How to Migrate from TurboScribe to Otter.ai (Step-by-Step)
Last updated: April 2026
Migrating from TurboScribe to Otter.ai is ideal for users who need real-time transcription and meeting-specific features rather than just file-based processing. While TurboScribe excels at converting existing audio/video files, Otter.ai specializes in live transcription, automated summaries, and collaboration during meetings. This guide covers the complete migration process including data transfer, feature adaptation, and timeline estimates. You'll learn how to export your TurboScribe transcripts, set up Otter.ai for optimal use, and leverage its unique capabilities like action item extraction and video conferencing integrations.
Estimated Timeline
solo user
3-5 hours over 1-2 weeks
small team
2-3 days over 2-3 weeks
enterprise
2-3 weeks with IT support
Migration Steps
Audit Your TurboScribe Usage
easyExport Data from TurboScribe
mediumSet Up Otter.ai Account and Integrations
easyRe-upload Critical Files to Otter.ai
mediumAdapt to Otter.ai's Real-Time Workflow
mediumTrain Your Team on Otter.ai Features
mediumRun Parallel Operations During Transition
hardFinalize Migration and Cancel TurboScribe
easyFeature Mapping
| TurboScribe | Otter.ai Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited file transcription | Monthly transcription minutes | TurboScribe offers unlimited uploads on paid plans while Otter.ai has monthly minute limits (600-6,000 depending on plan) |
| Audio/video file processing | Live recording + file upload | Both handle file uploads, but Otter.ai adds real-time meeting transcription which TurboScribe lacks |
| Speaker identification | Speaker identification with profiles | Otter.ai allows creating speaker profiles with photos for better accuracy across meetings |
| Multiple language support | English-only with some accent support | TurboScribe supports 100+ languages while Otter.ai focuses primarily on English with some accent variations |
| Drag-and-drop interface | Web/mobile upload + live recording | Both have drag-and-drop for files, but Otter.ai adds one-click meeting recording |
| Text editing and export | Collaborative editing + rich exports | Otter.ai adds real-time collaborative editing and more export formats (PDF, SRT, TXT) |
| Fast processing | Real-time processing | TurboScribe processes files quickly; Otter.ai transcribes in real-time during meetings |
| Simple interface | Meeting-focused interface | Otter.ai's interface is organized around conversations and meetings rather than file lists |
Data Transfer Guide
TurboScribe doesn't offer bulk export, so you must manually download each transcript. Log into TurboScribe, select transcripts individually or in batches, and export as TXT or DOCX files. For organized transfer, create folders matching your project structure. Since Otter.ai can't import existing transcripts directly, you have two options: 1) Re-upload original audio/video files to Otter.ai for fresh transcription, or 2) Copy-paste TurboScribe text into Otter.ai's notes section alongside new AI transcripts. For important edited transcripts, use option two to preserve your work. Otter.ai accepts uploads via web interface or mobile app, with Pro plans supporting files up to 4 hours. Speaker identification from TurboScribe won't transfer automatically—you'll need to manually assign speakers in Otter.ai after processing.