use-local-whisper

Name: use-local-whisper
Availability: InStock
Author: jeffreykthomas

Replace remote OpenAI Whisper with local whisper.cpp CLI transcription.

Updated Mar 5, 2026

Search Tags:#ffmpeg #on-device #audio-processing #whisper-cpp #local-transcription #voice-messages #whisper-cli

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/jeffreykthomas/nanoclaw-golf --skill use-local-whisper

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: use-local-whisper
Source: https://github.com/jeffreykthomas/nanoclaw-golf/tree/main/.claude/skills/use-local-whisper
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jeffreykthomas/nanoclaw-golf --skill use-local-whisper

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill enables turning voice messages into text by using a local Whisper.cpp-based transcription pipeline, avoiding external APIs and network usage.

Core Features & Use Cases

On-device transcription: Transcribes voice messages locally on macOS with Apple Silicon using whisper.cpp.
WhatsApp support: Works with WhatsApp channels via the existing voice-transcription integration.
Offline readiness: Requires no API keys and operates entirely offline when dependencies are installed.

Quick Start

Switch to on-device whisper.cpp transcription for WhatsApp voice messages.

Frequently Asked Questions about use-local-whisper

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I transcribe WhatsApp voice messages locally without using the OpenAI API?▼

You can transcribe WhatsApp voice messages locally by replacing the remote OpenAI Whisper API with a local whisper.cpp CLI workflow. This skill implements a deterministic transcription path that processes audio attachments entirely offline, avoiding API costs while preserving voice message metadata.

Do I need ffmpeg to convert audio formats for on-device whisper transcription?▼

Yes, ffmpeg is required for audio format conversion in the local transcription pipeline. The skill uses ffmpeg to handle audio format conversion before passing the audio streams to the whisper.cpp CLI, ensuring compatibility with the on-device transcription workflow.

Can I use local whisper transcription on macOS with Apple Silicon for offline audio processing?▼

Yes, this skill supports on-device transcription locally on macOS with Apple Silicon using whisper.cpp. It operates entirely offline when dependencies are installed, requiring no API keys and avoiding external network usage during audio processing.

What is the best way to avoid API costs when transcribing audio attachments?▼

The best way to avoid API costs is to implement a local whisper.cpp CLI workflow instead of using remote transcription services. This skill replaces remote OpenAI Whisper transcription with an offline pipeline, exposing a stable interface while handling audio conversion and error management automatically.

Does local whisper.cpp transcription preserve the isVoiceMessage flag during processing?▼

Yes, the local whisper.cpp transcription pipeline preserves the isVoiceMessage flag and error-handling behavior. It exposes a stable transcribeAudioMessage interface that maintains the existing metadata structure while routing audio through the local CLI workflow.