Download Subtitles from YouTube: Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wanted to download subtitles from a YouTube video for offline viewing or language learning? Subtitles make content more accessible and easier to understand.

In this guide, you’ll learn the importance of subtitles and the benefits of downloading them. We'll also cover different tools and methods available for downloading YouTube subtitles.

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How to Enable Subtitles

1. Navigate to YouTube and select the video you want to watch.
2. Find the 'CC' (Closed Captions) button at the bottom of the video player and click it.

3. Click the 'Settings' icon (gear icon), select 'Subtitles/CC,' and choose 'Auto-generated.' This enables YouTube’s automatic captions.
   

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Customizing Subtitles

1. Click the 'Settings' icon, go to 'Subtitles/CC,' and select the desired language from the list.
2. Go back to 'Settings,' select 'Options,' and then choose 'Font family' and 'Font size.' You can also pick 'Text color' to change the font color.
3. In the 'Options' menu, select 'Background color' to change the background and 'Text opacity' to adjust the transparency of the text.
4. If you want to go back to the original settings, click 'Options' and select 'Reset to default.'

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Choosing the Right Subtitle File Format

Overview of Popular Formats

• SubRip (.srt): Simple and widely compatible.
• SubStation Alpha (.ssa): Supports advanced formatting.
• Timed Text Markup Language (.ttml): Allows complex styling.
• Scenarist Closed Caption (.scc): Used for broadcast television.
• Web Video Text Tracks (WebVTT): Ideal for web-based content.

Selecting the Suitable Format

1. Playback Device Compatibility: Choose a format that works with your device.
2. Styling and Formatting Needs: Consider if you need advanced styling.
3. Ease of Editing: Some formats are easier to edit than others.
4. Follow YouTube Guidelines: Ensure the format complies with YouTube’s recommendations.

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Methods to Download Subtitles from YouTube

Using YouTube Video Manager

1. Navigate to Video Manager: Open YouTube Studio and go to 'Content.'

2. Select the Video: Choose the video for which you want to download subtitles.
3. Access the 'More' Tab: Click the 'More' options (three dots) next to the video.
4. Download the Transcript: Select 'Download Transcript' to get the subtitles in plain text or .srt format.

Third-Party Tools and Websites

1. Websites like DownSub or 4K Download are popular tools.
2. Paste the YouTube video link into the tool's search bar.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to download the subtitles in the desired format.

Browser Extensions

1. Extensions like 'Enhancer for YouTube' or 'Subtitles for YouTube' are useful.
2. Use the browser extension to access additional subtitle options.
3. Use the extension’s features to download the subtitles directly from the video player.

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FAQs

How do I download subtitles from YouTube to Word?

To download subtitles from YouTube to Word, open the video, click the three dots under the video to "Show Transcript," then highlight and copy the transcript. Open Word, create a new document, and paste the copied text using Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac).

How do I copy all the subtitles from YouTube?

To copy all YouTube subtitles, open the video, click the three dots below to "Show Transcript." Highlight the full transcript from bottom to top, right-click, and select "Copy." Open a text editor like Notepad or Word, and paste the copied text with Ctrl+V (Windows) or Command+V (Mac).

How do I download a CC script from YouTube?

To download a Closed Caption (CC) script, open the video, click the three dots under it, and select "Show Transcript." Toggle off timestamps if needed, then copy the transcript, paste it into a text editor, and save it as a .txt file for future use.

Is there a way to download YouTube subtitles?

You can use Tactiq’s free YouTube transcript generator to instantly get a transcript by pasting the video link. Alternatively, use YouTube’s “Show Transcript” feature under the video or third-party tools like DownSub or 4K Downloader to download subtitles.

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How to Download YouTube Subtitles Using Tactiq

The most convenient way to get a YouTube transcript is using Tactiq’s free YouTube transcript generator. Just paste the video link and the transcript will be available for download instantly.

Tactiq can also transcribe your virtual meetings on Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams while providing AI-powered summaries. For example, if you’re uploading Zoom webinars, you can use Tactiq to summarize the transcript and use it as YouTube chapters. Tactiq can also:

• Capture all key details through real-time transcriptions
• Automate follow-up tasks with AI meeting kits and customizable prompts

All transcriptions are stored in one place for easy review and sharing, and you can use Smart Search to find specific details quickly.

Download the free Tactiq Chrome Extension today!