Have you ever found yourself with an incredible Otter.ai transcription, filled with invaluable insights from a meeting, lecture, or interview, and then thought, "If only I could get the audio from this too?" You're not alone! While Otter.ai is renowned for its transcription prowess, being able to export the original audio alongside or independently of the text is a powerful feature that many users seek.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to export audio from Otter.ai, ensuring you can leverage your conversations in multiple formats. Whether you need the audio for podcast editing, creating video captions, or simply for archival purposes, we've got you covered.
Navigating the Otter.ai Interface for Audio Export
Otter.ai makes the process fairly straightforward, but knowing where to look and what options are available can save you a lot of time and potential frustration. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Accessing Your Desired Conversation
First things first, you need to be logged into your Otter.ai account and locate the conversation whose audio you wish to export.
Open Your Browser or Mobile App: Start by opening your preferred web browser and navigating to otter.ai, or launch the Otter.ai app on your mobile device (iOS or Android).
Log In: Enter your credentials to log in to your account.
Locate the Conversation:
On the web browser, you'll typically land on your "My Conversations" page. Browse through your list of conversations or use the search bar to find the specific recording.
On the mobile app, similarly navigate to your "My Conversations" section.
Once you've found the conversation, click on it to open the transcript view. This is your gateway to accessing the export options.
Step 2: Initiating the Export Process
Now that you're in the conversation view, it's time to find the export function.
Locate the "More Options" Icon: Look for the "three dots" icon () usually located in the upper-right corner of the conversation page (both on web and mobile). This icon signifies "More Options" or "Settings" for that specific conversation.
Click on "Export": A dropdown menu will appear. From this menu, select the option that says "Export" or "Export conversation".
Step 3: Selecting Your Export Format (Including Audio!)
This is where you specify what you want to export. Otter.ai provides various export options, and we're particularly interested in the audio file.
The Export Dialog Box Appears: A new window or dialog box will pop up, presenting you with various export formats for your transcript and potentially the audio.
Enable the "Audio" Option: Crucially, within this dialog box, you'll see options for exporting the transcript in formats like TXT, DOCX, PDF, or SRT. Alongside these, you will find a toggle or checkbox specifically labeled "Audio". Make sure to toggle this on or check the box.
Pro-Tip: The audio will typically be exported in MP3 format, which is a widely compatible and commonly used audio file type.
(Optional) Customize Transcript Export Settings: While your primary goal is audio, you might also want to export the transcript. Here, you can usually customize options like:
Include Speaker Names: Handy for identifying who said what.
Include Timestamps: Useful for pinpointing exact moments in the audio.
Include Highlights and Images: If you've used these features in Otter.ai.
Remove Otter Branding: (Often a paid feature) For a more professional look.
Choose Transcript Format: Select your preferred text format (TXT for plain text, DOCX for editable Word document, PDF for a fixed document, or SRT for subtitles/captions).
Note: Even if you only want the audio, you'll still go through this dialog. Just make sure the "Audio" option is selected.
Step 4: Finalizing the Export and Downloading Your Audio
Almost there! With your selections made, it's time to initiate the download.
Click "Export": Once you've made all your selections, click the prominent "Export" button at the bottom of the dialog box.
Download Begins: Otter.ai will process your request. For audio exports, this usually results in a direct download of the MP3 file to your computer's default downloads folder.
Important Note: Depending on the length of your audio and your internet connection, the download time may vary.
Locate the Downloaded File: Check your browser's download history or your "Downloads" folder on your computer to find the exported MP3 audio file.
Understanding Bulk Audio Export (Otter Business/Enterprise Plans)
If you're an Otter.ai Business or Enterprise plan user, you have the added advantage of bulk exporting audio files, which can be a massive time-saver for large projects or managing multiple conversations.
Step 1: Navigating to Your Conversations (for Bulk Export)
From your Otter.ai homepage on the web browser, go to "My Conversations" or any specific folder where your conversations are organized.
Important Limitation: As of current information, bulk exporting audio is not available in Channels or Direct Messages. You'll need to export individual audio files from these sections, or bulk export them from the "All Conversations" page if you own them or they have been shared with you.
Step 2: Selecting Multiple Conversations
You'll notice checkboxes next to each conversation listed. Select the conversations you wish to export the audio from by checking their respective boxes.
A "Select all" option might appear once you select at least one conversation, allowing you to quickly select all visible conversations.
Step 3: Initiating Bulk Export
Once you've selected your conversations, an "Export" icon (often resembling a box with an arrow pointing out) will appear at the top of the conversation list. Click this icon.
Step 4: Configuring Bulk Export Options
A dialog box will appear similar to the single export, but with options for bulk export.
Enable the "Audio" option as described in Step 3 for single exports.
Choose any desired transcript formats if you wish to export those as well.
Click "Export": The bulk export process will begin.
Email Notification for Download: For bulk exports, Otter.ai typically sends you an email with a link to download a ZIP file containing all your exported audio (and transcript, if selected) files once the process is complete. This is because bulk exports can involve larger files and may take some time to prepare.
Important Considerations and Tips
Otter.ai Plan Limitations: While the ability to export audio is a standard feature, some advanced export options (like certain transcript formats or bulk export) might be tied to paid plans (Pro, Business, Enterprise). Always check your plan's features if you encounter limitations. The Basic (free) plan generally allows you to export text as TXT or to your clipboard, but for audio, it's usually MP3.
File Size and Internet Speed: Audio files can be large, especially for long recordings. Ensure you have a stable internet connection for downloads.
Ad Blockers: Sometimes, ad blockers can interfere with the export and download process. If you encounter issues, try temporarily disabling your ad blocker and reattempting the export.
Mobile vs. Web App: While the core functionality is similar, the interface might differ slightly between the web browser and mobile apps. The web browser generally offers more comprehensive export options, especially for bulk actions.
Check Your Downloads Folder: If you can't find your exported audio file, always check your computer's default "Downloads" folder first.
You've now mastered the art of exporting audio from Otter.ai! This simple yet powerful capability unlocks new possibilities for how you utilize your transcribed conversations.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions, starting with "How to," related to exporting audio and transcripts from Otter.ai, along with quick answers:
How to Check My Otter.ai Plan's Export Capabilities?
You can check your plan's export capabilities by visiting the "Pricing" or "Plans" section on the Otter.ai website, or by looking at your "Account Settings" within the Otter.ai platform, which typically lists features included in your subscription.
How to Export Only the Audio and Not the Transcript?
When the export dialog appears, simply ensure the "Audio" option is toggled on and uncheck or leave off any options for text transcript formats (like TXT, DOCX, PDF, SRT).
How to Export Audio from a Shared Otter.ai Conversation?
If a conversation has been shared with you and the owner has granted permission to export, you should be able to follow the same steps as exporting from your own conversations. If not, you may need to ask the owner to export it for you.
How to Export Audio from a Folder of Conversations at Once?
If you have an Otter Business or Enterprise plan, navigate to the folder, select multiple conversations using the checkboxes, click the "Export" icon, and ensure the "Audio" option is selected in the bulk export dialog.
How to Change the Export Format of the Audio File?
Currently, Otter.ai exports audio files exclusively in MP3 format. There is no option within Otter.ai to choose a different audio format for export. If you require another format, you'll need to use a third-party audio converter after downloading.
How to Find My Downloaded Audio File on My Computer?
By default, your web browser will save downloaded files to your "Downloads" folder. You can usually access this folder directly from your browser's download history or by navigating to it through your operating system's file explorer.
How to Export Audio from the Otter.ai Mobile App?
Open the desired conversation, tap the three dots () for "More Options," select "Export," and then ensure the "Audio" toggle is enabled before tapping "Export." The file will typically download to your device's local storage.
How to Troubleshoot if Otter.ai Export is Not Working?
First, check your internet connection. If that's stable, try temporarily disabling any ad blockers or browser extensions, clear your browser's cache and cookies, or try exporting from a different browser or the Otter.ai mobile app. Ensure you are within your plan's export limits.
How to Convert the Exported MP3 to Another Audio Format?
You'll need a third-party audio conversion tool or software. Many free online converters or desktop applications can convert MP3 files to formats like WAV, AAC, etc.
How to Export Both the Audio and the Transcript Simultaneously?
In the export dialog box, simply ensure that both the "Audio" option is toggled on and you have selected your desired text transcript format (e.g., DOCX, PDF, SRT, TXT) before clicking "Export." They will download as separate files (an MP3 for audio and the chosen text file).
