YouTube vs. Rev.com: Transcription, Captions, and Subtitles Compared

There’re many services and tools online that offer transcriptions, captions, and subtitles: from working with a freelancers to uploading them for free from YouTube Studio. For the longest time, we used Rev.com to transcribe our videos, thinking that YouTube’s free transcription will lack in quality. 

But to our surprise, when we sit down to compare Rev.com vs. YouTube for transcription, we actually found out that both are worthwhile options depending on someone’s needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the cost, accuracy, and turnaround time of these two transcription options, helping you make an informed choice for your video content needs. 

Rev.com vs. YouTube for Transcriptions: Comparison 

#1. Rev vs. YouTube: Cost

Rev.com

When using Rev.com, you can choose between two options. First, there's the AI transcription, which costs 25 cents per minute of video. It offers an impressive 90% accuracy rate. 

Alternatively, you can opt for human transcription, which is priced at $1.50 per finished minute and boasts an even higher accuracy rate of 99%.

YouTube

The standout feature of YouTube's transcription service is that it's entirely free of charge. However, it's essential to note that it relies on AI technology and is approximately 60-70% accurate.

While Rev.com offers high accuracy, it comes at a cost. YouTube, on the other hand, provides a free solution but with somewhat lower accuracy levels.

#2. Rev.com vs. YouTube: Accuracy

The level of accuracy you need largely depends on the purpose of your transcription, captions, or subtitles. If precise, error-free text is crucial, then Rev.com's human transcription or AI option is the better choice. However, for less critical applications where minor errors can be tolerated, YouTube's free transcription service may suffice.

#3. Rev.com vs. YouTube: Turnaround Time

Rev.com

If you opt for Rev.com's AI transcription, the turnaround time is nearly immediate, typically limited only by the time it takes to upload your content. Human transcription services take longer, ranging from a few days to a week, depending on the content's length.

YouTube

The turnaround time for YouTube's AI-based transcription varies and can take several hours to a day or more. It's important to keep in mind that YouTube processes vast amounts of content, affecting the speed of transcription availability.

Conclusion

In the battle of YouTube vs. Rev.com for transcribing your video content, each option has its pros and cons. Rev.com offers high accuracy at a cost, with AI at 90% and human transcription at 99%. YouTube, on the other hand, provides a free solution but with lower accuracy levels (60-70%).

Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific needs and budget. If precision is paramount, Rev.com's services may be worth the investment. However, keep in mind that technology is constantly evolving, and YouTube's AI transcription may improve in accuracy over time.