Synced Player: Listen to Audio Alongside Text
How the audio player works on the transcription screen, how long the audio remains available, and what to do when it won't play.
On each transcription screen, the player lets you listen to the original recording while reading the text with timestamps — the ideal combination for reviewing and correcting. The audio stays available for 30 days after transcription (or indefinitely, if the transcription is shared with audio).
How it works
- The player loads the audio through a secure, temporary link — the file isn't exposed publicly.
- The waveform (80 bars) is calculated in your browser, giving you a quick view of where the speech and the silences are.
- The text segments have timestamps; use them as a reference to navigate the recording while you review.
- To speed things up, your browser caches the audio locally for 24 hours — reopening the same transcription on the same day won't download it all again.
Reviewing tricky audio? Keep the player playing the segment while you correct the text in the editor — and remember to click Save, because the text doesn't save on its own. See Edit transcription.
How long is the audio available?
| Situation | Audio availability |
|---|---|
| Completed transcription | 30 days |
| Transcription shared with "preserve audio" | As long as the sharing is active |
| After the deadline | The text remains forever; only the audio file expires |
After 30 days, the player has no audio to play — but the transcription text doesn't expire. If you need to keep the audio with the text for longer, share the transcription with the preserve audio option enabled. See Share transcription.
Audio from WhatsApp or the API
Audio sent via WhatsApp or the public API may have been processed directly from the source URL, without a copy in our storage. In those cases, the player uses the external URL — and availability depends on the original file remaining accessible at the source.
The player won't play — what to check
- Is the transcription more than 30 days old? The audio may have expired (the text remains).
- Did the file come from an external source (WhatsApp/API)? The source may have taken the file offline.
- Unusual format? Some video formats don't play natively in the browser; when sharing, the platform converts the audio to MP3 in the background so the public link plays.
- If it persists, try reloading the page or another browser — and if nothing works, contact support.
Frequently asked questions
Does listening to the audio consume cycles?
No. The player is free — cycles are only consumed during transcription.
Can I download the original audio from the player?
The player is for playback. What you export through the platform are your plan's text and subtitle formats.
Does the text disappear along with the audio after 30 days?
No. Only the audio file expires; the transcription (text, speakers, timestamps) remains in your library.
Does anyone who accesses my public link hear the audio?
Yes, if you shared it with the preserve audio option — the public page has a player. See Share transcription.
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