VARIANT · OpenAI / OpenAI Transcription

whisper-1 API

OpenAI / OpenAI Transcription

Use whisper-1 from the OpenAI Transcription family via RunAPI. Per-call pricing, no subscription, and failed generations are never charged.

Operational · audio_music · Commercial OK

runapi.ai

curl -X POST https://runapi.ai/v1/audio/transcriptions \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $RUNAPI_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
  "model": "whisper-1",
  "audio_url": "https://cdn.runapi.ai/public/samples/voice.mp3"
}'

import { OpenaiTranscriptionClient } from "@runapi.ai/openai-transcription";

const client = new OpenaiTranscriptionClient();
const result = await client.speechToText.run({
    model: "whisper-1",
    audio_url: "https://cdn.runapi.ai/public/samples/voice.mp3",
});

require "runapi/openai_transcription"

client = RunApi::OpenaiTranscription::Client.new
result = client.speech_to_text.run(
    model: "whisper-1",
    audio_url: "https://cdn.runapi.ai/public/samples/voice.mp3"
)

npx skills add runapi-ai/openai-transcription -g

# Claude Code
claude mcp add runapi -s user -- npx -y @runapi.ai/mcp

# Codex
codex plugin install runapi-mcp@agents

# Cursor / Windsurf / VS Code
npx @runapi.ai/mcp init cursor

@runapi.ai/openai-transcription v1

Switch variant

gpt-transcribe

OVERVIEW

whisper-1 targets the sweet spot of quality and cost within the OpenAI Transcription family. It shares the same API key, request shape, and async task lifecycle as every other RunAPI model — switch to this variant by changing one model ID parameter. Install the OpenAI Transcription skill to load docs, typed schemas, pricing notes, and setup steps into your coding workspace. Billing is metered per completed request in USD with no subscription or minimum spend, and failed generations are never charged.

Pay-per-call pricing in USD with no subscription
Failed generations are never charged
Streaming when supported by the model
Schema-validated parameters and tool calls
Switch variant by changing one model ID parameter
Unified billing across all models and providers

PRICING

Pricing

Failed generations are not charged

Speech to text

$0.02 / minute

SPEC SHEET

Technical details

Model ID	whisper-1
Provider	OpenAI
Modality	audio_music
Task type	synchronous
Billing unit	minute
API endpoint	/v1/audio/transcriptions
Commercial license	Yes — included via API
Catalog status	Operational

SKILLS

Model skill — whisper-1

Install the skill once, then use the variant ID from this page while building.

# Install the model skill for app development workflows
npx skills add runapi-ai/openai-transcription -g

Installs docs, schemas, pricing context, and setup notes into your developer workspace.

Or use this setup request in your coding tool:

Install the OpenAI Transcription skill for this app:

1. Add runapi-ai/openai-transcription with the skills installer.
2. Load SKILL.md in this workspace.
3. Use its docs, schemas, pricing notes, and setup steps when adding model features.
4. Confirm the install path when done.

HOW IT WORKS

Use whisper-1 with a model skill

Install

Install the model skill for the OpenAI Transcription line. The skill loads docs, typed schemas, pricing notes, and setup steps into your coding workspace so your agent has the right context.

Configure

Set the model field to the full model ID shown on this page and configure your RunAPI API key as an environment variable. The same key works across all models and providers.

Call

Use the skill instructions while adding prompt, input, and callback handling to your application. RunAPI routes the request to the provider, manages the async lifecycle, and returns structured JSON.

Receive

Read the task response by polling the task ID, streaming when supported, or handling the webhook callback at your configured URL. Generated outputs are stored and retrievable by task ID.

DIFFERENCES

What's different about whisper-1

VS GPT-TRANSCRIBE

Flexible audio transcription with subtitle and timestamp output

Multilingual speech-to-text with keyword and language hints

USE CASES

Best for

Podcast & video scoring

Generate royalty-free background music matched to episode mood without licensing fees.

Game audio

Generate adaptive ambient soundscapes and effects for procedurally generated levels.

Ad voiceover & SFX

Generate custom voiceovers and sound effects for client spots without a recording studio.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about whisper-1

Is the model ID stable across versions?

Yes. RunAPI keeps the model ID stable and handles compatible version refreshes without changing your request shape. You do not need to update your code when the provider releases a new compatible version.

What's the rate limit on this variant?

Per-key rate limits scale with your usage tier. The pricing page shows current limits. If you need higher throughput, contact support to discuss tier upgrades.

Can I switch variants later?

Yes. Variant is a parameter in the request. Switch by changing the model ID — no code changes, no re-authentication, no separate billing setup. All variants share the same API key and request shape.

Does it stream?

Where streaming is available, RunAPI streams end-to-end. LLM models support token-level streaming. Media models use async task polling or webhook callbacks for result delivery.

Where do I report quality issues?

Open an issue on the public GitHub repo or email support at [email protected]. Include the task ID and model ID so the team can investigate the specific generation.

Do I need a separate provider account?

No. Your RunAPI API key is enough to access this variant and every other model in the catalog. You do not need accounts with the underlying provider.