How to Use Otter.ai

Getting started with Otter.ai

In this guide, you will learn how to set up Otter.ai to record, transcribe, and summarise your meetings efficiently. By the end, you will be ready to streamline your note-taking process and enhance your meeting productivity.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

1. Go to otter.ai.
2. Click on the "Sign Up" button in the top right corner.
3. Choose to sign up using your Google account, Apple ID, or with an email address.
4. Complete the registration process by confirming your email if prompted.
5. Once logged in, navigate to the "Settings" (gear icon) to configure your preferences, such as notification settings and audio recording options.

Step 2: Your first meeting transcription

1. Start or join a meeting on Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.
2. Open Otter.ai in a separate browser tab or app.
3. Click on the “Record” button (red circle) in the Otter interface. This will start capturing audio.
4. If you are using Zoom, you can enable the "Otter.ai Live Notes" integration for automatic joining.
5. After the meeting ends, click on the “Stop” button (square icon) to end the recording.
6. Review the transcription in the "My Conversations" tab. You can edit, highlight, and add comments as needed.

Step 3: Get better results

1. Use the "Speaker Identification" feature by clicking on the "Settings" in the transcription view and enabling “Speaker Identification”.
2. To improve accuracy, ensure that all speakers are using good microphones and are positioned close to them.
3. Use the “Edit” feature to refine any misattributed quotes or unclear transcriptions after the meeting.
4. Explore the "Summary" feature to generate a concise overview of key points discussed.

Pro tip

Take advantage of the “Groups” feature to manage team access. By creating a group, you can share transcripts and notes with specific team members easily, saving you time in post-meeting follow-ups.

Common mistake to avoid

One common mistake is forgetting to start the recording before the meeting begins. Always double-check that the "Record" button is active to ensure you capture the entire discussion.