Spiik

How-to guide

How to convert a video to text, including YouTube

By Rony Fadel, founder of Spiik. Updated November 1, 2026.

The short answer

In Spiik, tap +, then choose Paste YouTube Link or import your video from Files or Photos. Pick the spoken language and tap Transcribe. You can then copy the text, export it as a PDF, or save SRT or VTT subtitles, and generate notes from the video.

Turn a video into text

  1. Open Spiik and tap + on the home screen.
  2. Choose Paste YouTube Link and paste the link, or choose Import from Files or Import from Photos for your own video.
  3. Choose the language spoken in the video.
  4. Tap Transcribe.
  5. Tap share to export text, PDF, SRT or VTT, or open AI Tools for a summary, notes or a quiz.

Summarize a video instead of watching it

Once a video is transcribed, open AI Tools and pick a summary or key highlights, or ask the chat a question. It's a quick way to check a long talk or lecture for the part you need, and to go back and watch that part.

Use subtitles in your own videos

SRT and VTT are the subtitle formats most video players and editors accept. Export one from Spiik, and add it in your editor or when you upload your video.

Only download and transcribe videos you have the right to use, such as your own uploads or content whose owner allows it.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a transcript of a YouTube video on iPhone?

Yes. In Spiik, tap +, choose Paste YouTube Link, paste the link, pick the language and tap Transcribe.

Can I translate a video's transcript?

Yes. Turn on Translation before you transcribe, and choose the language you want.

How long can the video be?

Spiik Pro transcribes up to 2.5 hours per video, or any length on a Mac with local transcription, with no monthly minute cap. The free version transcribes the first 60 seconds.

Keep reading

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Spiik is an AI voice recorder and transcription app for iPhone, iPad and Mac, made by Fadel.io OÜ in Estonia. It records, transcribes and translates in 100+ languages, labels speakers, and turns a recording into notes, summaries, quizzes, flashcards and mind maps. It has 4.5 stars from 20,000+ App Store ratings worldwide. Spiik Pro costs $49.99 a year with a 7-day free trial, or $9.99 a month, in the US.

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