You can send audio and video files to HappyScribe without leaving your Claude or ChatGPT conversation. This article walks you through the ways to send a file, how to pick the language, how to follow progress, and what happens if you run out of minutes.
If you haven't connected HappyScribe to your AI assistant yet, start with What is HappyScribe MCP.
Ways to send a file
There are three ways to get a file into HappyScribe from the chat. Every transcript is saved to your HappyScribe account, just like a file you upload from the dashboard.
Attach a file to your message
Attach your audio or video file to your message.
Ask your assistant to transcribe it, for example: "Transcribe this file with HappyScribe."
ChatGPT: attachments go straight to HappyScribe.
Claude: attachments work when Cloud code execution and file creation is turned on under Capabilities in your Claude settings. On Claude Team and Enterprise plans, an organization owner manages this in Organization settings > Capabilities. Files can be up to 5 GB.
If an attachment can't be passed along, use the upload box instead (see below).
Paste a public link
Paste a link and ask your assistant to transcribe it. Links from YouTube, Vimeo, Dropbox and Google Drive work, as do direct links to a media file. The link must be publicly accessible.
Example: "Transcribe this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vthirS86ovA"
Use the upload box
Ask your assistant: "Show me the HappyScribe upload box."
Drop your files into the box, or pick them from your device. You can add more than one file, from desktop or mobile.
Wait until the box shows Uploaded. The transcription starts on its own.
The upload box is the most reliable option for files stored on your computer or phone. It accepts audio and video only, not documents or images.
Choosing the language and other options
HappyScribe detects the spoken language automatically. If you know the language, name it in your prompt, which improves accuracy.
You can also ask for any of these in the same message:
Language: "Transcribe this interview in Spanish." If speakers switch between languages, mixed-language transcription can help. It's a beta feature we turn on per workspace, so contact support if you'd like to try it.
Subtitles: "Make subtitles from this video" instead of a transcript.
Folder: "Save it in my Sales folder." Without a folder, the file goes to your default folder.
Glossary: "Use my Product names glossary." If you don't name one, your workspace's default glossaries apply. See Glossaries 101 for how glossaries work.
Following your transcription
Ask "Is my transcript ready?" at any time. Your assistant tells you where the file is:
Importing or analyzing: HappyScribe is receiving and preparing the file.
Transcribing: the transcript is being created.
Needs credits: the file is on hold because your workspace is out of minutes (see below).
Done: your transcript is ready.
Failed: something went wrong. Your assistant tells you why and what to try next.
Viewing your transcript in the chat
When the transcript is ready, ask "Show me the transcript." In Claude and ChatGPT, you'll see a transcript card with an audio player and a short preview. Click Show more to read further in the chat.
Other tools, like Cursor or Claude Code, reply in text instead of showing the card. Your transcript is the same either way.
When you run out of minutes
If your workspace doesn't have enough minutes, HappyScribe still receives the file but puts the transcript on hold.
If you have credits available: your assistant asks before spending them. Reply yes and the transcript continues.
If you need more minutes: upgrade from your HappyScribe account. Upgrading doesn't restart the file on its own, so ask your assistant to unlock it afterwards.
See Plans and pricing for what each plan includes.
Troubleshooting
Claude says it "needs code execution to access some attached files"
Code execution is turned off in your Claude account. Turn on Cloud code execution and file creation under Capabilities in your Claude settings, then start a new chat. On a Claude Team or Enterprise plan, ask an organization owner to turn it on in Organization settings > Capabilities.
You can also ask for the upload box and drop the file there instead. It works even with this setting turned off.
My transcript is stuck on "needs credits"
Your workspace is out of minutes. Add minutes from your HappyScribe account, then ask your assistant to unlock the file.
My link won't transcribe
Check that the link is public and opens without signing in. Private Google Drive or Dropbox links won't work until you change their sharing settings.
I don't see the upload box or the audio player
Cards only appear in Claude and ChatGPT. In other tools, your assistant replies in text. If you're in Claude or ChatGPT and still don't see them, disconnect and reconnect HappyScribe.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be charged twice if I ask again?
No. If you send the same link or file again within 10 minutes, HappyScribe reuses the existing transcription. If the first attempt failed, a new one starts.
Can I send several files at once?
Yes. Drop several files into the upload box, or attach several files to your message.
Can I transcribe documents or images?
No. HappyScribe transcribes audio and video files only. See which file formats are accepted.
Where is my transcript saved?
In your HappyScribe account, in your default folder or the folder you asked for. You can open and edit it in the Transcript Editor like any other file.
Will my uploaded file get a meeting summary?
No. Summaries are created for meetings recorded by the HappyScribe Notetaker, not for uploaded files. You can still ask your assistant to summarize the transcript for you in the chat.
What can I do with the transcript next?
You can export it, share it, fix names in one go and more, all from the chat. See Export, share and edit transcripts from Claude or ChatGPT.
Questions?
If something isn't covered here, don't hesitate to reach out by email at support@happyscribe.com