What Is a Timestamp in a Transcript?

Direct definition

A timestamp is a time marker placed in a transcript to show when a span of speech occurred. Intervals (every 30 seconds, every speaker change) are a client rule, not a property of ASR.

The sections below explain how timestamp is used in transcription and subtitle work, what people often mix up, and which VideoText workflow applies when the next step is a file or review pass.

Key takeaways

• Transcript timestamps are navigation; subtitle cue times are display schedules.
• State the interval in the job brief.
• Inconsistent placement is a frequent marketplace rejection.

Example

[00:12:40] Speaker 2: We should export VTT as well as SRT.

Related terms

• timecode
• SRT file
• transcript QA
• All glossary terms

Sources

1. Rev: Rev Transcription Style Guide (timestamps)