How to use Otter AI?
To use Otter AI, create a free account, then either tap record in the app to transcribe a live conversation, upload an audio or video file, or connect your calendar so the Notetaker bot auto-joins Zoom, Google Meet, and Teams calls. Otter delivers a real-time transcript, speaker labels, an automatic summary, and action items you can search, edit, and share.
Why — the first-principles explanation
Otter is really three tools sharing one engine: a live recorder, a file importer, and a meeting bot. All three feed audio into the same speech-recognition model, which converts sound into searchable, timestamped text. Once your words are text, everything else, summaries, search, sharing, becomes easy computer work.
The calendar connection is what makes Otter feel automatic. By reading your Google or Microsoft calendar, Otter knows when your meetings start and which link to join, so its Notetaker can show up without you clicking anything. This is the difference between 'I have to remember to record' and 'notes just appear.'
After transcription, a large language model reads the transcript and writes a short summary with key points and action items. Because the transcript is timestamped and tied to the audio, you can click any word to hear that exact moment, correct mistakes, highlight passages, and share a link, turning a one-hour meeting into something you can skim in two minutes.
An example that makes it click
Think of Otter as a helper with three doors into the same notebook. Door one: you press a button and it writes down a live chat. Door two: you hand it a recording you already made and it types it up. Door three: it checks your calendar and walks into your online meetings by itself. No matter which door you use, the notes land in the same notebook, where you can search for a word, fix a typo, and email the highlights to a friend.
How to do it
- Sign up for a free account at otter.ai and install the iOS, Android, or web app.
- To capture a live talk, open the app and tap the record button; the transcript scrolls in real time.
- To transcribe a file, click Import and upload an audio or video recording.
- Connect your Google or Microsoft calendar in Settings, then enable AI Notetaker to auto-join online meetings.
- After a session, open the conversation to read the summary, edit text, assign speaker names, and highlight key parts.
- Share a transcript or summary with teammates via a link, or export it to text, PDF, or other formats.
Key facts
- Otter works three ways: live recording, uploading existing audio/video files, and an auto-joining meeting Notetaker.
- Connecting Google or Microsoft calendar lets the Notetaker join Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams automatically.
- Every transcript is timestamped and linked to the audio, so clicking a word jumps to that moment.
- Otter auto-generates a summary with key points and action items after each conversation.
- The free Basic plan allows 300 minutes per month, 30 minutes per meeting, and 3 lifetime file imports.
Live meeting transcription, notes, and summaries.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.▶ The 60-second explainer (script)
Here's how to use Otter AI in a nutshell. First, make a free account and open the app on your phone or computer. Now you have three ways to get notes. One: tap the record button to transcribe a live conversation as it happens. Two: click Import to upload a recording you already have, and Otter types it up. Three: connect your Google or Microsoft calendar and turn on the AI Notetaker, so Otter automatically joins your Zoom, Meet, and Teams meetings and takes notes for you. When it's done, open the conversation. You'll see a full transcript with speaker names, plus an automatic summary and action items. Click any word to hear that exact moment, fix mistakes, highlight the good parts, and share a link with your team. Start on the free plan, which gives you 300 minutes a month.
What authoritative sources say
People also ask
Do I need to install anything to use Otter?
No. You can use Otter entirely in a web browser, though the iOS and Android apps are handy for recording live conversations on the go.
How do I get Otter to join my meetings automatically?
Connect your Google or Microsoft calendar in Settings and enable the AI Notetaker; Otter will then send its bot to your synced online meetings.
Can I edit the transcript?
Yes. You can correct words, rename speakers, add highlights and comments, and then export or share the cleaned-up transcript.
Does Otter work with languages other than English?
Otter is strongest in English and has added support for additional languages such as Spanish and French; check the app for the current list.