Plaud turns your recordings into accurate, searchable text in 112+ languages.
Applies to: v4.0.x or later. Still using v3.30.x or earlier Plaud Mobile App? See Transcription.
How transcription works
Every recording is transcribed automatically when it ends, in the language spoken. See Automatic transcription and summaries. Transcription doesn't translate. The new Plaud Mobile App detects a single language for each recording and transcribes the whole file in that language. Mixing multiple languages within one recording isn't supported.
Your transcript includes Speaker Labels and comes as Original text, plus a Cleaned-up text version when Clean up transcript automatically is on in Settings (it's on by default). Turning it off stops new recordings from getting a Cleaned-up text; existing files aren't affected, and turning it back on lets you generate it again. See Cleaned-up transcripts for switching between them and Meeting info and Speaker Labels for speakers.
How to transcribe manually?
For files that weren't processed automatically:
- Open the recording.
- Tap Generate. In the panel that opens, adjust Label my voice automatically, Audio language, Summary template, Summary language, and AI model if needed, then tap Generate. Tap Summary template to choose a different template.
Setting the language manually helps with less common languages and accents.
Auto-summary and default settings
Besides transcribing, Plaud can also generate an AI summary automatically after every recording (this uses transcription minutes). To summarize a recording with a different template, see Summary templates. To manage this and the default generation settings:
- On the home screen, tap the menu icon in the top-left corner, then tap Settings.
- Under Workspace, tap Preferences.
- Under Generation, toggle Auto-summarize new recordings on or off.
- Tap Transcription & summary to set the defaults: Audio language (default Auto), Auto speaker labeling, Custom vocabulary, Clean up transcript automatically (removes filler words and stutters), Summary language (default Auto), AI model (default Auto), and Summary instructions (Beta).
Audio language settings
Transcription transcribes your audio in the language spoken. It doesn't translate the transcript into another language.
- Set your Audio language to Auto (the default) or a specific language, in Settings > Preferences > Transcription & summary. This helps Plaud pick the right recognition model when automatic detection is uncertain; it doesn't change or translate the output.
- If the detected language doesn't match your setting, the Mobile App notifies you once for that file and offers a one-tap re-transcription in the correct language, free of charge.
- Transcript and summary languages are separate settings, both set to Auto by default. You can have an English transcript with a summary in another language.
FAQ about transcription
How many languages are supported?
112+. For less common languages, set the audio language manually instead of relying on detection.
Can I transcribe in a different language afterward?
Yes. Re-transcribe the file with a different language setting. See Re-generate a transcript or summary for what that replaces.
Can Plaud translate my transcript?
Transcription itself doesn't translate.
Does re-transcribing cost transcription minutes?
If the Mobile App prompts you about a language mismatch, the one-tap re-transcription is free. Re-transcribing in other cases follows the standard rules. See Re-generate a transcript or summary.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference only and may change as Plaud product features continue to update. Please refer to the latest version of the product for the most current experience.