What subtitle format does YouTube use?

The format of closed caption or subtitle files differs based on where you host your videos

and which platform you use to get the transcript for the captions. This guide covers subtitle formats to make sure

you’re always using the right ones for your Youtube video content.

YouTube Compatible formats:

• SubRip (.srt)

• WebVTT (.vtt)

• DFXP/TTML (.dxfp)

• Scenarist (.scc)

• SAMI (.sami)

What is the best subtitle format for YouTube?

YouTube suggests using Scenarist (.scc) format for the best results. The other two recommended formats for YouTube are TTML and WebVTT; any of these three options will provide some control over how your captions appear on YouTube.

How to Generate Subtitles For YouTube Videos?

There are many subtitle generator tools available online that can help you create captions or subtitles for your YouTube videos. All you need to do is upload your video and provide a transcript of the audio. The subtitle generator tool will then create subtitle files in the format of your choice.

Some free subtitle generator tools are:

• Subtitle Horse

• DivXLand Media Subtitler

• SubtitleBee

• Aegisub

If you want subtitle files that can be used on multiple platforms, it’s best to go with either SRT or VTT format. These are both widely accepted subtitle formats that will work on most video hosting platforms.

When in doubt, ask your video hosting platform which subtitle format they recommend. This guide covers the most popular subtitle formats, but there are many other subtitle formats out there. As long as you use the right format for your video content, your subtitles should display correctly on any platform.