Import Research Recordings into Dovetail
Import the approved recording, verify that processing completed and check the transcript against the audio before using it as evidence. An automatically generated transcript is a working source that still needs review.
Before you start: Have rights to store the recording, project edit access and a supported file. Check current upload and transcription limits rather than relying on an old quoted cap.
Worked example: An interview includes a product name and several speakers. Verify those terms and speaker attribution before extracting a quote about permission confusion.
Step-by-step guide
Prepare the file
Use the approved recording and a stable session identifier. Keep a protected original according to your research policy.
Check import settings
Choose the intended project and relevant language or redaction options supported by the current import flow. Avoid assuming settings from an older workflow.
Wait for processing
Confirm the recording and transcript are usable before requesting summaries. A visible upload does not guarantee transcription is complete.
Review important passages
Listen around consequential claims and check names, negation and speaker labels. Correct or annotate uncertainty before quoting.
Add study context
Record the session’s audience and research question. Keep participant identity only where it is necessary and authorized.
Verify derived evidence
Create one representative highlight and check it returns to the right source context. Only then use the transcript in synthesis.
Common mistakes
Upload equals finished
Processing and transcription can still be pending.
Transcript treated as verbatim certainty
Check important wording against audio.
Unapproved recording stored
Consent and access belong before analysis.
Tips
Use a consistent session identifier.
Check a negative statement where transcription errors change meaning.
Keep ambiguous wording out of confident quotes.
Sources and verification
Based on product documentation checked on 2026-10-24. This is a documentation-based guide, not a hands-on benchmark. Features and availability can change.