Xargaar ToolsCaption Maker

SRT or VTT: which caption format should you use?

The short answer

Use SRT if you are not sure. Use VTT if the captions go into a web page with the HTML video element, or if you want styling and positioning.

What differs

SRT: numbered cues, times like 00:00:01,500 with a comma, no header, plain text. VTT: starts with the word WEBVTT, times like 00:00:01.500 with a dot, and supports styling and positioning notes.

Where each is accepted

YouTube accepts both. Most video editors import SRT. Web players built on the HTML video element use VTT. When a platform asks for one, give it that one.

Get either one

The Caption Maker downloads the same captions as SRT or VTT, so you can try the other if one is rejected.

Longer files and offline launch files are planned for a one-time $24 pack, not yet for sale: Pack in preparation

More guides

• How to make subtitles for a video without uploading it
• How to make an SRT file from a video
• SRT or VTT: which caption format should you use?
• How to check automatic captions before you publish them