You can turn an MP3 into a dictation lesson when you also have an accurate, timed subtitle file. The MP3 supplies the sound; the SRT or VTT file tells Listenise which segment to play and what text to check your answer against.
This workflow suits a short podcast extract, a recorded dialogue or an audio lesson you are allowed to use. Listenise does not automatically transcribe an MP3 on the Practice page. If you only have audio, prepare and check the subtitles first.
Prepare the two files
- One MP3: use clear speech and start with a short recording.
- One matching SRT or VTT: the words and timestamps must match that exact recording.
- A manageable section: you can study a few subtitle segments from a longer file without finishing it all.
For example, keep meeting-01.mp3 beside meeting-01.srt. Manual selection on Practice does not require identical names, but matching base names help when organizing paired lessons in My Library.
A plain text transcript is useful for checking words, but it does not contain segment start and end times. Renaming a TXT file to SRT will not add those timings. Read the subtitle preparation guide if your transcript is not timed.
Open the MP3 in Listenise
- Go to Practice.
- Under 1. Media file, select your MP3.
- Under 2. Subtitle file, select its SRT or VTT file.
- Under 3. Practice mode, choose Full Dictation.
- Use Replay to hear the current subtitle segment, then type what you hear.
- Press Enter to check and read the feedback before continuing.
The player uses subtitle boundaries. A segment may contain a phrase rather than a complete sentence; this depends on how the subtitle file was prepared. You do not have to cut the MP3 into separate audio files for each segment.
Make the first session useful
Listen for the whole message before chasing individual words. On a replay, choose one question to answer: did the speaker say a number, use a contraction, or join two familiar words? Check after a few focused attempts rather than spending all your time on one gap.
If typing every word is overwhelming, choose Cloze — Random % and begin with a smaller proportion of hidden words. This gives more written support. Return to Full Dictation when you want to test recognition without those word clues.
The Keep proper nouns visible setting can reduce time spent guessing names. It identifies likely names and acronyms, so treat it as a convenience rather than a perfect name detector.
Fix the setup before judging your listening
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| The wrong phrase plays | Confirm the subtitles were made for this exact MP3, including any introduction. |
| Every segment is early or late | Check for a constant timestamp offset and correct the subtitle timings in an editor. |
| The beginning fits but the end drifts | Compare durations and versions; one offset may not fix edited or stretched audio. |
| The answer looks wrong | Listen against the transcript. Automatic transcription can omit words or change names. |
| Nothing plays | Check device volume, whether the MP3 plays outside the browser, and whether both files loaded. |
Test a segment near the beginning, middle and end before a long session. A good first timestamp does not prove the entire subtitle file is aligned.
Use the corrected audio for shadowing and vocabulary
Once a sentence makes sense, switch to Shadowing and imitate its rhythm. Save useful phrases for later vocabulary review. The dictation → shadowing → SRS routine explains how to connect these activities without turning every recording into a large flashcard project.
Normal local practice reads the media you choose in your browser; you do not need to upload the MP3 to Listenise to use this workflow. Keep your original files and use the app’s backup tools for saved learning data. A backup of progress is not a substitute for keeping the audio itself.
Common questions
Can I practise with only an MP3?
For the sentence-based checking workflow, you also need SRT or VTT subtitles. If you have no subtitles yet, start with the built-in demo to see how the exercise works.
Does selecting an MP3 create its transcript?
No. Create or obtain an accurate timed transcript separately, then load both files.
Can I use a video instead?
Yes. Choose a compatible local video as the single media file and use its matching subtitles. The video dictation guide explains how to avoid reading on-screen captions during your listening attempt.
Put the guide into practice
Start with the short demo, or open your own media and matching subtitles.