Google has unveiled a big enhancement to Google Drive by introducing searchable video transcripts. This new feature aims to improve the accessibility of video content stored in Drive and streamline the process of locating specific information within videos.
Key Features
- Transcript Sidebar: When playing a video with captions in Google Drive, a transcript appears in a sidebar adjacent to the video player. The transcript displays time-stamped text blocks, highlighting the currently spoken words, which allows users to follow along seamlessly.
- Search Functionality: A search bar at the top of the transcript sidebar enables users to input specific terms or phrases. Upon entering a query, the transcript highlights matching sections, and clicking on a particular text block directs the user to the corresponding moment in the video.
- Real-Time Syncing with Video Playback:
- The transcript follows the video’s progress in real-time, with highlighted text dynamically updating as the video plays. This feature enhances user engagement by allowing seamless navigation between text and media content.
- Easy Caption Management: If a video does not have existing captions, users can upload their own or enable automatic captions through Google Drive.
How to Use Video Transcripts
- Ensure captions are available: The video must have captions to generate a transcript. A video with captions will display a “CC” button in the bottom right corner of the video player.
- Generate captions if needed: If the video lacks captions, users can add them by right-clicking the video file in Drive, selecting “Manage caption tracks,” and choosing “Generate automatic captions.”
- View the transcript: Open the video in Google Drive, click the gear icon in the bottom right corner to access video settings, and select “Transcript.”
The rollout of this feature commenced on February 24, 2025, and is expected to reach all users by March 26, 2025. It is available to all Google Workspace customers, Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.
By introducing searchable video transcripts, Google Drive enhances both the accessibility and usability of video content.
This development empowers users to efficiently locate and reference specific information within their videos. By enabling users to quickly search and jump to specific parts of a video, Google continues to improve the efficiency and usability of its cloud storage service.
