WMA to Text: Convert to MP3 First, Then Transcribe
WMA to text takes one extra step: WMA files aren't accepted directly, so convert the file to MP3 first (for example with VLC or Audacity), then upload the MP3 here for an editable transcript with timestamps and speaker labels. Files up to 30 minutes are free without an account (120 minutes a month); Pro at €12/month handles files up to 10 hours.
- Upload or paste the link
- Choose the language or let it detect
- Review in the editor and export
Drop audio or video here
MP3, M4A, WAV, OGG, FLAC, MP4, MOV, WebM, MKV · up to 5 GB on Pro
Free plan: files up to 30 minutes, 120 minutes a month. No account needed. By uploading you agree to the terms and the privacy policy.
WMA to Text: Convert to MP3 First, Then Transcribe
| Full name | Windows Media Audio, developed by Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Container | ASF (Advanced Systems Format) |
| Variants | WMA Standard, WMA Pro, WMA Lossless and WMA Voice |
| Extension and MIME type | .wma · audio/x-ms-wma |
| Typical sources | Windows 7 Sound Recorder, CD rips from Windows Media Player, some older voice recorders and dictation devices |
| Upload here | Not accepted directly: convert to MP3 first |
Example: a short WMA transcript
Speaker 1Dictation for the file on the Hoffmann account, dated the fourth of May.
Speaker 1Paragraph one. Following our meeting on Tuesday, we confirm the revised delivery schedule.
Speaker 1Please send the signed copy back to the office by the end of the month. End of dictation.
Convert WMA to MP3 with VLC
- Install VLC media player from videolan.org (free, Windows, Mac and Linux)
- Open Media → Convert / Save and add your WMA file
- Click Convert / Save and choose the profile Audio - MP3
- Pick a destination file name ending in .mp3 and click Start
- Upload the new MP3 on this page
Convert WMA to MP3 with Audacity
Audacity can open WMA once its optional FFmpeg library is installed; the Audacity manual explains how. Open the WMA with File → Open, then use File → Export and choose MP3.
Audacity is handy if you also want to trim silence or boost a quiet recording before transcription.
Protected WMA files
Some WMA files bought from old online music stores are DRM-protected. Converters such as VLC and Audacity can't open those. Recordings you made yourself, for example with Sound Recorder or a voice recorder, aren't protected and convert normally.
After the conversion
Once you have an MP3, transcription works like any other upload: timestamps, speaker labels and TXT, SRT or VTT download for free, with DOCX, PDF, Markdown, translation and AI summaries on Pro. Files are never used to train models.
Use cases
- Old dictations saved by a voice recorder in WMA
- Meeting notes recorded years ago with Windows Sound Recorder
- Family recordings from an old Windows PC
- Interviews archived in WMA that you need in writing
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Frequently asked questions
Can I upload a WMA file directly?
No. WMA isn't supported directly. Convert it to MP3 first with a free tool such as VLC or Audacity, then upload the MP3.
Does converting WMA to MP3 lower transcription quality?
Not in a way you'd notice for speech, as long as you pick a normal MP3 bitrate such as 128 kbps.
Why won't my WMA file convert?
It may be DRM-protected, which is common with old music store purchases. Self-made recordings are normally unprotected.
Is there a WMA converter on this site?
Not for WMA. The browser converters here cover OGG, Opus, M4A, AAC, WAV, FLAC, WebM, MP4 and MOV, so use VLC or Audacity for WMA.
Is transcription free after converting?
Yes, for MP3 files up to 30 minutes and up to 120 minutes per month, without an account.