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How to transcribe a session

Lookback can automatically generate a transcript of a session so you can quickly find moments, support AI Headlines, and work with text alongside video. This article explains how automatic and manual transcription work.

Henrik Mattsson avatar
Written by Henrik Mattsson
Updated this week

What transcription does

Once a session is completed or uploaded, Lookback automatically generates a transcription. When transcription is finished, it appears in the Transcription tab of the session feed.

Transcription supports:

  • searching for specific words or phrases

  • navigating the session via text

  • supporting AI tools like Headlines and Eureka Findings

When automatic transcription happens

Lookback will automatically start transcription when all of the following are true:

  • The session has completed

  • The session is less than 3 hours long

If any of these conditions aren’t met, automatic transcription may not occur.

Note:
Transcription is not available for:

  • sessions recorded before December 2020

  • Preview Sessions
    ​

    because the underlying data is not currently supported.

Manually transcribing a session

If automatic transcription doesn’t run, or if you want to re-run transcription in another language:

  1. Open the session you want to transcribe.

  2. Click the Transcribe icon (looks like an audio wave) at the top right of the session feed.

  3. Select the correct language.

  4. (Optional) Check Email me when it’s complete so you get notified when the process finishes.

  5. Click Transcribe to start the process.

You do not need to keep the tab open - transcription continues in the background and will appear when complete.

Using the transcript

  • The transcript displays with timestamps.

  • Clicking a timestamp jumps the session player to that moment.

  • You can use the transcript to:

    • scan for specific language faster than watching video

    • support Headlines and AI suggestions

    • provide searchable text during review

Transcription is a powerful tool for orientation, but it does not replace watching key moments - especially when interpreting behavior and context.

Exporting transcripts

Transcripts are exported from the Round view, not from inside the session player.

To export a transcript:

  1. Go to the Project and open the relevant Round.

  2. Locate the session you want to export.

  3. Click the three-dot menu next to that session.

  4. Select Export Transcription.

The exported file includes:

  • the full session transcript (with timestamps)

This is useful when you need to:

  • share transcripts outside Lookback

  • include quotes in reports or documents

  • archive research artifacts externally

Tip:
Exporting is done per session. If you need transcripts from multiple sessions, repeat the process for each session in the Round.

Editing transcriptions

Lookback’s automatic transcription is generally accurate, but it’s not perfect.

To fix errors:

  1. Click the three dots next to a transcription segment.

  2. Choose Edit.

  3. Update the text as needed and save.

This lets you tidy up names, jargon, or important quotes before exporting or sharing.

Supported languages

Lookback supports transcription for a lot of languages, including many regional variants of English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, and more. A full list is available in the session UI.

(Transcription does not translate between languages - it only transcribes in the selected language.)

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