Best Free YouTube to SRT/VTT Subtitle Converter (with Timestamps) in 2026
If you need editable, timestamped subtitles, a YouTube to SRT/VTT converter is the tool for the job. SRT and VTT are the standard caption formats used by YouTube, Vimeo, Premiere, and most video players. This guide shows how to get them free, with accurate timestamps.
SRT vs VTT: What's the Difference?
| Format | Used for | Timestamp style |
|--------|----------|-----------------|
| SRT | YouTube, VLC, most editors | 00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,000 |
| VTT | HTML5 video, web players | 00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:04.000 |
Both carry the same text and timing; VTT adds web-friendly features.
How to Convert YouTube to SRT/VTT (Free)
- Copy the YouTube URL.
- Paste it into TranscribeYT.
- Choose SRT or VTT as the export format.
- Download the file with timestamps included.
No software, no sign-up.
What You Can Do With the Subtitle File
- Re-upload captions in another language.
- Edit wording for clarity or branding.
- Burn subtitles into the video with an editor.
- Translate using any CAT tool that reads SRT/VTT.
When Captions Aren't Available
If a video lacks captions, a speech-to-text converter can still produce an SRT from the audio. TranscribeYT does both automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I download YouTube subtitles as SRT?
Paste the video link into TranscribeYT, pick SRT, and download.
Is there a free YouTube to VTT converter?
Yes. TranscribeYT exports both SRT and VTT for free.
Are the timestamps accurate?
Yes. Generators align text to the video timeline, so captions stay in sync.
Get Your Subtitles Now
Stop retyping captions by hand. Export SRT or VTT in seconds.