Short answer: forward the voice message to @smolevich_voice_bot and it returns the text in seconds. It works in English and Russian, with Telegram voice messages, audio files (mp3, ogg, wav), and also round video notes and videos. The first 15 minutes of transcription per month are free, no signup required.
Here are three ways to turn a voice message into text, and when each is best.
Option 1. A transcription bot (fastest)
- Open @smolevich_voice_bot and tap Start.
- Forward or record a voice message right in the chat with the bot.
- In a couple of seconds you get the text — with punctuation, copyable in one tap.
The same works for audio files (mp3/ogg/wav), video notes (round messages) and regular videos — the bot extracts the audio. Handy when you don't want to listen to a three-minute voice note on the go or in a noisy place: you read it in five seconds.
Option 2. Telegram Premium's built-in transcription
Telegram has a "transcribe" button (the A icon next to a voice message), but it only works with a Telegram Premium subscription and struggles with long recordings, quiet audio and mixed speech. It also can't transcribe files, video notes or videos.
| Bot | Telegram Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 15 min/mo free | Premium required |
| Files, video notes, video | yes | no |
| Long recordings | yes | limited |
| Languages | RU + EN | account-dependent |
Option 3. Manually / dictation
You can play the voice message on speaker and dictate it into notes with your system's speech recognition. Free, but slow, without punctuation and with errors on names and terms. Fine when you have no internet.
How accurate is the bot
The bot runs on the most advanced speech-to-text models available — one tuned for instant replies, another for maximum accuracy on hard audio. We picked them in our independent benchmark of 11 STT models: the best accuracy on Russian is 11.5% WER.
FAQ
How do I transcribe a Telegram voice message for free?
Forward the voice message to the bot @smolevich_voice_bot — the first 15 minutes of transcription per month are free, with no Telegram Premium and no install. It supports English and Russian, plus mp3/ogg/wav audio files.
Can it transcribe a video note or video?
Yes. The bot accepts round video notes and regular videos — it extracts the audio and returns text just like it does for a voice message. Works in English and Russian.
Can I transcribe someone else's voice message?
Yes. Any voice message you can see in a chat can be forwarded to the bot, and it will transcribe it exactly like your own.
Do I need Telegram Premium?
No. Telegram's built-in transcribe button requires Premium, while the bot works on any account for free within the monthly limit — and handles files, video notes, videos and long recordings, which Premium does not.
Does it work with long recordings and files?
Yes. Besides Telegram voice messages the bot accepts audio files (mp3, ogg, wav) and long recordings — meetings, podcasts, lectures. Text is returned with punctuation.