Streaming transcription lag is the time gap between spoken audio on a live call and the moment the corresponding text shows up in a real-time transcript. It includes capture, network, processing, and display delays, and it can fluctuate based on audio quality, connectivity, and system load.
Operationally, lag matters because supervisors and agents rely on live text to follow the conversation, search for key details, and use real-time guidance. Higher or inconsistent lag can cause prompts or alerts to arrive after the moment they’re needed, increase agent distraction as they wait for text to catch up, and reduce trust in real-time monitoring and coaching.
