---
title: "MKV to Text via MP4 Conversion | Speechyou"
description: "Convert an MKV recording to MP4 with the spoken track you want first. Then use Speechyou to create an editable transcript."
url: "https://speechyou.com/formats/mkv-to-text"
---

# MKV to Text

Convert an MKV recording to MP4 with the spoken track you want first. Then use Speechyou to create an editable transcript.

[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

For an OBS recording, try File → Remux Recordings to create an MP4. If your MKV has several audio tracks, use your editor to export an MP4 with the desired speech track or mix enabled. Play the MP4 before uploading it.

[How to remux a recording in OBS](https://obsproject.com/kb/standard-recording-output-guide#remuxing)

obs-recording.mkv

MP4 upload

Text (.txt)

Excerpt from a converted OBS MKV recording

Host: I can see the first dashboard, but the second tab is still loading. Guest: Give it a second. The report only refreshes after you pick a date range. Host: There it is. Let’s export the March figures first.

## 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

### Identify the audio track you want to transcribe

A Matroska video can hold several audio tracks, which is common with OBS recordings that keep the microphone and desktop audio separate. Listen to the tracks in a media player and decide whether you need just the microphone or the whole conversation. Export the selected track or mix into the MP4 you plan to upload.

### Choose remuxing or a fresh export

Remuxing copies compatible audio and video streams into another container. This can work for OBS recordings with MP4-compatible tracks. If the copied MP4 plays the wrong track or will not decode, export a fresh MP4 with H.264 video and the intended speech as AAC audio.

### Keep captions and spoken text straight

An MKV may already have a selectable subtitle track. To transcribe the actual speech, start with the audio in your MP4 copy and review the generated text against playback. Export TXT for notes or SRT if you need a new subtitle file and your transcript has timed segments.

### Distinguish an incomplete OBS recording from an export problem

Open the MKV itself first and seek through the last exchange. If the source has dialogue and the remuxed MP4 has only game, music, or computer sound, check which track the player selected and make a fresh export with the intended mix. A remuxed MP4 retains separate tracks that were carried over from the original. If the original also lacks the guest’s voice, look for a separate call recording before transcribing. Keep the edit you caption and its transcript under the same version name.

### Prepare a multitrack MKV for transcription

-   List the audio tracks in your player or editor and listen to each track you might need.
-   Try OBS Remux Recordings for a compatible recording and check the resulting MP4.
-   Export a new speech mix when the host’s microphone and call audio are separate.
-   Upload the playable MP4 or WAV containing that mix. Keep the MKV as the original.

## Frequently asked questions

Can I upload MKV directly?

Create an MP4 copy first and check that its audio includes the speech you want. Upload the MP4 from Speechyou Notes.

Will the workflow extract the MKV’s existing subtitles?

This workflow transcribes speech from the audio track. If you need the original embedded subtitle stream, use a media tool that can export that stream from the MKV.

What if OBS recorded the microphone on a separate track?

Use your editor to make an MP4 with the microphone track or the desired mix. Verify the result with a short listen before uploading.

## 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 SRT Subtitles

    Export timed SRT subtitles from video dialogue.

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

    MP4 to SRT Subtitles

    Download a separate SRT caption track for an MP4.

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

## Try it with your own recording

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