How to Use Otter AI: A Beginner’s Guide

  • Editor
  • August 17, 2024
    Updated
how-to-use-otter-ai-a-beginners-guide

Otter AI has been one of the best AI tools I used so far, changing the way I manage my notes and transcriptions.

By converting speech to text with remarkable accuracy, Otter AI saves me time, improves accessibility, and ensures I never miss important details during meetings, lectures, or interviews. It significantly reduces the need for manual note-taking, making the process more efficient and reliable.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the easiest step-by-step process of how to use Otter AI.

Let’s begin without any further delay!


How to Use Otter AI to Transcribe a Video: Step-by-Step Guide

Otter AI video transcription is simple and efficient. Follow these step-by-step guide to get started:

Step 1: Sign Up

Step 2: Download the Mobile App

Step 3: Record or Import Files

Step 4: Review and Edit Transcripts

Step 5: Share Transcripts

Step 1: Sign Up

Go to the Otter.ai login and sign up page and create an account using your email, Google, or Microsoft account.

create-account-page-for-Otter-with-calendar-sync-options

Follow the onboarding steps and grant access to your Google or Microsoft calendar. You’ll then be directed to the Otter dashboard.

Otter-AI-home-dashboard-with-calendar-integration-features

Step 2: Download the Mobile App

Download the Otter app from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) to use Otter’s features on your mobile device.

Step 3: Record or Import Files

Click the record button to start capturing audio. Allow Otter to use your microphone.

otter-ai-dashboard-with-microphone-access-request

To import files, click the Import button on the dashboard, then select a file from your computer. Otter will automatically transcribe the file.

otter-ai-file-upload-for-audio-and-video-transcription

Step 4: Review and Edit Transcripts

Go to the My Conversations tab, select a transcript, and click Edit to correct errors and make changes. Your edits are saved automatically.

otter-ai-my-conversations-page-with-recent-notes

Step 5: Share Transcripts

Click the blue Share button on the transcript page.

0tter-ai-detailed-note-view-with-sharing-options

Add the names or emails of people to share with, assigning permissions as needed. Alternatively, generate a public link and share it via email, Slack, or other integration apps.

otter-ai-account-settings-apps-integration-options-page

Want to explore more tools to transcribe videos? check  the list I compiled for the best AI tools for video transcription for 2024


How to Use Otter AI with Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet?

Otter AI is one of the most effective meeting management tools, enabling seamless transcription and note-sharing for Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.

1. Integrating Otter AI with Microsoft Teams

Using Otter AI with Microsoft Teams makes capturing and sharing your meeting notes a breeze. Here’s how to get started:

Connect Otter.ai to Teams:

  • Go to Otter.ai settings.
  • Navigate to “Integrations” and select “Microsoft Teams.”
  • Authorize access to your Teams account.

Enable Otter Assistant for Meetings:

  • Schedule a Teams meeting.
  • Ensure Otter Assistant is enabled in Otter.ai settings.
  • Otter Assistant will join and transcribe the meeting automatically.

Access and Share Transcripts:

  • Find the meeting transcript in “My Conversations” on Otter.ai.
  • Highlight, add notes, and share the transcript with your team.

2. Integrating Otter AI with Zoom

Integrating Otter AI with Zoom can boost your meeting productivity by giving you real-time transcriptions and improved Otter AI note-taking. Here’s how to easily use Otter AI with Zoom:

  • Use Otter Assistant to transcribe your Zoom sessions in real-time automatically. It’s great for capturing discussions as they happen, ensuring you have accurate records without missing details.
  • Sync Zoom cloud recordings with Otter.ai for transcription. This feature allows you to upload your recorded Zoom sessions directly to Otter.ai for detailed transcripts afterward. It’s handy for reviewing meetings or sharing notes with attendees who couldn’t join.
  • Enable live transcription during Zoom meetings with Otter.ai. This real-time feature is perfect for enhancing accessibility and keeping track of discussions as they unfold.

3. Integrating Otter AI with Google Meet

Using Otter AI with Google Meet simplifies transcribing and sharing meeting notes. Here’s a quick guide to get you started:

Connect Otter.ai to Google Meet:

  • Go to your Otter.ai settings.
  • Navigate to “Integrations” and select “Google Meet.”
  • Authorize Otter.ai to access your Google account.

Enable Otter Assistant for Meetings:

  • Schedule a Google Meet as you normally would.
  • Ensure Otter Assistant is enabled in your Otter.ai settings.
  • Otter Assistant will join your Google Meet and start transcribing automatically.

Access and Share Transcripts:

  • After the meeting, find the transcript under “My Conversations” on Otter.ai.
  • Highlight important points, add notes, and share the transcript with your team.

Tips for Optimizing Otter AI Usage

To get the most out of Otter AI, here are some tips that I’ve found particularly useful for streamlining the note-taking process:

1. Use the Otter AI Chrome Extension

Install the Otter AI Chrome extension to access features directly in your browser. This allows you to start recordings and access notes without leaving your current webpage, especially useful for meetings via your calendar.

This extension is compatible with Google Meet, Google calender and Zoom.

2. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts

Get familiar with Otter.ai’s keyboard shortcuts to speed up navigation and efficiency. Use shortcuts for starting/stopping recordings, playback controls, text modification, and speaker attribution.

3. Integrate with Productivity Tools

Connect Otter.ai with your favorite productivity apps like project management and calendar tools. This enables seamless data transfer and automates workflows, such as creating tasks from meeting action items.


Pros and Cons of Using Otter AI

From my experience using Otter AI, I’ve found several pros and cons worth considering.

Pros

  • Easy to use, even for beginners, thanks to its intuitive interface.
  • Works with Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and more.
  • Available on Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, and web browsers.
  • Automatically saves recordings and transcripts for easy access anywhere.
  • Features like speaker ID, real-time transcription, and custom vocabulary make it versatile for students, teachers, salespeople, and journalists.


Cons

  • The Otter AI pricing for Pro and Business plans can be expensive, especially for large teams.
  • Currently only supports English transcription.
  • Local audio files can take a while to upload to the cloud.
  • AI errors mean you might need to review and edit transcripts for accuracy

For additional insights, explore my complete Otter AI review.


Alternative Tools to Otter AI

I’ve used and tested several other transcription software, and here are some worth considering:

1. Fireflies.ai

Fireflies.ai enhances your workflow with extra integrations, making it easier to sync data with your CRM and other apps.

fireflies-ai-tool-for-note-taking

Features:

  • Generates topic trackers to group messages about pricing, marketing strategy, tasks, or important dates.

2. Notta

Notta is ideal for note-takers and content creators, offering easy transcription and editing across multiple devices.

notta-ai-note-taking-tool

Features:

  • Convert speech to text and allow for post-editing.
  • Syncs to multiple devices.
  • Exports text to formats like DOC and PDF.
  • Includes Notta Bot for live video call transcription.

3. Rev

Rev is ideal for users needing high-accuracy transcriptions quickly, thanks to its professional human transcribers.

rev-transcription-tool-interface-with-video-and-text-editor

Features:

  • Rev offers manual transcription services performed by professional transcribers, ensuring high accuracy.
  • Rev promises a quick turnaround time, often within a few hours, which is beneficial for urgent projects.
  • Rev also provides captioning and subtitling services for video content, which is a plus for content creators.

4. Trint

Trint provides automated transcription with strong editing and export capabilities, making it suitable for users needing multilingual support.

trint-automated-transcription-software-converting-audio-and-video

Features:

  • Trint offers automated transcription with an emphasis on editing and exporting capabilities.
  • Trint provides a robust text editor that allows users to make corrections and export transcripts in various formats.
  • Supports transcription in multiple languages, making it a versatile tool for global users.

5. Temi

Temi offers a budget-friendly transcription service with quick processing times, perfect for users needing simple and fast transcriptions.

temi-advanced-speech-recognition- software-for- transcription

Features:

  • Temi is known for its low-cost transcription services, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.
  • Temi offers quick processing times, usually delivering transcripts within minutes.
  • The user interface is straightforward to use, catering to users who need a hassle-free experience.

If you want to check more alternative options to Otter AI, check the list of best AI tools for notes taking for 2024


Explore More How-to Guides

Dive into our comprehensive guides and discover practical tips and expert advice on a wide range of topics.


FAQs

Otter.ai is an AI-powered transcription service that converts speech to text in real time, useful for meetings, lectures, and interviews.

Yes, Otter.ai offers a free plan with limited transcription minutes and features, alongside paid plans for more extensive use.

Yes, Otter.ai is user-friendly with an intuitive interface, making it simple to start transcribing right away.

Download the Otter.ai app from the App Store, sign in, and tap the record button to start transcribing on your iPhone.

When prompted, allow Otter.ai to access your microphone in your phone’s settings or the app’s initial setup process.

Use Otter.ai’s integration with phone call recording apps or services to transcribe your phone calls after they are recorded.


Wrap Up

With Otter AI, managing transcriptions and notes has never been easier or more efficient. Its user-friendly interface can significantly boost your productivity.

This guide is designed to help you unlock the full potential of Otter AI. Start using it today and experience the convenience and efficiency it brings to your daily tasks. Have a look at the AI glossary to learn more about AI!

Was this article helpful?
YesNo
Generic placeholder image

Dave Andre

Editor

Digital marketing enthusiast by day, nature wanderer by dusk. Dave Andre blends two decades of AI and SaaS expertise into impactful strategies for SMEs. His weekends? Lost in books on tech trends and rejuvenating on scenic trails.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *