Which file to download
| You want to… | Download | Timing kept |
|---|---|---|
| Read, quote or paste into ChatGPT / Notion | TXT | Optional |
| Edit and share in Word or Google Docs | DOCX (video title as the heading) | Optional |
| Add subtitles in Premiere, Resolve, CapCut or re-upload to YouTube | SRT | Yes |
| Subtitles in a web player or HTML5 <track> | VTT | Yes |
What is in the file
- The caption track you picked — creator-written or automatic, labelled so you know which.
- Your timestamp setting: on for SRT and VTT always, optional for TXT and DOCX.
- In Word: the video title as a heading, then the transcript in paragraphs.
- If you chose a translation, the translated text with the original timing.
Downloading many transcripts
Each download is one click and there is no daily cap for YouTube transcripts, so a playlist of lectures takes a minute per video. Open the next video, paste, download.
Just want the text on screen first? YouTube to transcript shows the whole thing in paragraphs before you download. Video with no captions? The video transcript generator takes the file instead. A whole course or series? Download every transcript in a playlist or a channel as one ZIP.
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
Do I need an account to download a transcript?
No. Every format downloads without signing in.
Is there a limit on downloads?
No daily or monthly limit for YouTube transcripts.
Can I download the transcript on my phone?
Yes. The file saves to your Downloads (Android) or Files app (iPhone).
Is downloading a YouTube transcript legal?
We only show captions YouTube already makes public with the video, for reading, quoting and accessibility. We never download the video or audio. Respect the creator's copyright when you reuse the text.