Simon Says

Overview

Simon Says is an AI transcription platform built for video editors, filmmakers, and media professionals. It converts audio and video to text in over 100 languages, then lets you export directly to your editing timeline. The platform offers both cloud-based and on-premise options for secure workflows, with features like automatic speaker detection and text-based video editing.

Key Features

Assembly Mode Editing: Edit video by cutting and rearranging the transcript text, then export directly to your timeline.
100+ Language Support: Transcribe and translate content across more than 100 languages with high accuracy.
Direct NLE Integration: Export transcripts directly into Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Avid Media Composer.
Automatic Speaker Detection: AI identifies and separates different speakers in your audio, with advanced channel-level identification on higher tiers.
On-Premise Security: Run transcription locally on your machine with no data sent to the cloud for sensitive projects.
Multiple Export Formats: Download as Word documents, subtitles, or native editing application formats.
Team Collaboration: Multi-user access with ability to invite guests to view or edit projects.
Fast Processing: Transcribes content faster than real-time, saving hours on large projects.

Pros

Time Savings: Users report saving hours on transcription tasks that previously took days to complete manually.
Workflow Integration: Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Resolve extensions allow smooth import directly into editing timelines.
High Accuracy: Advanced machine learning delivers accurate transcriptions, particularly praised by documentary filmmakers and podcast producers.
Security Options: On-premise version available for sensitive content that cannot be sent to the cloud.
Large File Support: Handles almost all file formats and codecs, accommodating various professional workflows.

Cons

Mac App Stability: Users report the Mac application is buggy with frequent crashes and lost work.
Slow Customer Support: Response times can take days, with some users describing support as non-existent.
Interface Confusion: Some users find the platform confusing to use, with glitchy editing and cursor jumping issues.
Server Reliability: Reports of slow servers that crash, causing lost work.
Inconsistent Quality: Some users claim transcription results are no better than basic services despite higher cost.

Use Cases

Documentary Production: Filmmakers transcribe hours of interview footage in multiple languages, then use the Premiere Pro extension to quickly find the best soundbites and add them to the timeline. The automatic speaker detection helps identify different interview subjects without manual labeling.
Podcast Post-Production: Podcast producers upload episodes for transcription, then export accurate captions for accessibility and SEO. The text-based editing feature allows producers to create highlight clips by simply selecting portions of the transcript.
Research Interviews: Academic and corporate researchers transcribe sensitive interviews using the on-premise version to protect participant identities. The offline processing ensures confidential data never leaves their secure network while still benefiting from AI accuracy.
Reality TV Production: High-volume productions working on location without reliable internet use the on-premise solution to transcribe dailies and interviews offline. Teams can process large file sizes and volumes of content quickly, even when shooting abroad.
Corporate Communications: Companies transcribe executive presentations, keynotes, and internal meetings for record-keeping and accessibility. The platform creates searchable archives and generates captions for branded video content on social media and websites.
News & Journalism: Media organizations quickly turn interview recordings into searchable text, allowing journalists to find key quotes and meaningful dialogue for articles without listening to hours of audio.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is Simon Says transcription?

Simon Says uses advanced machine learning to deliver high accuracy, though results depend on audio quality and speaker accents. Professional users like documentary filmmakers and podcast producers praise the accuracy, while some users report quality comparable to basic services. The platform performs best with clear audio and native speakers.

What video editing software does Simon Says integrate with?

Simon Says offers dedicated extensions and plugins for Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Avid Media Composer. You can export transcripts directly into your project timeline, or download them in formats compatible with other editing applications.

Can I use Simon Says offline?

Yes. The on-premise version runs locally on your Mac or PC with no data sent to the cloud. It can transcribe and translate audio and video offline in up to 29 languages, making it ideal for sensitive projects or locations without internet access.

How many languages does Simon Says support?

Simon Says supports transcription and translation in over 100 languages. Translation costs the same per hour as transcription in your selected plan.

Does unused subscription credit roll over?

Yes. If you don't use all your credit in a billing period, it rolls over to the next period for up to three periods before expiring.

What file formats does Simon Says accept?

Simon Says handles almost all audio and video file formats and codecs, making it flexible for various professional workflows. This includes large file sizes common in professional video production.

How fast does Simon Says process transcriptions?

The AI typically processes content faster than real-time. A one-hour video will be transcribed in less than one hour, though exact speed depends on file size and server load.