FilmScribe + YouTube paste a link, get the transcript, send chapters and clips back.
To get a YouTube transcript, paste the link to a video, Shorts, clip or live stream into FilmScribe. We fetch the video, transcribe it word by word with speakers and timestamps and, from that same upload, give you chapters in the description format, an SRT to upload in YouTube Studio and vertical clips for Shorts.
What goes back to your channel
Chapters come out in the format YouTube reads from the description, starting at 0:00. The SRT comes with a YouTube preset, and clips come out vertical, with burned-in captions, ready for Shorts.
| What you get | What it's for | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Chapters (0:00 Title) | Paste into the video description | Every plan |
| Captions (.srt) | Upload in YouTube Studio, with a YouTube preset | Every plan |
| Vertical clips (.mp4) | Shorts with burned-in captions and a template | Every plan |
| Transcript (TXT, PDF) | Blog post, newsletter, show notes or summary | Every plan |
| Translated captions | A clip captioned in another language, also as SRT | Studio and Agency |
Any YouTube link, just the part that matters
Use whatever link you have: a regular video, Shorts, a clip, a youtu.be short link or a live stream. Live streams are processed once the replay is available on the channel; until then, the upload shows as waiting for YouTube.
For a long stream, mark the start and end of the part you want before processing. Only that range is processed and counts toward your hours. We fetch the video at up to 1440p on Pro and up to 4K on Studio and Agency, matching the quality it was published in.
| Link type | Starts with |
|---|---|
| Video | youtube.com/watch?v=... |
| Shorts | youtube.com/shorts/... |
| Live | youtube.com/live/... |
| Clip | youtube.com/clip/... |
| Short link | youtu.be/... |
From a YouTube link to chapters and clips
- 01
Copy the link
On YouTube, copy the address of the video, Shorts or live stream, from your browser or the Share button.
- 02
Paste and pick the range
Paste the link on the upload screen and, if you want, mark just the part you need. Only that part counts.
- 03
Read and create
The transcript arrives with speakers and timestamps. Generate chapters and check the suggested clips, each with a score.
- 04
Send it back
Paste the chapters into the description, upload the SRT in YouTube Studio and post the clips as Shorts.
Who uses it with YouTube
Transcription covers 90+ languages, with the language detected automatically. If the video isn't on YouTube, upload the file. All about YouTube links →
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a transcript of a YouTube video?
Copy the video's link, paste it on the FilmScribe upload screen and, if you want, mark just the part you need. We fetch the video, transcribe it word by word and separate who's speaking. You don't download anything or install an extension.
YouTube already has auto captions. Why use FilmScribe?
YouTube's auto captions are free and work well for following along in the player. They don't separate speakers, don't split the video by topic, and to use the text somewhere else you copy and clean it up by hand. With us, the transcript comes with speakers and timestamps, and the same upload gives you chapters, an SRT with a YouTube preset and vertical clips.
Can FilmScribe transcribe a YouTube live stream?
Yes. Paste the live stream link and we process it as soon as the replay is available on the channel. For a long stream, like a full church service, mark the start and end first: only that range is processed and counts toward your hours.
How do I add the chapters to my YouTube video?
Copy the chapter list in one click, open the video in YouTube Studio, paste it into the description and save. The list already follows the format YouTube accepts: one timestamp and title per line, starting at 0:00.
What quality does the YouTube video come in for clips?
We fetch it at up to 1440p on Pro and up to 4K on Studio and Agency, matching the quality the video was published in. That's the source for your vertical clips, and downloads keep the quality.
How many hours does a YouTube video use?
What counts is the length processed. A 2-hour video uses 2 hours, unless you mark just one part. Every plan starts with a trial of 3 days or 1 hour of footage.
Paste the link to your latest video. Chapters and clips come from the same upload.
A video, Shorts or live stream. We transcribe it with speakers, create the chapters and suggest scored clips.
See the result on your own recording before adding a card.