Step 1: Go to vidtextai.com/tools/transcript
Step 2: Paste the YouTube video URL
Step 3: Click Get Transcript → download or copy the subtitle text
That's it. Free, no sign-up, works in under 10 seconds on any public YouTube video.
What You Get
VidText AI extracts YouTube's subtitle data and gives you:
- Full subtitle text with timestamps for every line
- Works with auto-generated captions (available on most videos)
- Works with manually uploaded subtitle tracks
- Supports videos in English and 100+ other languages
Why Download a YouTube Subtitle?
Common reasons people download YouTube subtitles:
- Create study notes from lecture or tutorial videos
- Write a blog post based on a YouTube video's content
- Translate the subtitle to another language
- Search for a specific quote or timestamp
- Accessibility — read the content instead of watching
- Import into a video editor to add captions to your own video
Using YouTube's Built-In Method
If you prefer not to use a third-party tool:
1. Open the YouTube video in a desktop browser
2. Click ⋮ (three-dot menu) below the video
3. Select Open transcript
4. The transcript panel appears on the right with timestamps
5. Highlight all text → Ctrl+C to copy
The built-in method gives you the same subtitle text but requires manual copying. VidText AI gives you a cleaner output with a single click.
For Your Own YouTube Videos
If you're the video creator and need the subtitle file in .SRT or .VTT format:
1. Go to YouTube Studio
2. Navigate to Subtitles
3. Find your video → click the three-dot menu next to the subtitle track
4. Click Download → select your preferred format (.srt, .vtt, .sbv)
YouTube Studio exports properly formatted subtitle files ready for use in video editors.