Transcript alignment is the fastest and most cost-effective way to generate captions when you already have a transcript. It allows you to access 3Play Media’s full suite of services, including interactive video plugins, translations, and audio description, by synchronizing your plain text transcript with your media file.
Prerequisites
- A Pro or Enterprise level 3Play Media account is required.
- Before you get started with alignment, you will need the following materials:
- An FTP Application on your computer
- A source media file
- A plain text transcript with no unspoken elements
- Please note that the duration of each file submitted for alignment should not exceed 2 hours.
- DO NOT submit songs, music etc. This process is intended for speech not singing or sound effects
- For users new to the transcript alignment process, it is suggested to set up the Alignment Review tool before submitting transcripts for alignment. See more information on the transcript alignment review tool
Steps to Upload Alignment Files Using FTP
Step 1: Create a Folder Named english_alignment in Your FTP Client
Step 2: Upload Your Media Files to the english_alignment Folder in Your FTP Client
- Upload your media files to the english_alignment folder in your FTP client.
- If you are uploading multiple media files for transcript alignment, they can all be uploaded at this step.
| NOTE: Your media file must be uploaded before your transcript! |
Step 3: Upload Your Plain Text Transcript Using Your FTP Client
- Upload the plain text transcripts that correspond to your media files in the same folder, english_alignment.
- This must be a .txt, .srt, .vtt, or .scc file as Microsoft Word documents will not be processed.
| Note: Your plain text file must have the same name as your media file AND.txt REPLACING the media file extension. For example, if your media file name is: Bo_speaks_at_TED.mp4 then the transcript must be called: Bo_speaks_at_TED.txt, Bo_speaks_at_TED.scc, Bo_speaks_at_TED.srt, or Bo_speaks_at_TED.vtt |
Tips and best practices
- Stranded Media Files: If a media file is uploaded without a matching transcript, it will be flagged. After 24 hours: a warning is sent to project admins. After 48 hours: the file is deleted, and admins are notified.
- Always submit plain text transcripts containing only the spoken content—no URLs, sound effects, or directions.
- Avoid background music or sound effects, especially at the beginning of the file, as they can disrupt alignment.
- For consistent results, review our Alignment Best Practices.
- If alignment fails, consider upgrading to Full Transcription.
Next steps
-
Monitor your 3Play project for file completion.
-
Review alignment quality via the Alignment Review tool.
-
Upgrade to full transcription if alignment accuracy is affected by music or background noise Upgrade Instructions.
Reminder: Turnaround time varies, typically within a few hours or by the next business day, depending on file duration and system volume.