Sermon transcription
How to transcribe a sermon into text, with a summary
To transcribe a sermon, take the recording from the service (the soundboard audio, the livestream video or a phone recording) and open it in HiText. In a few minutes you get the full text, a summary with the main points and, if you want, a translation into another language. Copy it into your blog, bulletin or small-group notes.
Summary of the sermon:
- Passage: The parable of the lost son, Luke 15:11-32
- Main point: Grace comes before the son's apology.
- For small groups: Which brother do you recognise in yourself?
From Sunday's recording to text
- 1
Get the best recording
The audio from the soundboard or the livestream is usually cleaner than a phone in the pews. Download it as MP3, M4A or the video file, or use the YouTube link of the service.
- 2
Transcribe it in HiText
Choose the file or paste the link. HiText detects the language and transcribes the whole sermon, even if it runs for an hour.
- 3
Edit and publish
Read the summary, check names and Bible references in the transcript and paste the text where you need it: the church website, the newsletter or the small-group guide.
What churches use sermon transcripts for
- A written version on the website for people who missed the service or are hard of hearing
- Blog posts and newsletter articles based on the sermon
- Discussion guides for small groups, starting from the summary
- A translation for members who speak another language, for example Spanish or Portuguese (translate audio to text)
- An archive of past sermons you can search as text
Check before you publish
Automatic transcription is very accurate with clear audio, but it can misspell names, places or less common words, and it doesn't check Bible references. Read the transcript once before publishing, and decide how much to edit spoken style into written prose. HiText gives you the text; the editing is yours.
Recordings that work
- The audio from the mixing desk or recording software (MP3, WAV, M4A)
- The video of the livestream, up to 2 GB (video to text)
- The YouTube link, if the service is on your channel (YouTube video to text)
- A phone recording near the speaker, if there's nothing else
Frequently asked questions
Can it transcribe a full service?
Yes. Files can be up to 2 GB in the app and 1 GB in the browser, so a whole service of one or two hours fits. If you only want the sermon, trim the file first to save minutes.
Does it tell apart the pastor and the readers?
Not in the standard app: you get the full text in one piece and a summary. If several people speak, their parts appear in order but without names.
Can I get it in another language?
Yes. HiText transcribes 13 languages and can show the transcript translated into the language you choose, for example English to Spanish for a bilingual congregation.
Can I export it as subtitles?
No. HiText doesn't export SRT subtitles or Word files; you copy or share the text and paste it where you need it.
How much does it cost?
Your first 30 minutes are free, no card needed. For weekly sermons, HiText Pro is a subscription with the price shown in the app before you pay, and you can cancel any time.
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- HiText home
Give every sermon a written version
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