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How to Migrate from Otter.ai to tl;dv (Step-by-Step)

Last updated: March 2026

Teams often migrate from Otter.ai to tl;dv to gain automated meeting recording capabilities and superior video clip creation. While Otter excels at transcription, tl;dv automatically joins and records meetings, generating concise summaries and highlight reels perfect for async sharing. This guide covers the complete migration process, including exporting your Otter.ai data, setting up tl;dv, mapping key features, and establishing new workflows. We'll address common pitfalls like data transfer limitations and help you leverage tl;dv's unique strengths in meeting analysis and collaboration.

Estimated Timeline

solo user

2-4 hours

small team

1-3 days

enterprise

1-2 weeks

Migration Steps

Audit and Export Otter.ai Data

easy

Set Up Your tl;dv Account and Integrations

easy

Import Key Transcripts and Notes into tl;dv

medium

Establish New Meeting Workflows with tl;dv

medium

Map User Permissions and Sharing Settings

medium

Run a Parallel Testing Period

easy

Finalize Migration and Cancel Otter.ai

easy

Feature Mapping

Otter.ai	tl;dv Equivalent	Notes
Real-time Transcription	Post-Meeting Transcription & AI Summary	Otter provides live transcription; tl;dv transcribes after the meeting and condenses it into a concise AI summary.
Speaker Identification	Speaker Labeling in Transcript	Both tools identify speakers, but accuracy depends on meeting audio quality and platform integration.
Automated Action Item Extraction	AI-Powered Meeting Highlights & Summaries	Otter explicitly lists action items; tl;dv's AI summary identifies key decisions and moments which may include action items contextually.
Searchable Transcripts	Searchable Transcripts & Recordings	Both offer search. tl;dv allows you to search within the video recording timeline based on transcript text.
Integration with Conferencing Platforms	Auto-Join and Record Meetings	Otter connects to capture audio; tl;dv actively joins meetings as a participant to record video/audio, offering a more integrated recording experience.
Live Summary Notes	Post-Meeting AI Summary	Otter's live notes update in real-time; tl;dv's summary is generated after the meeting ends, but is often more concise and analysis-focused.
Editing and Sharing Transcripts	Creating and Sharing Video Clips	A major shift: Otter focuses on text sharing; tl;dv specializes in creating short, shareable video clips from meeting highlights.

Data Transfer Guide

Exporting data from Otter.ai is straightforward but limited. Go to Otter.ai's web app, navigate to Settings, and find the Export option. You can typically export individual transcripts as TXT, PDF, or DOCX files, or request a bulk export of your data via their support. However, importing this data directly into tl;dv is not automated. The primary migration path is manual: you must copy-paste critical text from your Otter exports into tl;dv's note-taking or comment features within relevant meeting records. Focus on transferring essential summaries, decisions, and action items rather than entire historical transcripts. For ongoing use, tl;dv will automatically generate its own transcripts and data from newly recorded meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my data from Otter.ai to tl;dv?+

There is no direct, automated import. You must manually export transcripts from Otter.ai as files and copy-paste critical information into tl;dv's notes or comments. Focus on key summaries and action items.

How long does migration take?+

For a solo user, setup takes 2-4 hours. Team migration requires additional time for training and workflow adjustment, typically 1-3 days. Full enterprise deployment can take 1-2 weeks.

Will I lose any features switching to tl;dv?+

You may miss Otter's real-time transcription and live notes during meetings. tl;dv excels in post-meeting video analysis and clip sharing, so the feature set is different rather than a direct downgrade.

Can I use both tools during migration?+

Yes, a parallel testing period of 1-2 weeks is recommended. Run both tools in meetings to compare outputs and ensure tl;dv meets your needs before canceling Otter.ai.

Is tl;dv cheaper than Otter.ai?+

Both offer freemium models. Paid plans are similarly priced, but value differs. tl;dv's cost is justified by automated recording and video clip features, while Otter focuses on transcription depth. Compare features against your needs.