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Which transcript format?

Transcripts come in four formats and the right one depends entirely on what you are about to do with it. Say what that is and this tool names the format, explains why, and tells you when a second file is worth taking as well. There is a comparison table underneath if you would rather read it yourself.

Painted illustration for choosing a transcript format: one tape splitting into four labelled ribbons, each landing on a different kind of page
What are you doing with the transcript?

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SRT

Every video platform accepts SRT, and most treat it as the default. Upload it alongside the video in the caption settings.

formattimingsopens inbest for
TXTNoAnythingReading, searching, quoting
SRTYesVideo platforms, playersCaptions almost anywhere
VTTYesWeb video playersCaptions on your own site
DOCXNoWord, Google Docs, PagesSending to someone to edit

You do not have to pick only one. Every format above comes out of the same transcript, so downloading two costs nothing. Our guide explains what each format is if you want the longer account.

How to use it

  1. Pick the row that matches what you are doing with the transcript.
  2. Tick the box if you need to trace a line back to the moment in the audio.
  3. Download that format from your transcript. Taking two costs nothing, since they come from the same file.

Every format on this page comes out of the same transcript. Upload a recording and pick your exports at the end, free once a week with no account.

Get a transcript to export →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SRT and VTT?

Both are timed caption files carrying the same information. SRT is what video platforms expect and is the safer default when uploading a video somewhere. VTT was written for the web and is what a browser video player reads through the track element. If you are captioning a video on your own site, use VTT; almost everywhere else, use SRT.

Should I download VTT or DOCX?

They answer different questions. VTT is a caption file: timed lines meant for a video player, awkward to read on its own. DOCX is a document meant for a person to read, comment on and edit, with no timings at all. If a human is going to read it, take DOCX; if a player is going to display it, take VTT.

Is a VTT file just a text file?

It is plain text, so you can open one in any editor, but it is not a transcript in readable form. It starts with a WEBVTT header and then repeats a timestamp line before every caption, which makes it tiring to read straight through. If you want the words on their own, take TXT, or strip the timings out of a caption file you already have.

Can I have more than one format?

Yes, and it is often the right answer. Every format is exported from the same transcript, so downloading TXT to read and SRT to keep the timings costs you nothing extra and takes one more click.

Why is DOCX the only one behind a plan?

TXT, SRT and VTT are free on every plan, including with no account. DOCX export is part of Pro. If you need a document to send to someone and you are not on Pro, TXT pastes into Word or Google Docs perfectly well.