YouTube Subtitle Downloader
A YouTube subtitle downloader saves the caption track YouTube already attached to a video, as SRT (timed) or TXT (plain), including auto-generated captions when they exist. This Chrome extension does that locally. It does not download the video file and it does not bypass age gates or disabled captions.
Version 1.3.0 • September 2026 • Compatible with Chrome, Edge, Brave & Opera
Key Features: Multi-Language Subtitle Download
Video_Title_en.srt
12.4 KB • English
Install in seconds from Chrome Web Store
New version with 70+ language support is now live on Chrome Web Store — one-click installation.
Visit Chrome Web Store
Open the Chrome Web Store listing.
Click "Add to Chrome"
Click the blue "Add to Chrome" button and confirm the installation.
Pin the Extension
Click the puzzle icon in Chrome toolbar and pin the extension for easy access.
Start Downloading
Go to any YouTube video, play briefly, and click the extension icon to download subtitles.
How to Download YouTube Subtitles in Any Language
Download subtitles from any YouTube video in your preferred language and format. Works with auto-generated captions and closed captions.
Install Extension
Install from Chrome Web Store with one click. Works on Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Opera.
Right-Click for Options
Right-click the extension icon to choose your format (SRT/TXT) and select from 20+ available languages.
Download Instantly
Click the icon to download. File is named with video title and language code (e.g., Video_en.srt).
Pro Tips for Multi-Language Subtitle Downloads
Why Choose Our YouTube Subtitle Downloader?
The only subtitle downloader with built-in language selection. Download captions in 70+ languages directly from the right-click menu.
70+ Languages
Select from 70+ languages directly in the right-click menu. No need to change YouTube settings — just pick your language and download.
Multiple Formats
Choose SRT (with timestamps) for video editing, TXT (plain text) for reading, or copy directly to clipboard. All via right-click menu.
One-Click Download
Click the icon for instant SRT download. Right-click for format and language options. Toast notification confirms successful download.
Auto-Captions Support
Works with both manually uploaded subtitles and YouTube's auto-generated captions. Download any available caption track.
Smart File Naming
Files include video title + language code (e.g., VideoTitle_en.srt). Easily organize subtitles across multiple languages.
100% Privacy-First
Everything runs locally in your browser. No servers, no data collection, no tracking. Your downloads stay completely private.
Understanding YouTube Subtitle Formats
Learn about SRT files, subtitle timing, and caption formats for your downloaded YouTube subtitles.
📄 What is an SRT File?
SRT (SubRip Subtitle) is the most widely used subtitle format. Each SRT file contains numbered caption entries with:
- •Sequential number - Identifies each caption
- •Timestamp - Start and end time (HH:MM:SS,mmm)
- •Text content - The actual subtitle text
- •Blank line - Separates each entry
💻 SRT File Example
🎬 SRT Compatibility Guide
| Application | Category | SRT Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VLC Media Player | Video Player | Auto-loads matching SRT files | |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Video Editor | Import via Captions panel | |
| Final Cut Pro | Video Editor | Import as captions | |
| DaVinci Resolve | Video Editor | Full subtitle support | |
| Windows Media Player | Video Player | Same filename required | |
| Any Text Editor | Text Editor | Plain text format, easy to edit |
Why Download YouTube Subtitles?
Common reasons people use our YouTube caption downloader.
📚 Studying & Learning
Download lecture subtitles for offline study. Search through text to find specific topics. Create study notes from educational content.
🌍 Language Learning
Download subtitles in your target language. Practice reading comprehension. Compare original and translated captions.
✍️ Content Creation
Use subtitles as a starting point for blog posts. Create transcripts for repurposing. Quote videos accurately with timestamps.
🎬 Video Production
Add subtitles to your own video projects. Import into Premiere, Final Cut, or DaVinci Resolve. Translate and localize content.
♿ Accessibility
Make video content accessible offline. Help those with hearing impairments. Provide text alternatives for audio content.
🔍 Research & Reference
Search through video content as text. Find specific quotes or statements. Archive important video information.
Subtitles vs Transcripts: What's the Difference?
Understand when to use our Subtitle Downloader vs. Transcript Generator
| Feature | Subtitle Downloader | Transcript Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Output Format | SRT / TXT files | Plain text / formatted text |
| Language Selection | 70+ via right-click | Uses video default |
| Timing Information | Optional timestamps | |
| Video Editor Compatible | — | |
| Best For | Multi-language, video production | Reading, studying, content |
| Tool Type | Chrome Extension | Online Tool |
| Price | Free | Free |
What the subtitle downloader does — and does not
Existing caption tracks only. No video file. No bypass.
This page does
- Save an SRT or TXT file from a caption track YouTube already loaded.
- Let you pick among languages the video already lists.
- Run locally in Chrome, Edge, Brave, or Opera — no account required.
- Pair with Workspace only after you review the text and approve pins.
This page does not
- Download the video file (no MP4/WebM grabber).
- Bypass age restrictions, DRM, or captions the creator turned off.
- Invent a caption track when YouTube has none.
- Claim a store rating we have not verified on this page.
Keep a compounding notebook — after you approve it
YouTube Subtitle Downloader is a free tool. It runs without an account. After you save an SRT or TXT, the useful keepers are usually a quote, a term list, or a timed line you will reuse in notes. Workspace at /note is optional: sign in only if you want pins and notebooks to persist. Review the output first. Save only the lines you approve. Nothing here auto-merges a playlist or invents a second product.
Nearby tools and the notes hub
Subtitles sit next to transcripts, summaries, and the YouTube → notes guides.
YouTube AI tools hub
The live NoteLM YouTube set, including this extension landing page.
YouTube Transcript Generator
Browser tool when you want searchable text without installing an extension.
YouTube Video Summarizer
Chapters and takeaways from the same captioned video — your own Gemini key.
YouTube → notes guides
Study and language-learning workflows. Free tools first; Workspace after approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about downloading YouTube subtitles and captions.
How do I download subtitles from YouTube?
To download subtitles from YouTube: 1) Install our free YouTube Subtitle Downloader Chrome extension, 2) Navigate to any YouTube video with captions, 3) Play the video briefly to load subtitles, 4) Click the extension icon, and 5) Your SRT file downloads automatically with the video title. Works with auto-generated captions and closed captions.
How do I download YouTube captions in SRT format?
Our Chrome extension downloads YouTube captions in SRT format by default. Simply click the extension icon for instant SRT download, or right-click to choose between SRT (with timestamps) and TXT (plain text). SRT files are compatible with VLC, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and all major video players.
What subtitle formats can I download?
Our extension offers three output options via right-click menu: 1) SRT - Standard subtitle format with timestamps, perfect for video editing and media players. 2) TXT - Plain text without timestamps, ideal for reading or studying. 3) Copy to clipboard - Copies plain text directly without downloading a file.
What is an SRT file and why is it the best format for subtitles?
SRT (SubRip Subtitle) is the most widely supported subtitle format. It contains text with timing codes that sync captions to video. SRT files work with virtually all video players (VLC, Windows Media Player), editing software (Premiere, Final Cut), and streaming platforms. Our YouTube subtitle downloader exports in SRT for maximum compatibility.
What's the difference between closed captions and subtitles on YouTube?
On YouTube, closed captions (CC) include sound descriptions like "[music]" or "[applause]" for deaf/hard-of-hearing viewers. Subtitles typically contain only spoken dialogue. YouTube uses "CC" for both types. Our downloader captures whatever caption track is available - whether auto-generated, manually uploaded, or community-contributed.
Can I download auto-generated YouTube subtitles?
Yes! Our extension downloads both manually uploaded subtitles and YouTube's auto-generated captions. Auto-generated captions are created by YouTube's speech recognition AI and are available on most videos. While they may contain occasional errors, they're perfect for reference, translation, or as a starting point for editing.
How do I download YouTube subtitles in different languages?
Our extension has built-in language selection! Right-click the extension icon and select "Language" to choose from 30 common languages in the quick menu. Use "Auto" mode to download whatever language is currently playing - this gives you access to all 70+ languages YouTube supports. No need to change YouTube settings.
What languages are available for subtitle download?
Our extension supports all 70+ languages that YouTube provides, including: English (US, UK, India), Spanish (multiple variants), Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified, Traditional, Hong Kong), Russian, Ukrainian, Arabic, Hindi, Bengali, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, Turkish, and many more. The "Auto" mode downloads any language YouTube has available.
How do I use downloaded YouTube subtitles for studying?
Downloaded YouTube subtitles are perfect for studying: 1) Read along with educational videos offline, 2) Search for specific terms in the text file, 3) Create flashcards from key points, 4) Translate foreign language content, 5) Practice reading comprehension. SRT files open in any text editor for easy review.
Can I download subtitles from YouTube for translation?
Absolutely! Downloading YouTube subtitles for translation is a popular use case. Get the SRT file, translate the text content, and keep the timing codes intact. This is useful for creating localized versions of videos, learning languages, or making content accessible to international audiences.
Why do I need to play the video first to download subtitles?
YouTube loads captions dynamically when you play a video. Our extension intercepts this caption data from YouTube's servers. Playing the video briefly (even muted) triggers the subtitle loading process. This approach ensures we capture the complete, accurate caption track with all timing information.
What if a YouTube video doesn't have subtitles available?
Not all YouTube videos have subtitles. If a video lacks captions, you'll see a message indicating no subtitles are available. Tips: 1) Check if the creator has uploaded captions, 2) Many videos have auto-generated captions - ensure CC is enabled, 3) Some older or short videos may not have auto-captions generated.
Is this YouTube subtitle downloader free?
Yes! Our YouTube Subtitle Downloader Chrome extension is 100% free with no hidden fees, no account required, and no download limits. We believe subtitle accessibility should be available to everyone for education, content creation, and accessibility needs.
How is this different from YouTube's built-in transcript feature?
YouTube's built-in transcript shows captions in a panel but doesn't allow direct download. Our extension exports subtitles as a proper SRT file with timing codes, making it compatible with video editors, media players, and other tools. You get a portable file you can use anywhere.
Does the YouTube subtitle downloader work on all browsers?
Our extension works on Chrome and all Chromium-based browsers including Microsoft Edge, Brave, Opera, and Vivaldi. Install directly from Chrome Web Store with one click. Firefox and Safari versions are planned for future release.
Is my privacy protected when using this extension?
Yes! We follow a strict privacy-first design. The extension runs entirely in your browser with no external servers, no data collection, no analytics, and no tracking. Your browsing activity and downloaded subtitles stay completely private on your device.
Can I download subtitles from YouTube Shorts?
Yes, our extension works with YouTube Shorts that have captions enabled. The process is the same: play the Short, click the extension icon, and download. Note that not all Shorts have auto-generated or uploaded captions available.
How accurate are YouTube auto-generated subtitles?
YouTube's auto-generated captions are generally 80-95% accurate for clear English speech. Accuracy varies based on audio quality, accents, background noise, and technical terminology. They're excellent for comprehension and reference, though you may want to review them for professional use.
Does this YouTube subtitle downloader save the video file?
No. It only saves the caption track YouTube already attached to the video, as SRT or TXT. It does not download MP4/WebM, does not bypass age gates, and cannot invent captions when the creator disabled them.
Do I need a NoteLM account to download YouTube subtitles?
No. The Chrome extension runs locally with no signup. If you later want those lines in a compounding notebook, open Workspace at /note, review the text, and save only the pins you approve.
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