Turn audio files into public URLs for transcription APIs
The audio file already exists. Transcription, voice AI, and publishing tools often need a URL they can fetch. Upload the file and pass that URL onward.
- Reviewed by
- GetFileURL technical team
- Updated
- File
- voice-note.mp3
- Content type
- audio/mpeg, audio/wav, audio/mp4, and other allowed audio MIME types
- Not for
- an audio editor, transcription provider, podcast host, or streaming platform
What this page answers
Yes, when the transcription provider accepts public audio URLs and the file type, codec, size, and expiry window match its requirements.
- Reviewed by
- GetFileURL technical team
- Last updated
Audio APIs often fetch recordings by URL.
A workflow might receive audio from a form, call platform, app upload, or AI generator. The transcription API needs a URL it can fetch directly.
Call recordings
Host recordings long enough for transcription, QA, or CRM enrichment jobs.
Voice notes
Turn user-uploaded audio into a URL for support, ticketing, or summarization workflows.
Generated audio
Pass AI-generated audio through moderation, publishing, or storage steps.
Audio MIME type and expiry affect downstream processing.
Transcription and voice APIs can reject files when content type, codec, size, or availability does not match their input contract.
Content type
Use the right audio MIME type so the destination does not treat the file as generic binary data.
Codec and format
Make sure the destination accepts the file format before uploading large recordings.
Processing window
Check returned expiry against queue delays and async transcription fetches.
Audio can be sensitive, so design a short lifecycle.
Recordings can contain personal or business information. Use expiry and delete controls around the workflow job.
Short retention
Use the shortest useful URL lifetime for transcription or summarization jobs.
Delete after fetch
Delete public access after the destination confirms it downloaded or processed the audio.
Avoid public archives
Use a podcast or media host when the goal is permanent distribution, not a workflow handoff.
Copy the same upload shape into code
curl -X POST https://api.getfileurl.com/v1/files \
-H 'Authorization: Bearer $GETFILEURL_KEY' \
-F 'file=@voice-note.mp3' \
-F 'visibility=public'Common questions
Can I use the URL for transcription APIs?
Yes, when the transcription provider accepts public audio URLs and the file type, codec, size, and expiry window match its requirements.
Is this a podcast hosting product?
No. It is for direct audio file URL handoffs between workflow steps, not feeds, players, analytics, or public podcast distribution.
Should audio URLs expire?
Usually yes. Audio can contain sensitive information, so use short expiry and delete after processing when possible.