File format 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, try converting it to MP3 or MP4 first using a free tool like HandBrake (video) or Audacity (audio).
File is too large
Files up to 4 hours in length are supported. If your file is very large, try compressing the audio bitrate. Reducing from 128kbps to 64kbps significantly decreases file size without noticeable loss in speech clarity.
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
Corrupted or incomplete file
If a recording was interrupted or the file was partially downloaded, it may be corrupted. Try re-downloading or re-recording the file.
Server timeout
Very long files (2+ hours) occasionally time out during processing. If this happens, the file will usually complete on retry.
Retry
- 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 retry, send us a message with the file name and we will investigate.
Why this happens
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. When that happens, the transcript comes back in the wrong language. You have three ways to control it.
1. 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 will transcribe in that language.
2. 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 > Account Preferences.
- Set Media Language to your language. This is the default source language for transcription and analysis of your uploads.
3. Re-transcribe a file you already uploaded
If a file already processed in the wrong language, re-transcribe it:
- 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.
Tips for accurate detection
- Make sure speech starts early in the file. Long musical or silent intros throw detection off.
- For mixed-language recordings, set the dominant language manually instead of using Auto-detect.
The fastest way to reach us is the live chat in the app (the chat bubble in the bottom corner). You can also email success@speakai.co.
Still stuck? Write to success@speakai.co or book a free consult.
Related: Troubleshooting · Export errors