functionality, but you need the paid plans. But if you can’t afford it, you can use other AI transcribers such as MeetEcho AI.



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