Question 1

What is DownSub?

Accepted Answer

DownSub is a free online subtitle downloader for public video captions and transcripts. Paste a supported video URL and save available subtitles as SRT, VTT, or TXT.

Question 2

Do I need an account to use DownSub?

Accepted Answer

No. DownSub is browser-based and does not require sign-up.

Question 3

Which videos can DownSub work with?

Accepted Answer

DownSub is designed for supported public videos where the source makes caption tracks available. It is not intended for private, login-required, DRM-protected, or restricted content.

Question 4

Why do some public videos still have no subtitles?

Accepted Answer

The creator may not have added captions, auto-captions may be disabled, the language may not be available, or the platform may not expose a usable caption track.

Question 5

What is the difference between SRT, VTT, and TXT?

Accepted Answer

SRT is broadly compatible with editors and media players, VTT is built for web video, and TXT is a plain transcript for reading, notes, and research.

Question 6

Can I download subtitles as SRT?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When a public caption track is available, DownSub can prepare SRT output from the extracted timed captions.

Question 7

Is DownSub affiliated with YouTube?

Accepted Answer

No. DownSub is independent and is not affiliated with YouTube or Google. Users should respect YouTube's terms and copyright rules.

Question 8

Can DownSub download YouTube auto-generated captions?

Accepted Answer

When YouTube exposes an auto-generated caption track for a public video, DownSub can show that track for download. Auto-generated captions should be reviewed because they can contain mistakes.

Question 9

What should I check if extraction fails?

Accepted Answer

Check whether the video is public, whether the player has a CC or transcript option, whether the language exists, and whether the URL requires a login or subscription.

Question 10

Can DownSub create subtitles from audio?

Accepted Answer

No. DownSub is a caption downloader, not a transcription engine. Creating new subtitles from audio requires a separate transcription service.

Question 11

Is it legal to download subtitles?

Accepted Answer

Use captions only for videos you own, have permission to use, or where your use is lawful and allowed by the relevant platform terms. Do not redistribute copyrighted transcripts without permission.

Question 12

Does DownSub store submitted URLs?

Accepted Answer

The extractor processes submitted URLs temporarily to find public caption tracks. The app should not store submitted video URLs or generated subtitle files longer than needed to complete the request.

DownSub FAQ

Subtitle downloader answers

General

Supported videos

Subtitle formats

YouTube subtitles

Troubleshooting

Privacy and legal use

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