Import an audio or video file – Help Center

Otter lets you import audio and video files from your computer or mobile device for automatic transcription. Once uploaded, Otter processes the recording to generate a transcript, AI-powered summaries, action items, outlines, and other meeting notes. You can also apply meeting templates to imported conversations to generate additional AI content.

Note: Each imported file can be up to 5 GB in size and counts toward your plan’s transcription and recording limits. If you experience upload issues with a large file, see our article on troubleshooting import errors.

Otter supports the following file formats:

Audio formats	Video formats
AAC (.m4p)	AVI
MP3	MOV (QuickTime)
M4A (including Apple Voice Memos)	MPEG
WAV	MP4
WMA	WMV
OGG	MPG, MKV, M4P, 3GP

Import files

Tip: If you are importing a large file, we recommend that you make sure your computer does not hibernate or go to sleep, as this can cause issues during the upload. Learn more about importing a large file.

On the homepage, click Import in the upper right and select Browse.

Plan: On the Business or higher plans, you can import directly from Dropbox.
Browse or drag the file you would like to import.
The file will begin uploading.
Once uploading is complete, Otter will begin transcribing the file. You can close the pop-up and continue using Otter as usual. Track the progress in the lower left corner. Learn more about processing times.
The transcript will be ready to view once the conversion has finished processing.

Import on mobile

You can import through the iOS or Android Otter mobile app.

Tap the plus (+) button in the top right and then select Import audio or video file.
Select your file and open it.
You can track the upload progress in the tracker at the top.
Once the file uploads, it will begin processing. Learn more about processing times.
The transcript will be ready to view once it's finished processing.

Import a file from another application You can import from other apps such as Apple Voice Memo, Samsung Voice Recorder, voice app, and more

You can import audio and video files from a variety of applications and devices. The steps below use Apple Voice Memos as an example, but the process is similar for most apps.

Note: The steps and interface may vary depending on your device and application. Refer to your device or application’s official documentation for the most up-to-date instructions on sharing files.

Open the application you want to share from.
Share the file and tap the Otter app.
Optionally change the name, select where to share it (by default, it's saved to My Conversations), then click Import.
The file will be successfully imported to Otter and will begin processing. After processing, the transcript can be viewed. Learn more about processing times.

Email notifications

You can optionally enable notifications for imported files in Account Settings → Emails or on the mobile app.

You'll receive an email notification once the file has finished processing and is ready to view.

FAQs

What is the max file size I can import into Otter?

You can import files up to 5 GB in size. Your ability to import files is also subject to your plan’s monthly transcription allowance and recording limits.

How long does it take for an imported file to process?

Learn more about processing times.

Why won’t my file import?

Import issues are commonly caused by:

The file exceeds the 5 GB limit.
Your monthly transcription or recording limit has been reached.
The upload was interrupted by a poor internet connection or the device going to sleep.
The file format is not supported.

Can I close Otter while my file is processing?

Yes. Once the upload has completed, you can safely close the Otter app or browser. Processing continues on Otter’s servers until the transcript is ready.

Why is my file taking a long time to upload?

Large files may take longer to upload depending on your internet connection. During the upload, keep the Otter app or browser open and prevent your computer or mobile device from going to sleep. Interrupting the upload may cause it to fail.

Can I import recordings from Apple Voice Memos, Samsung Voice Recorder, or other voice recorder apps?

Yes. As long as the recording is saved in a supported audio or video format, you can share or upload it to Otter from most recording applications. The exact sharing steps vary by device and application.

Can I import multiple files at once?

You can drag and drop multiple supported files into Otter from your computer to import them. Each file uploads and processes independently.

Why didn’t Otter transcribe my file accurately?

Transcript quality depends on the audio quality of the recording. Background noise, multiple speakers talking at once, poor microphone quality, or low recording volume can reduce transcription accuracy. Learn more about accuracy.

Will Otter generate a summary, action items, and an outline for imported files?

Yes. Once your file has finished processing, Otter automatically generates AI-powered meeting notes, including a summary, action items, and an outline (when available). You can also apply a meeting template to the imported conversation.

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