---
title: "FLV to Text via MP4 Conversion | Speechyou"
description: "Convert a saved Flash Video file to MP4 with sound first, then transcribe the speech from the MP4 in Speechyou."
url: "https://speechyou.com/formats/flv-to-text"
---

# FLV to Text

Convert a saved Flash Video file to MP4 with sound first, then transcribe the speech from the MP4 in Speechyou.

[Transcribe a converted file](https://app.speechyou.com/sign-up) [See how it works](#how-it-works)

3\-day free trial

Convert to MP4 before uploading

Open the local FLV file in a desktop converter that can play its sound. Export MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio, then check that the saved MP4 plays through the spoken sections before uploading it.

[How to convert a file in VLC](https://docs.videolan.me/vlc-user/desktop/3.0/en/basic/tipsandtricks/index.html#converting-a-media-file-format)

stream-archive.flv

MP4 upload

Text (.txt)

Excerpt from a converted FLV stream archive

We’re back after the connection dropped. The question was whether volunteers can pick up supplies on Friday. Pickup is from four to six at the loading entrance.

## How it works

1.  ### Convert, then upload

    Convert the original to MP4. Then open Speechyou Notes, select Upload, and choose Upload & transcribe.

2.  ### Review the transcript

    Open the finished note and check the text against the recording. Use Edit transcript to correct names, terminology, or misheard words.

3.  ### Export Text (.txt)

    Open Export in the transcript and choose the file type. Save the file or share it with your team.

## Transcription guide

### Find the FLV recording behind the archive

Start with the saved .flv file. Older course portals and video pages sometimes show a player without providing a local source. If you only have the page, obtain the playable recording from your archive or the person who published it before trying to convert the file.

### Check the converted copy for missing stream audio

An archived live stream may start with a slate, music, or silence before the presenter begins. Play the exported MP4 where the speaker first appears and again after any interruption in the stream. If you trim the lead-in during conversion, record that offset if you will need to match the original stream times.

### Turn the archived talk into a usable reference

Transcribe the MP4 and check product names or interface labels that might have changed since the original recording. Export TXT for a searchable archive entry or PDF for a reading copy. When you include section times, mention which edited copy those times refer to.

### Translate timestamps back to an untrimmed stream archive

If you cut a 90-second countdown from the conversion, a quote that appears at 00:02:10 in the MP4 appears at 00:03:40 in the original FLV, as long as the rest of the file stayed intact. If the archive includes further edits or dropped material, compare the quote against playback before citing the original time. Put the conversion offset in the note title or archive record, and keep the untrimmed source. Choose a copy with the original start intact when several reviewers will need to share the same time references.

### Before uploading a converted FLV

-   Find the saved FLV file in the archive or request a playable copy from the publisher.
-   Choose a desktop converter that can play the recording with speech.
-   Export MP4 with the intended audio and keep the opening slate if times need to match.
-   Play a section after any stream interruption to check that audio survived the conversion.

## Frequently asked questions

Do I need the old Flash Player to transcribe an FLV?

Use a current desktop media editor or converter that can open the saved FLV and export it as an MP4 with sound.

Can I upload the FLV directly?

Convert the recording to a playable MP4 first. Upload the MP4 for transcription.

Can I keep cues aligned to the uncut FLV?

Export the entire source from its original start without trimming. If you do trim it, keep a note of the removed duration when referencing the archive.

## Related conversions

[Browse all formats](https://speechyou.com/formats)

-   [

    MP4 to Text

    Create a transcript from an MP4 meeting, lesson, or clip.

    ](https://speechyou.com/formats/mp4-to-text)
-   [

    Video to Text

    Turn spoken words in a video into searchable text.

    ](https://speechyou.com/formats/video-to-text)
-   [

    Video to PDF Transcript

    Create a printable PDF of what was said in a video.

    ](https://speechyou.com/formats/video-to-pdf)
-   [

    MPEG to Text

    Turn MPEG and MPG footage into searchable transcripts.

    ](https://speechyou.com/formats/mpeg-to-text)

## Try it with your own recording

[Start your 3\-day free trial](https://app.speechyou.com/sign-up) [View pricing](https://speechyou.com/pricing)