Can I Use Textify to Extract Text From Video
Yes, you can use Textify to extract text from video — but there are actually four different “Textify” tools, each for different purposes. For extracting on-screen text (text appearing in video frames), use the Textify Chrome extension — it uses Google Cloud Vision OCR to select and copy any text visible in YouTube or Coursera videos by pausing and dragging your mouse over the text. For extracting spoken audio as text (transcription), use Textify – Live Subtitles (iOS) for real-time voice transcription or Txtify (open-source web app) which uses AI models to transcribe YouTube videos or uploaded media. For voice/video messages from WhatsApp or Telegram, use Textify by Dimitri Staufer (iOS), which transcribes messages and even provides AI summaries.
1. The “Four Textifys” — Important Clarification {#four-textifys}
Before we go further, here’s the most important thing to understand:
There are four different applications named “Textify” (or similar). They do different things.
Which one are you looking for? Let me help you choose.
2. Textify Chrome Extension: Extract On-Screen Text from Videos {#textify-chrome-extension}
Alt text: Textify Chrome extension extracting on-screen text from YouTube video — OCR text selection tool
The Textify Chrome extension is the tool you’re likely asking about. It allows you to select and copy text that appears visually in videos — like text on a presentation slide, code on a tutorial screen, or captions burned into the video.
How It Works
Textify uses Google Cloud Vision API (advanced OCR technology) to recognize text in video frames. When you pause a video, you can click and drag your mouse over any text, and it automatically copies to your clipboard.
Key Features
How to Use It
What It Can Extract
| Content Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Text on presentation slides | Lecture slides, PowerPoint presentations |
| Code in programming tutorials | Python, JavaScript, HTML visible on screen |
| Subtitles/hardcoded captions | Captions burned into video |
| Text in video overlays | YouTube annotations, text graphics |
Limitations
Privacy & Security
- Secure Google authentication
- No data collection beyond necessary processing
- Regular security updates
Verdict
Choose Textify Chrome Extension if: You need to copy text that appears visually on screen in video tutorials, lectures, or coding videos.
Skip if: You want to transcribe spoken audio (use the other Textify tools instead).
3. Textify – Live Subtitles (iOS): Voice to Text Transcription {#textify-live-subtitles}
Alt text: Textify Live Subtitles iOS app — real-time voice to text transcription
Textify – Live Subtitles is an iOS app that converts spoken audio into written text in real-time. It’s completely different from the Chrome extension.
How It Works
You press the microphone button and start speaking (or play audio near the phone). The app uses advanced speech recognition to transcribe spoken content into text in real-time.
Key Features
Best For
- Capturing meeting notes
- Transcribing interviews
- Recording your thoughts
- Live subtitles for any spoken content
Pricing
Verdict
Choose Textify – Live Subtitles if: You need to transcribe spoken audio in real-time — meetings, lectures, interviews, or podcasts.
Skip if: You need to extract on-screen text from videos (use the Chrome extension).
4. Textify by Dimitri Staufer (iOS): Voice/Video Messages to Text {#textify-messages}
Alt text: Textify iOS app for transcribing voice and video messages from WhatsApp and Telegram
This Textify app is designed specifically for voice and video messages from messaging platforms.
How It Works
You share a voice or video message from WhatsApp, Telegram, Threema, LINE, or Signal to the Textify app, and it converts the spoken content into written text.
Key Features
Unmatched Accuracy
The app claims “unparalleled accuracy” with an algorithm that understands dialects and accents — from Texas to Scotland to Switzerland.
Pricing (February 2025 Special)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Base app | 50% off special (was $120? now discounted) |
| Textify+ | Premium features: 500% faster transcription, AI summaries |
Verdict
Choose this Textify if: You receive lots of voice/video messages on WhatsApp or Telegram and want to read them instead of listening.
Skip if: You need transcription of long videos or on-screen text extraction.
5. Txtify (Open-Source): AI-Powered Video Transcription {#txtify-open-source}
Alt text: Txtify open-source AI transcription tool for YouTube videos and audio files
Txtify (note the spelling: Txtify, not Textify) is a free open-source web application for transcribing audio from YouTube videos or uploaded media files.
How It Works
You paste a YouTube URL or upload an audio/video file. Txtify uses AI models (specifically the stable-ts library and whisper models) to transcribe the content with high accuracy.
Key Features
Technical Details
| Component | Technology |
|---|---|
| Transcription engine | stable-ts library + whisper AI models |
| Deployment | Docker (easy setup) |
| Monitoring | Built-in capabilities |
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Completely free and open-source | Requires technical knowledge to self-host |
| High accuracy (Whisper models) | No official hosted version (self-host only) |
| Multiple output formats | Command-line or Docker setup required |
| Privacy-focused (self-hosted) |
Verdict
Choose Txtify if: You’re technical (or have access to someone who is) and want a free, privacy-focused way to transcribe YouTube videos or audio files.
Skip if: You want a simple, one-click solution (try the Textify Chrome extension or iOS apps instead).
6. Which Textify Should You Use? Quick Comparison {#which-textify}
7. Step-by-Step Tutorial: Extract Text with Textify Chrome Extension {#tutorial-chrome}
Here’s exactly how to use the Textify Chrome extension to extract text from videos.
Step 1: Install the Extension
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open Chrome Web Store |
| 2 | Search “Textify – Select & Copy Text From Videos” |
| 3 | Click “Add to Chrome” |
| 4 | Create a free account to get started |
Step 2: Open a Video
Step 3: Pause and Select
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 | Pause the video at the frame containing text |
| 2 | Click the Textify extension icon in your toolbar |
| 3 | Click and drag your mouse over the text you want |
Step 4: Copy and Use
- Text is automatically copied to your clipboard
- Paste anywhere (document, notes, email)
Pro Tips
Troubleshooting
8. Alternative Methods to Extract Text from Video {#alternatives}
If Textify doesn’t meet your needs, here are other options.
Alternative #1: YouTube’s Built-in Transcript
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open any YouTube video |
| 2 | Click the “…” (More) button below the video |
| 3 | Click “Show transcript” |
| 4 | Copy the auto-generated transcript |
Best for: YouTube videos with auto-generated captions (most do).
Limitation: Only works on YouTube, not other platforms.
Alternative #2: Pause and Type Manually
Old-fashioned but effective. Pause the video and type the text yourself.
Best for: Short text segments (1-2 sentences).
Limitation: Time-consuming for longer text.
Alternative #3: Screenshot + OCR
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Take a screenshot of the video frame |
| 2 | Use an OCR tool (Google Keep, Microsoft OneNote, Adobe Scan) |
| 3 | Extract text from the image |
Best for: When Textify isn’t available (mobile, other platforms).
Alternative #4: Whisper AI (For Audio/Spoken Content)
OpenAI’s Whisper is the gold standard for audio transcription. Use it via:
- OpenAI API (pay per minute)
- Local installation (free, requires technical setup)
- Online tools like Hugging Face’s Whisper space
Best for: Accurate transcription of spoken content from any video.
Limitation: Not for on-screen text extraction.
9. Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Use Textify to Extract Text From Video
Can I use Textify to extract text from any video?
Textify Chrome Extension works on YouTube and Coursera videos. For other platforms (Vimeo, Netflix, etc.), you may need to download the video first or use alternative methods like screenshot + OCR.
Does Textify work on mobile?
The Textify Chrome Extension works in the Chrome browser on desktop. On mobile iOS, you can use Textify – Live Subtitles for voice-to-text or Textify by Dimitri Staufer for voice/video messages.
Is Textify free?
The Textify Chrome Extension has a free tier with limited use; premium upgrades available for unlimited use. Textify – Live Subtitles is free to download (in-app purchases). Textify by Dimitri Staufer has a one-time purchase. Txtify (open-source) is completely free.
How accurate is Textify for extracting text from videos?
The Chrome extension uses Google Cloud Vision API, which is highly accurate for clear, readable text. Accuracy depends on video quality, text size, and contrast. For spoken word transcription, the iOS apps claim “unparalleled accuracy” with accent and dialect support.
Can Textify transcribe spoken words from video?
Yes — but use the right version:
- Textify – Live Subtitles transcribes spoken audio in real-time
- Textify by Dimitri Staufer transcribes voice/video messages
- Txtify transcribes YouTube videos using AI
The Chrome extension is for on-screen text only (text that appears visually in the video), not spoken words.
What languages does Textify support?
Textify Chrome Extension supports multiple languages via Google Cloud Vision.
Textify iOS apps support 50+ languages, including English, German, Korean, Vietnamese, and more.
Is Textify safe to use?
The Chrome extension has been reviewed for security and includes standard security practices for authentication and message handling. It uses secure Google authentication and claims no data collection beyond necessary processing.
Can I use Textify offline?
The Chrome Extension requires an internet connection (uses Google Cloud API). The iOS apps may have offline capabilities for basic transcription, but cloud features (translation, advanced AI) require internet.
What’s the difference between Textify and Txtify?
Textify (with an ‘e’) is the brand name for several apps (Chrome extension, iOS apps). Txtify (without the ‘e’) is a separate open-source web application for AI-powered video transcription. They are completely different products from different developers.
The Bottom Line
The short answer: Yes, you can use Textify to extract text from video — but make sure you’re using the right version for your specific need.
Action Steps for Today
- Identify what you need to extract: On-screen text or spoken audio?
- Choose the right tool from the comparison above
- For on-screen text: Install the Textify Chrome Extension
- For spoken audio on iPhone: Download Textify – Live Subtitles from the App Store
- For voice messages: Download Textify by Dimitri Staufer
- Test with one video to verify it works for your use case
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Last updated: May 2026
