How to Download Subtitles from YouTube in 7 Steps

How to Download Subtitles from YouTube: A Simple Guide

Subtitles help people around the world enjoy YouTube videos. For content creators, subtitles open doors to bigger audiences and new business chances. If you want to download YouTube subtitles—whether for learning, accessibility, or sharing great content—this guide walks you through each step in a clear, easy way.

Why Subtitles Matter

Subtitles are not just for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Adding subtitles to YouTube videos provides many important benefits:

• Bigger reach: Viewers who speak different languages or have hearing challenges can understand your videos.
• Better search ranking: Videos with subtitles may rank higher on Google, especially in the first 14 days after upload (3Play Media, 2022).
• More engagement: Subtitled videos get more views and are watched for longer (Ofcom, 2021).
• Flexibility: Viewers in noisy places or quiet spaces can follow videos without sound (3Play Media, 2022).
• Accessibility: Over 430 million people worldwide have hearing loss (WHO, 2023), making subtitles crucial for inclusion.

Step-by-Step: Downloading Subtitles Directly from YouTube

If you want to save subtitles as a text file, YouTube’s built-in tools make it quick and easy. Here’s how:

Step 1: Find and Open Your YouTube Video

• Use the search bar or your Watch Later playlist to locate the video.

Step 2: Check for Available Subtitles

• Look for a CC button in the bottom-right corner of the player.

Step 3: Choose Your Preferred Language

• Click the Settings (gear) icon, then select Subtitles/CC.
• Pick the language you want.

Step 4: Open the Video Transcript

• Select the three dots (˙˙˙) next to Save below the video.
• Click Open transcript.
• The transcript will appear next to the video.

Step 5: Turn Off Timestamps (If Needed)

• Click the three-dot menu in the transcript window.
• Choose Toggle timestamps to turn them off for easier copying.

Step 6: Copy the Transcript

• Highlight the transcript text with your mouse or keyboard.
• Press Ctrl+C to copy.

Step 7: Paste into a Document

• Open a blank document in Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Notepad.
• Press Ctrl+V to paste your subtitles.

Now you have an editable transcript or subtitle file!

How to Download Subtitles Using an Online Subtitle Downloader

Some YouTube videos do not allow direct transcript copying, or you may want a subtitle file format like SRT or TXT. Online subtitle downloaders are another option.

Step 1: Find a Trusted Subtitle Downloader

• Search “YouTube subtitle downloader” on your browser.
• Pick a reputable tool (many are free, some have ads or fees for extra features).

Step 2: Get the YouTube Video Link

• Open the YouTube video.
• Click Share below the video.
• Copy the video URL with the copy button or from the address bar.

Step 3: Paste the Link into the Downloader

• Go to the subtitle downloader site.
• Paste the YouTube URL into the provided bar (usually with Ctrl+V).

Step 4: Download the Subtitles

• Choose the desired language and format (SRT/TXT).
• Click the Download or Extract button.
• Save the file and open it with your favorite word processor.

Adding Subtitles and Captions to Your Own YouTube Videos

If you’re a content creator, adding subtitles expands your reach. YouTube offers several ways to add captions or subtitles:

• Upload a subtitle file: Prepare and upload SRT or TXT files with accurate timing.
• Auto-sync: Paste your script and let YouTube sync it to your video automatically.
• Manual entry: Type or paste the text and make timing adjustments directly in YouTube Studio.
• Auto-translate: Use YouTube's automatic tools to generate subtitles in other languages.

Each option helps make your channel more inclusive and boosts engagement.

Best Practices for Subtitles and Captions

• Always check accuracy—human review can catch errors that automated tools miss.
• Use clear language and short sentences for better reading comprehension.
• For professional results, consider specialized subtitling services.
• Explore various transcription services if you need a full transcript for your content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download subtitles for videos that don’t have them?

• No, subtitles or transcripts must be provided by the creator or generated by YouTube.
• For videos without subtitles, try using automated transcription tools or request them from service providers.

What are SRT and TXT files?

• SRT: Stands for SubRip Subtitle file, with timecodes for each subtitle line.
• TXT: Plain text file, no timecodes, good for scripts or transcripts.

Conclusion: Unlock a World of Video Accessibility

Subtitles are key for making YouTube content accessible, searchable, and shareable. Downloading subtitles allows you to save, translate, or study your favorite video content with ease.

For reliable, high-quality subtitles and transcriptions, GoTranscript offers expert solutions. Whether you need accurate automated transcription, human-reviewed closed captioning, or translation services for global audiences, GoTranscript can help. Explore their proofreading and affordable pricing to make your videos more accessible today. Ready to get started? Order a transcript or caption file online now.