Taking notes during a meeting means you’re only half listening. Otter.ai solves this by listening for you: it records the conversation, writes down everything that’s said, and creates a summary with action items.
What is Otter.ai?
Otter.ai is an AI transcription and note-taking tool. Transcription means turning spoken words into written text. Otter does this in real time and can tell different speakers apart.
What can Otter.ai do?
- Live transcription of meetings, lectures, interviews, and conversations.
- Automatic summaries with key points and action items.
- Join online meetings: it can automatically join Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams calls to take notes.
- Search your conversations: find the exact moment someone mentioned “budget” last month.
- Ask questions: chat with the AI about what was said in a meeting.
Who is it useful for?
- Professionals who have lots of meetings
- Students recording lectures (with permission)
- Journalists and researchers doing interviews
- People who are deaf or hard of hearing, as live captions
Is it free?
Otter.ai has a free plan with a limited number of transcription minutes per month. Paid plans offer more minutes and features. Check the website for current prices.
How to get started
- Go to otter.ai or download the Otter app.
- Sign up, and optionally connect your calendar so it can join your online meetings.
- For an in-person conversation, open the app and tap Record.
- After the meeting, open the transcript and summary.
Important: always ask permission
Recording people without their knowledge can be rude, and in many places it’s illegal. Always tell everyone that the conversation is being recorded and transcribed, and respect it if someone says no.
Alternatives
Many video-call apps now have built-in AI note-takers, and tools like Notion AI and Microsoft Copilot offer meeting summaries too. Check what your apps already include before paying for another tool.
The bottom line
Otter.ai lets you focus on the conversation instead of your notepad. If meetings are a big part of your week, it can save you hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is Otter.ai free?
Otter.ai has a free plan with a limited number of transcription minutes per month. Paid plans offer more minutes and features.
Does Otter.ai work with Zoom?
Yes. It can automatically join Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams calls to take notes.
Is it legal to record meetings with AI?
Rules vary by country and state. The safe approach is always to tell everyone the conversation is being recorded and transcribed, and to respect it if someone says no.