Recap: Google Drive introduced the ability to automatically generate captions for video clips uploaded to the cloud service last year. Now they are improving the caption feature with searchable transcripts. The new feature should be available to all users soon.

Google Drive, the backbone of Google’s cloud-based services, is rolling out a new tool to make navigating video content easier. Users can now generate searchable transcripts for videos that already contain embedded captions.

This feature is designed to help users quickly locate and reference text within their videos, improving productivity. A sidebar beside the video player displays the transcript and highlights text in real time as the speaker talks. In addition to allowing users to copy and paste sections into a document, the transcript enables them to search for specific moments in a video and jump to them instantly.

Google says that the update applies to all users with personal or Workspace accounts. While it improves video accessibility, there is currently no way for users to control the feature through admin tools. Transcripts only work with embedded captions, which can be automatically generated thanks to last year’s update.

To help users take advantage of this feature, Google has provided quick tips on generating captions and enabling transcripts for videos uploaded to Drive. The company also offers detailed online guidance on using Drive as a video hosting and editing platform across internet-enabled devices. However, free Google account holders have limited Drive storage, making it difficult to maintain extensive video collections.

Currently, developers are rolling out the transcript feature on rapid-release domains. However, Google noted that it may take up to 15 days for full availability. The extended rollout for scheduled-release domains will begin on February 26 and is expected to be completed by March 26.

As people watching YouTube know, automatic captioning is frequently messy, with incorrect text and missing words. However, Google still offers the option to upload custom subtitle “tracks,” allowing users to prioritize accuracy instead of relying solely on AI-generated captions.