Subtitle Formats: SRT, VTT, and TXT Explained
DownSub focuses on three practical outputs: timed subtitle files for playback and editing, plus clean text transcripts for reading and research.
What is SRT?
SRT, or SubRip Subtitle, is one of the most widely supported subtitle formats. It stores caption order, start and end times, and text. Choose SRT when you need subtitles for video editors, desktop players, course platforms, or broad compatibility.
What is VTT?
VTT, or WebVTT, is built for web video. It works well with HTML5 video tracks and can support web-friendly cue metadata. Choose VTT when captions will be used on a site, product, lesson page, or browser-based player.
What is TXT?
TXT is a plain transcript. It removes most timing and formatting so the text is easier to scan, quote with permission, search, annotate, or summarize. Choose TXT when readability matters more than playback timing.
Format comparison
A quick way to pick the right file before exporting.
| Question | SRT | VTT | TXT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Editing, media players, course uploads | Web players and HTML5 track elements | Reading, notes, search, summaries |
| Timing | Yes | Yes | Usually removed |
| Typical users | Editors, teachers, accessibility reviewers | Developers, publishers, product teams | Students, researchers, writers |
| File style | Numbered caption blocks | Cue-based web caption format | Plain text transcript |
Which format should you use?
Use SRT when you need subtitles in a video editor, player, LMS, or upload workflow.
Use VTT when the captions will live in a web video player or HTML5 track element.
Use TXT when you need a readable transcript for study, notes, research, or content planning.
Review auto-generated captions before publishing. They can miss names, punctuation, and technical words.
Responsible format use
File format does not change copyright responsibility. Use captions only for videos you own, have permission to use, or where your use is allowed by law and platform terms.
Subtitle format FAQ
Which subtitle format should I choose?
Choose SRT for editing apps and broad playback support, VTT for web video players, and TXT when you need a clean transcript for reading, notes, research, or summaries.
Can DownSub convert subtitles between formats?
DownSub lets you download an available caption track as SRT, VTT, or TXT. Always review timing and caption order if you move subtitles between tools.
Does TXT keep timestamps?
TXT exports usually remove timestamps so the transcript is easier to read. Use SRT or VTT if timing is important.