Transcriptions

Zello transcriptions turn voice messages into text, so your team can read what was said instead of listening. This is helpful when:

• Someone is in a loud environment or can't play audio.
• A team member is deaf or hard of hearing and needs another way to follow along.
• You want to skim or search past messages to find information quickly.

Transcriptions are available for all channel messages on Zello Work networks subscribed to the Plus or Enterprise plan. See our pricing page for more information.

Set up

Before you begin: Make sure you're running a version of Zello that supports transcriptions:

• iOS / Android: 5.28 or later
• Dispatch Hub: 15.14.0 or later

(Not sure which version you're on? Here's how to check.)

To enable transcriptions for your network, sign in to the Management Console (yournetworkname.zellowork.com) and follow these steps:

1. Select Administration, then select Settings.
2. Locate the Transcription setting.
   
3. Use the toggle to enable transcriptions. Green means transcriptions are enabled.
   
4. Click Save and Apply.
   

You can also use user templates to apply transcriptions to only certain user accounts. This is useful if transcriptions would distract some users (for example, drivers) but benefit others.

Using transcriptions

Once transcriptions are enabled, every channel voice message arrives with a text version below it. The original audio is always there to play if you need it.

A few things to know about how transcriptions work:

• Channels only. 1:1 messages aren't transcribed.
• First minute. Messages are transcribed up to 1 minute. If your team sends longer messages, extended transcriptions (up to 5 minutes) can be enabled on request. Just contact Zello support.
• Language. Messages are transcribed in the sender's device language. To read them in your own language instead, turn on Translations.

Getting the most out of transcriptions

Transcriptions make it easy to catch up on a message without replaying the audio. In order to ensure they're as accurate as possible:

• Speak clearly and at a steady pace.
• Keep background noise down where you can.
• Avoid slang, and spell out uncommon names or terms.

You can also rate any transcription to help us make transcriptions even better over time. Long-press the message and then select a rating. (Rating isn't available in Dispatch Hub.)

Transcriptions + Message Vault

If Message Vault is included in your Zello Work subscription, transcriptions for each voice message will appear in the management console's Message Vault tab. Please note that this is controlled by your defined console settings, and will only occur if transcriptions have been turned on for the user in question. 

Additionally, transcriptions will be included in any metadata exports conducted from the management console.