YouTube Transcript Download: Complete Guide to All Formats
Once you've extracted a transcript from a YouTube video, the next step is choosing the right format for your needs. This guide breaks down each export format — TXT, SRT, VTT, JSON, and Markdown — so you can make an informed decision.
Why Download Format Matters
Different formats serve different purposes. A student taking notes needs something different from a video editor adding subtitles. Choosing the right format saves time and ensures compatibility with your workflow.
Format Comparison
TXT (Plain Text)
Best for: Note-taking, reading, copying into documents
Pros
- +Simple and universal
- +Works in any text editor
- +Smallest file size
Cons
- −No timestamps
- −No formatting
SRT (SubRip Subtitle)
Best for: Video editing, subtitle uploads, VLC player
Pros
- +Universal subtitle format
- +Includes timestamps
- +Works in most video players
Cons
- −Basic formatting only
- −No styling options
VTT (WebVTT)
Best for: Web players, HTML5 video, online platforms
Pros
- +Modern web standard
- +Supports styling and positioning
- +Better metadata
Cons
- −Not supported by all players
- −Slightly larger than SRT
JSON
Best for: Developers, apps, data analysis, automation
Pros
- +Structured data with timestamps
- +Easy to parse programmatically
- +Extensible
Cons
- −Not human-readable
- −Requires technical knowledge
Markdown (MD)
Best for: Documentation, GitHub, note apps, blogging
Pros
- +Rich formatting support
- +Works in Markdown editors
- +Easy to convert to HTML
Cons
- −Requires Markdown viewer for best experience
- −Not standard for subtitles
Quick Format Chooser
- Taking notes? → TXT or Markdown
- Adding subtitles to a video? → SRT
- Building a web app? → VTT or JSON
- Analyzing data? → JSON
- Writing documentation? → Markdown
How to Download in Your Preferred Format
With TranscribeYouTube, downloading in any format takes just a few clicks:
- Generate the transcript by pasting the YouTube URL.
- Click the Download button in the top-right corner.
- Select your preferred format from the dropdown menu.
- The file will download automatically to your device.
Did You Know?
You can also copy the entire transcript to your clipboard with one click — perfect for pasting into Google Docs, Notion, or any other app.