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How do I upload a file?

In this article, you'll learn how to upload your files to Happy Scribe and we'll give you some best practice advice.

Oana M avatar
Written by Oana M
Updated this week

Uploading your audio or video files is the first step to unlocking the power of transcription and captioning at Happy Scribe. In this helpdesk article, we will guide you through the various methods of uploading files to your Dashboard and provide you with best practices to ensure a seamless and efficient experience.

There are several ways for you to import your files:

  • From your desktop

  • From public links

  • From a connected account in your "Connections" on your Dashboard

  • From an SRT or VTT file

Don't forget to give a quick read to the best practices we have compiled for you below! ✨

Uploading files from your desktop

  1. Head to your Dashboard and click on "+ Create"

  2. Choose whether you'd like Transcript, Subtitles, or Dub

  3. Drag & drop your files or select "Choose files": Select the desired file from your computer and click the "Open" button. You can upload multiple files by clicking the Shift button and selecting your audio or video files

  4. Ensure that the original spoken language in the file is selected in the "Speakers' language" box. This is important as selecting the wrong language will result in an incorrect or blank result

    1. For translations, select the translation language(s) in the "Add translations" box

  5. Finally, select the service you'd like: either Human made or Machine generated and click "Create"

Uploading public links

  1. Head to your Dashboard and click on "+ Create"

  2. Choose whether you'd like Transcript, Subtitles, or Dub

  3. Click on "Paste link" (for example, YouTube or Google Drive)Paste the link you wish to get transcribed. If you have multiple links, you can upload them separated by commas. Also, please make sure they are public links

  4. Ensure that the original spoken language in the file is selected in the "Speakers' language" box. This is important as selecting the wrong language will result in an incorrect or blank result

    1. For translations, select the translation language(s) in the "Add translations" box

  5. Finally, select the service you'd like, either Human made or Machine generated and click "Create"

"Has issues" error message

Please note that all links used through this upload method must be public. That means if the link isn't public or is password-protected, we will not be able to transcribe it

Uploading files from a connected account

You can also upload your files through YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box.

  1. Head to your Dashboard and click on "+ Create"

  2. Choose whether you'd like Transcript, Subtitles, or Dub

  3. Click on the desired platform that you want to connect with

  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to authorize Happy Scribe's access to your selected account in case your connection had not been set prior to this.

    Once the connection is established, you will be able to import files directly from these platforms without the need for manual uploading.

  5. Ensure that the original spoken language in the file is selected in the "Speakers' language" box. This is important as selecting the wrong language will result in an incorrect or blank result

    1. For translations, select the translation language(s) in the "Add translations" box

  6. Finally, select the service you'd like, either Human made or Machine generated and click "Create"

Uploading your own SRT and VTT files

If you already have your own subtitles in SRT or VTT, you have to click on "+ Create" and then select "Import Subtitles". Make sure to select the original language of the subtitles in the "Subtitles language" box.

You can learn more about uploading them and linking the corresponding video in this helpdesk article:

What happens once a file has been uploaded?

After you click "Create", you'll notice your files will appear on your Dashboard under a loading sign, with an approximate estimation of their delivery:

Once the files are on your Dashboard, you no longer need to worry about them! You can close the tab and come back later to finish your project. Your files are safely stored, and as soon as we're done transcribing them, we'll email you.

Common error messages

  • Invalid file: You are going to get this message if the file format you are trying to upload is not supported by the platform. You can check which formats we do support here

  • Can't access file: You are going to get this message if the file you are trying to upload is not public or if it cannot be opened without needing a password or sign-in

  • Invalid link: You are going to get this message if the link you are trying to upload is not valid

Best practices for uploading files

  • Ensure a strong internet connection: Uploading large files requires a stable and reliable internet connection

  • Organize files in advance: Prior to uploading, organize your files into folders or categories to maintain an organized workflow within your Happy Scribe account

  • Check file compatibility: Happy Scribe supports various audio and video file formats. Verify that your files are in a compatible format for seamless uploading and transcription

  • Verify your file's integrity: Before initiating the upload, double-check the integrity of your files. Ensure they are not corrupted or damaged, as our system won't be able to transcribe them otherwise

  • Make sure that links are public: All links used through this upload method must be public. That means if the link isn't public or is password-protected, we will not be able to transcribe it

    • Also, please share a link to an audio or video file that can be opened without needing a password or sign-in — it should be viewable with just one click


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