Every transcription job runs in one of three modes, selected by combining theDocumentation Index
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align and review parameters. The mode determines what output is produced, how long it takes, and how results are delivered.
Mode comparison
| Mode | Parameters | Output | Approx. time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transcript only | align=false | Transcript + transliteration + translation + cultural notes | ~60s | Metadata, liner notes, sync licensing |
| Full pipeline | align=true (default) | All of above + LRC + SRT files | ~90s | Karaoke, lyric display, DSP delivery |
| Reviewed delivery | align=true + review=true | All of above, delivered after artist approval | ~90s + review | Artist approval workflows |
Mode 1 — Transcript only
Setalign=false to skip time-alignment entirely. lyrcs.ai transcribes the audio and returns the lyrics as structured text. No LRC or SRT files are generated.
results.transcript— lyrics in the original scriptresults.transliteration— phonetic romanisationresults.translation— English translationresults.cultural_notes— contextual notes (may be null)
results.downloads is not present. No LRC or SRT files.
Use cases:
- Delivering lyric metadata to streaming stores (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon)
- Generating liner notes for releases
- Populating sync licensing databases with searchable lyrics
- Any workflow where timing is not needed
Mode 2 — Full pipeline
The default. Transcription runs first, then alignment maps each lyric line to a timestamp in the audio.- Everything from Mode 1, plus:
results.downloads.lrc_original— time-synced LRC in original scriptresults.downloads.lrc_transliterated— time-synced LRC in romanised formresults.downloads.srt_original— SRT in original scriptresults.downloads.srt_transliterated— SRT in romanised form
- Karaoke and sing-along applications
- Lyric display synced to audio playback on streaming platforms
- Subtitle tracks for music videos
- Live lyric scrolling on DSPs
Mode 3 — Reviewed delivery
Adds an artist approval gate. After alignment completes, results are held and ajob.awaiting_review webhook fires with a review_url. The job.complete webhook fires — with full results — only after the artist approves.
- Transcription + alignment completes (~90s)
job.awaiting_reviewfires → containsreview_url- Distributor forwards
review_urlto artist - Artist approves in lyrcs.ai Studio
job.completefires → full results + downloads
- Artist approval required before public lyric delivery
- Quality control for high-profile releases
- Markets where lyrics are legally sensitive and must be approved by rights holders
Decision guide
review=true requires a webhook_url to be useful — without it, there’s no way to receive the review_url and no way to know when approval happens.