UPDATE
06 March 2024
Apple introduces transcripts for Apple Podcasts
Transcripts offer full-text display for each episode, making podcasts more accessible and immersive than ever before
Today Apple introduces transcripts for Apple Podcasts, an innovative new feature that makes podcasts more accessible and easier to navigate.
With transcripts, users can read the full text of an episode, search the episode for a specific word or phrase, and tap on the text to play the podcast from that point in the episode. As an episode plays, each word is highlighted, making it easy to follow along.
“Introducing transcripts on Apple Podcasts builds on Apple’s commitment to making products and services for everyone,” said Sarah Herrlinger, Apple’s senior director, Global Accessibility Policy & Initiatives. “We are thrilled to make transcripts widely available for all, adding an additional layer of accessibility to the Podcasts experience.”
Transcripts can enhance a user’s podcast experience in multiple ways, helping them catch every word from their favourite hosts, learn a new language, and more easily find facts they heard on an episode. Users will be able to access an episode’s transcript from the bottom-left corner on the Now Playing screen.
Transcripts were built to strengthen accessibility. The font and colour contrast were designed to make long-form text easier to scan and read. Users who are Deaf or hard of hearing are also able to access transcripts without having to press play on the episode.
Starting today, transcripts are available for English-, French-, Spanish- and German-language podcasts on iPhone and iPad with iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4. Transcripts will not offer translations from one language to another. Transcripts will automatically be available for new episodes shortly after episodes are published. Previously released episodes will be transcribed over time.
Creators who prefer to provide their own transcripts can do so through RSS tags or in Apple Podcasts Connect for subscriber episodes. Learn more at podcasters.apple.com/support/5316-transcripts-on-apple-podcasts.
Availability
Transcripts are available with iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 for podcasts in English, French, German and Spanish, with back-catalogue episodes being added over time. Transcripts can be accessed in over 170 countries and regions.
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