Audio translation cost
When you need audio translation, GoTranscript’s pricing model is based on the recording length of your file. This means you’ll pay for the total number of minutes (or hours) that require transcription and subsequent translation. Below is a straightforward guide to estimating and calculating these costs using our online cost calculator.
1. Why We Calculate by Recording Length
- Transcription First, Then Translation
- Audio translation involves transcribing the spoken content before rendering it into another language.
- The time it takes to transcribe and translate typically scales with file duration.
- Accurate Pricing
- Per-minute (or per-hour) billing ensures you only pay for the length of the audio that requires processing.
- Complexities like technical terminology or multiple speakers can still factor in, but duration is the main driver of cost.
2. Using the GoTranscript Cost Estimate Tool

Visit our Translation Cost Estimate page to get an instant quote. Follow these steps:
- Select “Recording Length”
- In the calculator, pick the option that measures time rather than word count (this is crucial for audio files).
- Input Audio Duration
- Enter the hours and minutes of your recording (e.g., 0 hours, 15 minutes).
- Choose Source and Target Languages
- Language From: The language in which your audio is recorded.
- Language To: The language you want to receive as a translated transcript.
- Pick Turnaround Time
- Faster speeds may have additional fees.
- Standard turnaround is typically 3–5 days, but you can select 1–2 days, 24 hours, or other rush options if available.
- Instant Price Calculation
- The tool automatically estimates your project cost based on these inputs.
3. Additional Features & Options
- Timestamping
- If you need timestamps in your translated transcript, select “Yes”. This may add a small surcharge.
- Additional Review
- For high-stakes or specialized content, you can add an extra layer of proofreading (or specialized reviewer).
- Bulk Discounts
- If you have large volumes of audio content, reach out to our Enterprise Support team for potential discounted rates.
4. Final Steps: Place Your Order
- Confirm Price & Upload File
- Once satisfied with the estimate, upload your audio file (MP3, WAV, etc.) via our Place new order process.
- Review Payment & Submit
- Pay using a credit card, PayPal, or purchase order (if you have a business account).
- You’ll receive an order confirmation and estimated delivery time.
- Receive Translated File
- We’ll notify you by email once the job is complete. You can then download your translated transcript from the My & team orders page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a transcript beforehand?
No. Our service includes transcription of the audio as the first step. We then translate the transcribed text.
Can I get subtitles from my audio file?
Yes. If your audio is part of a video, you can order subtitles instead of or in addition to a text translation. We transcribe, translate, and format them as subtitle files (e.g., SRT, VTT).
Does noisy audio cost more?
Our base rate primarily depends on duration, but extremely poor-quality or heavily overlapped speech might require extra editing time, potentially affecting the final cost.
What if I have multiple languages in one audio file?
You can specify the dominant source language, or if it’s truly multi-lingual, contact our Support for a custom quote.