Free YouTube transcript & subtitles

Free YouTube Transcript Downloader

Paste a public YouTube link, pick a caption language, then copy or download TXT, SRT, or VTT — including auto-generated captions when available.

  • TXT / SRT / VTT
  • Auto captions
  • Copy or download
  • No install

Public videos with captions (manual or auto). Prefer English when unsure.

Downloads captions only — not the video file.

Formats

TXT, SRT, or VTT — which to pick

Same caption track, three export shapes. Choose based on where the text will go next.

Format Best for Note
TXT Notes, quotes, SEO drafts, plain reading No timestamps — cleanest copy-paste text
SRT Most editors and subtitle workflows Timed lines for Premiere, CapCut, DaVinci, etc.
VTT Web players and HTML5 tracks Browser-friendly WebVTT caption files

Stay or switch

Transcript page vs other tools

This page is captions only. Switch when you need media files or other creator metadata.

Stay on this transcript tool

  • You need captions / subtitles as text
  • You want TXT, SRT, or VTT export
  • You do not need the video or audio file

Quick example

Example: export SRT for an editor

Proof this page is about caption files — not preparing an MP4.

Example link shape

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID

After preview, pick the language you need, then SRT for most editors.

  1. Paste a public watch link Captions must be published (manual or auto).
  2. Choose language + SRT Prefer uploader captions when both auto and manual exist.
  3. Download or copy Import the SRT into your editor, or copy TXT for notes.

Works with

  • Public videos with captions enabled
  • Auto-generated tracks when listed
  • TXT / SRT / VTT exports

Doesn’t work with

  • Videos with captions turned off
  • Private or members-only videos
  • Downloading the video file (use MP4 / MP3)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers for the questions people ask most.

Can I download auto-generated captions?

Yes, when YouTube provides them. Manual (uploader) captions are preferred when both exist. If a language is missing, try English or another listed option.

TXT vs SRT vs VTT — which should I use?

TXT is plain readable text. SRT is for most video editors. VTT is for web players and HTML5 tracks.

Why are there no captions?

The creator disabled captions, the video is private/restricted, or that language was never published. Try another public video.

Is this the same as downloading the video?

No. This tool only fetches caption tracks. Use the MP4 or MP3 tools if you need the media file.

Workflow

How to download YouTube captions

Three steps — language and format choice is what makes this page different.

  1. Paste the YouTube URL

    Watch, Shorts, Music, or youtu.be links work when the video is public.

  2. Choose language and format

    Pick from available caption languages, then TXT, SRT, or VTT.

  3. Copy or download

    Copy the text or download the file for notes, SEO, or editing.

YouTube transcript downloader for notes, SEO, and accessibility

Creators and researchers use transcripts for blog posts, quotes, study notes, and subtitle files. Paste a public link, choose a language, and export plain text or timed subtitles without downloading the full video.

Need the cover image instead? Try the thumbnail downloader. Need the video file? YouTube to MP4.

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