YouTube Subtitle Downloader

Download YouTube subtitles online with this free YouTube subtitle downloader. Paste a public YouTube URL and save the available captions or transcripts as SRT, VTT, or TXT — for study notes, caption review, and videos you have permission to work with.

How this YouTube subtitle downloader works

DownSub is an independent tool and is not affiliated with YouTube or Google. Manual and auto-generated captions can both be downloaded when the source video exposes them; auto captions should be reviewed for accuracy before you rely on them. See the full how it works breakdown for the extraction steps.

• Copy the public YouTube video URL from the address bar.
• Paste it into the field above and let the tool check for caption tracks.
• Pick a language, then choose SRT, VTT, or TXT.
• Download the file or copy the transcript text.

Why a YouTube subtitle downloader is useful

A timed SRT or VTT file gives video editors a starting point for caption review, while a plain TXT transcript suits students, researchers, and language learners who just need searchable text. Compare the three formats on the subtitle formats page before choosing one.

Not every YouTube video will work. Private videos, age-restricted uploads, members-only content, and videos with captions disabled by the uploader will not return a file — the tool will tell you why extraction failed instead of guessing. Looking for other platforms? Check the full supported sites list, which also covers Vimeo, TED, TubiTV, Weverse, and TV Naver.

YouTube subtitle downloader questions

Does it work on any YouTube video? Only when the video exposes a public caption track — manual or auto-generated. Private, age-restricted, or caption-free videos will not return a file.

Can I download auto-generated captions? Yes, when YouTube exposes them on the video. Auto captions can contain errors, so review the text before publishing or quoting it. See the FAQ for more on accuracy and responsible use.

SRT, VTT, or TXT: which format should you pick?

SRT is the safest default: it works in nearly every video editor, media player, and course upload system, which makes it the most broadly compatible subtitle format. VTT is built for the web — HTML5 video players and browser-based caption tracks expect it directly. TXT strips out timestamps entirely, leaving a clean transcript that’s easier to read, search, and quote. A full breakdown of each format, including when to use one over another, is on the subtitle formats comparison page.

For background on how YouTube’s own caption system works — including the difference between creator-uploaded captions and YouTube’s automatic speech recognition — see YouTube’s official captions help page. Understanding that distinction helps explain why some auto-generated captions downloaded here contain small transcription errors around names, jargon, or fast speech.

Good uses for a YouTube subtitle downloader

• Video editors pulling a timed SRT or VTT file as a starting point for caption review.
• Students and language learners turning a lecture or interview into searchable notes.
• Accessibility reviewers checking whether a video’s captions exist and read cleanly.
• Journalists and researchers reviewing public statements without scrubbing through video.

Whatever the use case, treat downloaded captions the same way you’d treat any other copyrighted transcript: fine for personal notes, research, and accessibility checks, but redistributing or republishing someone else’s captions still needs their permission.