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Captions and formats

What is WebVTT (VTT)?

WebVTT, or VTT, is the caption format of web video players. The file starts with a WEBVTT line, each caption carries its timing as 00:00:01.120 --> 00:00:03.480, with a period before the milliseconds, and it can include position and alignment settings. It is a close relative of SRT.

Also called: VTT, .vtt file

Convert SRT to VTT Try it with my video
Example

Inside a VTT file

The same interview opening from the SRT example, now as VTT. Notice the header, the period before the milliseconds and the position setting at the end of the second timing line.

WEBVTT

00:00:01.120 --> 00:00:03.480
I started filming weddings in 2015.

00:00:03.560 --> 00:00:06.200 line:10%
At my first one, I forgot to record the vows.
Why it matters

Why VTT exists

VTT was created for captions on web pages. It is the format the browser's video element reads natively, which is why it shows up in course platforms, learning portals and company websites.

In practice, people often need to switch between the two: the editor exports SRT and the website player wants VTT, or the other way around. Both hold text and timing, so the conversion is direct and the sync stays intact.

In FilmScribe

VTT and FilmScribe

We deliver captions as SRT, with TV, Netflix and YouTube presets, and as FCPXML for Final Cut. When the destination asks for VTT, the free tool converts your SRT in seconds, with the timing untouched and the file in UTF-8.

Convert SRT to VTT Paste your captions or drop the .srt and download a .vtt with the right header and converted times. Free, no sign-up. Convert SRT to VTT →
In practice

Getting a VTT file to load

  1. 01

    WEBVTT goes on line one

    The first line must start with WEBVTT, with nothing above it. A blank line or stray text at the top, often left by a copy and paste, makes the browser reject the whole track.

  2. 02

    Check the server, not just the file

    If captions work on your computer but not on the website, look at how the file is served. Browsers expect the text/vtt type, and a file on another domain also needs CORS headers to load.

  3. 03

    Write the hours when in doubt

    VTT allows timings without hours, like 01:02.500, but some converters and editors expect the full 00:01:02.500. When a tool chokes on a VTT, writing every timing with hours usually fixes it.

  4. 04

    Watch for notes and styles

    A VTT can hold NOTE blocks, STYLE blocks and cue names above the timing line. Simple converters sometimes turn them into captions, so read the converted file before you deliver it.

Related terms

See all terms →
SRT A plain text file of numbered captions, each with a start time, an end time and the words shown on screen. TTML An XML caption format with the start, end and style of every line, required by streaming, TV and some players. Closed captions Captions the viewer turns on and off in the player with the CC button, with the speech and the sounds that matter. SBV A simple caption format tied to YouTube: start and end on a single line, separated by a comma, with no numbering.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between VTT and SRT?

VTT starts with a WEBVTT line, uses a period before the milliseconds and supports position, alignment and some styling tags. SRT has no header, uses a comma and only stores a number, timing and text.

Does YouTube accept VTT files?

Yes. YouTube reads VTT, SRT and its own SBV. If your file has position settings, check the preview before publishing, since not every player respects them.

Do I lose anything converting VTT to SRT?

Only what SRT cannot store: VTT positioning, alignment and styles. The text, line breaks and timing of every caption stay the same.

Captions, clips and paper edits. All in one place.

Upload a video or paste a YouTube link. We transcribe every word with its timing, and you take the result to social media or to your editor.

Try it with my video
See the result on your own recording before adding a card.