Side by side
SRT:
1
00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:03,500
Welcome back.
VTT:
WEBVTT
00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:03.500
Welcome back.
| Feature | SRT | VTT |
|---|---|---|
| Header | None | WEBVTT on the first line |
| Millisecond separator | Comma | Dot |
| Block numbers | Required | Optional |
| Styling and position | Very limited | Supported with cue settings and CSS |
| Comments and notes | No | Yes |
| Best for | Editors, uploads | Web video, HTML5 |
| Extension | .srt | .vtt |
Which one to choose
| You are using | Choose |
|---|---|
| CapCut, Premiere style editors | SRT (CapCut Web accepts only SRT) |
| YouTube Studio | SRT (see the platform page for other formats) |
| Your own site with a video element | VTT |
| A learning platform | Check its documentation |
| Unsure | Export both |
Converting between them
SRT to VTT:
- Add
WEBVTTand a blank line at the top. - Replace commas with dots in the time codes.
- Escape
&and<in the text.
VTT to SRT:
- Remove the header, notes and style blocks.
- Replace dots with commas in the time codes.
- Add block numbers.
The free SRT and VTT converter does this in your browser, shows what it discarded and does not upload your file.
Encoding
Both formats should be saved as UTF-8. When accents appear as "é", the file was read in the wrong encoding; see SRT encoding explained.
Making either file
Transcribe once and download both. Open TooLongToListen, tick the subtitles option and start. The video stays on your device and only the audio is sent. See how to create an SRT file for the full process and the SRT generator.
Get both formats
Generate SRT and VTT from one file at the SRT generator.
Sources
- W3C, WebVTT: The Web Video Text Tracks Format: https://www.w3.org/TR/webvtt1/
- SubRip format overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SubRip
- YouTube Help, supported subtitle and closed caption files: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2734698
- CapCut help center, how to import subtitles: https://www.capcut.com/help/how-to-import-subtitles
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between SRT and VTT?
Both are plain text subtitle formats with time codes. VTT (WebVTT) starts with a WEBVTT header, uses a dot before milliseconds and supports styling and positioning. SRT is simpler and uses a comma before milliseconds.
Which format should I use for YouTube?
YouTube's support page lists SubRip (.srt) among supported subtitle files. Check the official page for the current list, since formats and rules can change.
Which format should I use for a website video?
WebVTT is the format designed for HTML5 video tracks, so use VTT for a video element on your own site.
Can I convert SRT to VTT by hand?
Yes. Add the WEBVTT header, change commas to dots in the time codes and remove the block numbers if you wish. A converter does this safely.
Does TooLongToListen export both?
Yes. When you tick the subtitles option you can download both .srt and .vtt.
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