What the download contains
| File | What it is for |
|---|---|
| txt/001-video-title.txt … | One plain-text transcript per video, numbered in playlist order — timestamps on or off |
| srt/001-video-title.srt … | The same transcript as subtitles with the original timing, for editors and players |
| all-transcripts.txt | Every transcript in one file, each under its title and link — ready for ChatGPT, NotebookLM or a search |
| index.csv | Number, video id, title, length, link and status for every video, for a spreadsheet |
Prefer a single file? Press One .txt instead of Download ZIP.
How to get all transcripts from a YouTube channel
- Copy the channel link. youtube.com/@name, /channel/UC…, /c/ or /user/ links all work — or just type the @handle.
- Paste it above and press List videos. The channel's newest 200 uploads appear, newest first, with their lengths.
- Tick the videos and press Get transcripts. Transcripts are fetched two at a time; Stop at any point and keep what is done.
- Download. One ZIP with a TXT and SRT per video, all transcripts in one file and a CSV index — or just the combined .txt.
Which links work
| You paste | Example | Works |
|---|---|---|
| Handle link | youtube.com/@TED | Yes |
| Just the handle | @TED | Yes |
| Channel id link | youtube.com/channel/UCAuUUnT6oDeKwE6v1NGQxug | Yes |
| Legacy custom or user link | youtube.com/c/name, youtube.com/user/name | Yes |
| A playlist of the channel | youtube.com/playlist?list=PL… | Yes — see playlist transcripts |
Need older uploads than the newest 200? Most channels group them into playlists — paste a playlist instead.
ScribeCue vs. BulkTranscripts, youtube-transcript.io and NoteGPT for playlists
The tools people are most often pointed to for whole playlists and channels, checked logged out on 4 November 2026:
| ScribeCue | BulkTranscripts | youtube-transcript.io | NoteGPT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paste a playlist link | Yes | Yes | Yes (Extract From Playlist) | Yes (YouTube Playlist tab) |
| Paste a channel link | Yes — @handle, /channel/, /c/ or /user/ | Yes | Yes (Channel) | Not offered on the transcript page |
| Account needed | No | Not checked; no card needed for the free 30 | Yes for bulk; free plan is 25 tokens a month | Sign-in for longer use |
| Videos per list / price | Up to 200 per list, free | Up to 1,000 per job; first 30 transcripts free, then one-time credits | Plus $9.99/month (1,000 transcripts) or Pro $24.99/month | Free basic mode; premium is paid |
| Pick which videos | Checkbox per video, select all | Not checked | Whole list | Whole list |
| Download | One ZIP: TXT + SRT per video, all-in-one TXT, CSV index | TXT, Markdown, SRT, VTT, CSV, JSON or one combined file | Per video or bulk export on paid plans | Per video |
| Ads | None | None seen | None seen | None seen |
For single videos, our longer test of five tools: Best YouTube transcript tools.
Limits, honestly
- Up to 200 videos are listed per playlist or channel — the newest 200 for a channel. Paste a smaller playlist to reach older uploads.
- Transcripts come from each video's captions through the same free tool as a single link, two at a time. Most lectures, talks and podcasts have captions; videos without them are marked No captions.
- If YouTube slows our server down or the day's free backup transcripts run out, the batch stops cleanly. Everything already fetched stays ready to download; press Get transcripts again later to finish the rest.
- Only public and unlisted playlists can be read. Private playlists, Watch Later and YouTube Mixes can't.
- For a video with no captions, upload your own copy on Video to text: AI transcription with speaker labels, 120 minutes free each month.
Related guides
- YouTube playlist transcripts — a course, series or podcast feed at once.
- YouTube to transcript — one video, with a player that follows along.
- YouTube transcript extractor — the full text of any captioned video.
Frequently asked questions
How do I download all transcripts from a YouTube channel?
Paste the channel link or @handle on this page, press List videos, tick the videos and press Get transcripts. Then Download ZIP gives a TXT and SRT per video and one combined file.
Is there a free way to get every transcript of a channel?
Yes — this tool is free with no account. Some tools put channel export behind a monthly plan; here the limit is only what YouTube lets our server read in a day.
How many videos does it get?
The newest 200 uploads. For older videos, paste one of the channel's playlists.
Does it include Shorts and live streams?
It lists the channel's uploads. Shorts and live replays appear when YouTube includes them in the uploads list, and each needs captions for a transcript.
Can I feed the transcripts to ChatGPT?
Yes. all-transcripts.txt has every transcript under its title and link — upload it to ChatGPT, Claude or NotebookLM and ask questions across the whole channel.
Do I need the YouTube API or a key?
No. Paste a link in the browser; there is nothing to install or configure.