Step-by-Step Guide to Using ChatGPT for Transcriptions in 2026

A lot of people do not know that ChatGPT can be used for transcriptions in 2026. Some continue to use the tool for research and writing.

But the tool can be useful during transcriptions. In 2026, many tech innovations have emerged, including the introduction of amazing features in ChatGPT. 

Well, due to this advancement, we can use ChatGPT to transcribe audio files. But how do we do it has become an everyday dilemma.

However, we have you covered through this article by providing a step-by-step guide on how one can utilise the tool and achieve well-designed transcripts.

So, let's learn about it.

ChatGPT Transcription: How It Can Be Done

Initially, ChatGPT was meant for brainstorming ideas when you're writing essays or when you're researching for one.

But today, ChatGPT can be helpful in transcriptions. Its usage has extended from a normal essay writer to a transcription process as well.

How the tool does transcription is amazing. However, there is more to it that cannot be understood by a normal computer user.

To use ChatGPT in transcriptions, you have to download its desktop app, use the API method, or otherwise combine the ChatGPT editing approaches after you seek transcription help from transcription software.

That's how the tool can be helpful in transcriptions. Let's have a look at how you can do it step by step.

-        Utilising the ChatGPT Desktop App

We all know that one cannot use a certain app without downloading it either on a mobile device or on a computer.

First Step – Download the app on your computer: The first step when using this app is to download it on your computer and make it an extension on your browser.

Second Step – Record your audio: When you're done setting the app as a browser extension, you can use the app to record your audio. The app does this directly. You only need to allow its function through the settings.

What amazes many people is that you don't need to record your audio using the app and later transcribe it.

Oh! No. As you record your audio directly using the ChatGPT desktop app, on the other hand, the app is transcribing the audio at the same time you're recording your audio dialogue.

-        Utilising the ChatGPT API Method

This form of transcription may not be used by a normal computer user. But it's essential to the tech elites who use API(s) in their technological activities.

Such persons may include the app developers and, to some extent, the website creators as well. How does this model work in transcriptions?

Behind ChatGPT development are API integrations and algorithms that enable the innovative AI tool to work. ChatGPT is driven by AI, but behind it, it has some API power.

Hence, making the tool useful in transcriptions if one may utilise its API power. But how do developers transcribe files with ChatGPT?

First Step – Integrate ChatGPT with Whisper AI: As ChatGPT cannot transcribe audio on its own, neither would its API(s) detect speech. It should first be integrated with Whisper AI.

Whisper AI can recognize speech and convert it into text. You can even denote this by just its name, ''Whisper AI.

-        Utilising the ChatGPT Transcript Editing and Transcription Software

When using this option:

First Step – Transcribe your audio with transcription software: Use the help of a transcription software that best suits your project and transcribe the audio.

Second Step – Paste the generated transcript to ChatGPT: Move the AI-generated transcript to the ChatGPT chat box to make fine edits.

Third Step – Command ChatGPT to refine the transcript: How do you command the tool to edit your transcript? Well, use specific instructions, being guided by what you need.

For example, if you need ChatGPT to refine the transcript by identifying the speakers, you can command the tool with a prompt like, ''identify the right speaker for each text’’.

However, keep the below important insights in mind when utilising any of the discussed options when utilising ChatGPT transcriptions.

-        When You Select the ChatGPT Desktop App Process

ChatGPT desktop app transcribes your audio simultaneously as you record it. You do not need to record the audio and later transcribe it.

ChatGPT desktop app transcribes your audio at the same time you're recording your dialogues.

Sounds fantastic, right? Now what is remaining is to edit and refine the texts.

Transcript editing inside the ChatGPT desktop app is easy. You only need to command the ChatGPT desktop app to summarize the document, correct punctuation and to extract the main key points in the document.

However, for the ChatGPT desktop app to edit the transcript as required. You must ensure that your workspace can accommodate the refined text.

Alternatively, you can subscribe to the app and gain access to more workspace.

-        When You Choose OpenAPI Texts Processing Model

You can transcribe audio files with the Open API text processing model. However, this option is best suited for app developers.

Why so? App developers understand the algorithms behind the app’s development. And these personnels can obtain the API key from the Open API platform.

API key is used within the ChatGPT platform or application to authenticate text requests within ChatGPT. So, this option may be challenging for a normal computer user.

However, it’s suitable for developers who would wish to transcribe files. How does it work? Developers access API information, later sending requests to the OpenAI API specifying the desired message they need.

Afterwards, the Open API processes the request, and the developers then integrate this response into the ChatGPT application. And by doing so, they empower ChatGPT, and the application generates texts according to their request.

-        When You Choose the ChatGPT Hybrid Method

This third option is simple. What you only need is to download AI transcription software, record and transcribe your audio simultaneously.

Use transcription software such as Descript, Trint, Rev, Otter.AI among others. Afterwards, upload the audio into the transcription software, and the tool will automatically handle the transcription for you.

Now, after you receive the generated transcripts, paste the content into ChatGPT and use clear, objective, and specific commands to refine your transcript as you need.

So, when it comes to ChatGPT transcription, select the option that best suits your needs. Why do we say so? You might be wanting to transcribe personal recordings, professional or technical recordings and that’s why is critical to choose the best option

When you do this, you eventually allow ChatGPT to release accurate and convenient data results while spending less money.

Conclusion

Through this article, we demonstrate that ChatGPT represents incredible efficiency for those seeking quick transcriptions.

However, we still learn that human efforts are not neglected and play a crucial role in the ChatGPT hybrid method. As far as ChatGPT transcription is shaping the world in 2026, human beings still play a role in data cleaning processes.

Human efforts are still beneficial and continually needed in the transcription endeavours. And that’s why Verbalscripts continues to practice human transcription approaches continually.

The Verbalscripts team easily frees you from the ChatGPT application tasks and prompts. With Verbalscripts, you will achieve authentic and more accurate transcribed texts with humanistic efforts.

All throughout their transcription approaches, whether for interview recordings, medical consultations, legal conversations and many more. Verbalscripts always uphold that manual transcription processes are way better than the tech practices.

With manual transcriptions and transcripts edits, you will never miss a thing with Verbalscripts. Seek this team in 2026 and make all your transcriptions flawless