Get a YouTube transcript in four steps
- Copy the video link. On a computer copy the address bar; in the YouTube app tap Share → Copy link. Shorts and youtu.be links work too.
- Paste it into ScribeCue. Paste the link into the box at the top of this page and press Get transcript.
- Pick a caption track. If the video has several caption tracks or you want another language, choose it from the list or under Translate.
- Read, search or download. Click any line to jump the player there, search inside the text, or open Download for TXT, DOCX, SRT or VTT.
Using YouTube's built-in transcript
On a computer, open the video, click …more under the title to expand the description, then Show transcript. The transcript opens beside the video, one short line per timestamp. In the YouTube app the same Show transcript button sits at the bottom of the description.
| YouTube's transcript panel | ScribeCue | |
|---|---|---|
| Readable paragraphs | No — short fragments | Yes |
| Hide timestamps | Yes (desktop) | Yes |
| Search with highlighted matches | No | Yes |
| Download TXT / DOCX / SRT / VTT | No — select and copy only | Yes, all four |
| Translate | Only tracks the video has | 24 languages |
| AI summary and chapters | No | Yes, 3/day free |
On iPhone and Android
- In the YouTube app tap Share under the video, then Copy link.
- Open this page in your browser, paste the link and tap Get transcript.
- Tap Download to save a file, or Copy all to paste the text into notes.
If the video has no captions
Reading a link only works when YouTube publishes captions for the video — about nine in ten talks, lectures and podcasts have them, automatic or creator-written. Music videos, very new uploads and private or members-only videos often don't.
For those, upload your own copy of the audio or video on the Video to text page. ScribeCue transcribes the sound itself with speaker labels — 120 minutes free every month.
Frequently asked questions
Why don't I see Show transcript on YouTube?
The video has no captions, or the creator turned the transcript off. Then no tool can read one from the link — upload your own copy on Video to text to transcribe the audio.
Can I get a transcript of a YouTube video for free?
Yes. Free with no account: unlimited YouTube transcripts, all four export formats, translation of videos up to 20 minutes, 3 AI summaries a day and 120 upload minutes a month.
Can I get the transcript of someone else's video?
Yes, if it is public and has captions. Use the text for reading, notes and quotes, and credit the creator.
How do I get a transcript of a long video?
The same way. There is no length limit, and the search box helps you find the part you need in a multi-hour video.