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Call summaries vs. call transcripts: what's the difference

When you enable call transcriptions in Nimbata, each processed call has two ways to review what was said: a transcript and a summary.


They serve different purposes.


  • Call transcripts are the full text of the conversation, word for word.
  • Call summaries are shorter overviews derived from the transcript.
  • Both let you understand calls without replaying the audio.


Both transcripts and summaries are generated only after you enable the call transcriptions feature. They are not retroactive. See: AI call transcriptions: how to activate transcriptions and summaries.


Call transcripts


A call transcript is the full written version of a conversation.

Nimbata converts the spoken words from the call recording into readable text.


Use transcripts when you need:


  • The complete wording of a conversation
  • To perform a deep review or audit
  • To search for specific words or phrases


Transcripts are generated directly from the call audio recording.


You can access transcripts from Activity > Calls by opening any call's details.


Call summaries


A call summary is a brief overview generated from the full transcript.

It highlights the key points of the conversation.


Use summaries when you need:


  • A quick read of what happened without reviewing the full transcript
  • To scan large volumes of calls efficiently
  • A high-level view of intent, outcome, or follow-up required


Summaries are derived from transcripts, which in turn come from the audio recording.


You can access summaries from Activity > Calls by opening any call's details.


When to use each


Use transcripts when you need exact wording, want to audit a call, or are searching for specific language.

Use summaries when you just need to understand what happened without reading every line.


Detailed Guide: AI call transcriptions: how to activate transcriptions and summaries

Detailed Guide: How to listen to, read, and download call recordings and transcripts

Detailed Guide: How to set up Nimbata AI for automatic call analysis


Updated on: 15/04/2026

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