Transcription fails when the engine cannot read the source file, and it comes back in the wrong language when auto-detection picks the wrong one. Match what you see to the cause below, clear it, then run the file again.
The format is not supported
Speak AI supports most common audio and video formats including MP3, MP4, WAV, M4A, WEBM, OGG, FLAC, and more. If your file is in an unusual format, convert it to MP3 or MP4 first with a free tool like HandBrake for video or Audacity for audio.
The file is too large
Files up to 4 hours in length are supported. If your file is very large, compress the audio bitrate. Reducing from 128kbps to 64kbps decreases file size sharply without noticeable loss in speech clarity.
The audio quality is too low
If the audio is very quiet, heavily distorted, or has excessive background noise, the transcription engine may not be able to detect speech. Try:
- Recording in a quieter environment
- Using a dedicated microphone instead of a laptop mic
- Placing the recording device closer to the speakers
The file is corrupted or incomplete
If a recording was interrupted or the file was only partially downloaded, it may be corrupted. Re-download or re-record the file.
Processing times out
Very long files, two hours or more, occasionally time out during processing. The file usually completes on retry.
Retry a failed file
- Go to your media file in the dashboard
- Click the options menu on the file
- Select Re-transcribe or Re-analyze
If the file fails again after a retry, message us in the app chat, the chat bubble in the bottom corner, or email success@speakai.co with the file name and we will investigate.
The transcript is in the wrong language
By default, Speak AI auto-detects the language of each recording. Detection can land on the wrong language when a file is short, has music or noise at the start, or mixes languages. You have three ways to control it.
Set the language at upload
On the upload screen, each file has a Language setting in the file list. It defaults to Auto-detect. Open it and choose the correct language before you start processing, and Speak AI transcribes in that language.
Save a default language
If you mostly work in one language, save it so every new upload starts there instead of relying on auto-detection:
- Go to Profile > Preferences.
- On the Languages tab, set Media Language to your language. This is the default source language for transcription and analysis of your uploads.
Re-transcribe a file you already uploaded
- Open the media file and choose Re-transcribe from the actions menu.
- Set the Target Language and confirm.
Re-transcribing creates a new version of the media and runs the full pipeline again, so it uses transcription hours just like a new upload.
To help auto-detection get it right, make sure speech starts early in the file, because long musical or silent intros throw detection off. For a mixed-language recording, set the dominant language manually instead of leaving it on Auto-detect.
Still stuck? Write to success@speakai.co or book a free consult.
Related: Troubleshooting · Export errors