VTT File Transcripts: Open, Edit & Use AI Summaries

If you work remotely, you’ve probably encountered a VTT file extension after a video conference and wondered what to do with it. This file, typically separate from the main meeting recording, contains valuable information but might seem inaccessible at first glance. But don’t worry—understanding and accessing the content of a VTT file is easy, especially with modern software that supports VTT files.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What a VTT file is
• How it differs from other subtitle file formats like SRT
• How to open and use these files to improve your work processes

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What is a VTT File Format?

VTT, or Web Video Text Tracks, is a file format used for storing subtitles or captions for video content. A VTT file is often considered a transcript of online meetings or webinars.

Recording a session on online video platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams generates the VTT file as a separate document. This file contains the spoken text and timing information to ensure the text aligns accurately with the video.

VTT files are useful for:

• Reviewing key points from meetings
• Making content accessible for team members with hearing disabilities
• Keeping a searchable record of discussions
  

Here's an example of how VTT subtitles are structured in a file:

In this example:

• Each block starts with a sequential number (e.g., 1, 2, 3...).
• The timestamps in the format (hh:mm:ss.mmm) indicate when the text should appear and disappear in the video.
• The text below the timestamps is the caption or subtitle corresponding to that specific time in the video file.
• This format is widely supported by video players and editing software, making it a versatile choice for subtitles and captions.

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VTT Files vs. SRT Files

VTT and SRT (SubRip Subtitle) files have a similar purpose. But SRT files only contain the text and timing information.

On the other hand, VTT files support richer formatting options, like bold or italic text, and can include metadata like speaker identification (shown below) or scene descriptions.

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How to Open VTT Files

VTT files can be opened in several ways, depending on your preference and the tools available:

Text Editors

For quick access, open a VTT file in any text editor like Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (Mac), or Google Docs. Right-click on the file, select ‘Open with,’ and choose your preferred text editor. The text and timestamps will be displayed in a readable format.

Using Tactiq

AI tools like Tactiq provide a more feature-rich experience for viewing, editing, and summarizing VTT files. To use Tactiq:

1. Log into your Tactiq account and go to the Transcripts page.

2. Click ‘Upload Transcript or Recording’ in the upper right corner and select your own VTT files.
3. Tactiq allows you to view, highlight, and summarize key points in the VTT file using AI tools.

How to Open VTT Files On Google Docs with Tactiq

Once you have uploaded your VTT file on Tactiq, files and export them to Google Drive. Here’s how:

1. Log in to Tactiq and go to your Transcripts page.
2. Select a transcript.
3. Click ‘Share’ on the upper right and select Google Drive.

4. The link will be saved to your clipboard.
5. Paste the link to your browser’s address bar.

6. Press ‘Enter’ to view the VTT file on Google Docs.

Other Ways to Open VTT Files

• VLC Media Player - Useful for syncing the text with the corresponding video.
• Online subtitle editors - For those who need to edit VTT files.

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How to Convert VTT Files

How to Convert VTT File to Text with Tactiq

Converting VTT files, like the ones generated from Zoom meetings, to a plain text format is helpful for easier reading and editing. Tactiq offers a straightforward way to do this:

1. Visit Tactiq and log into your account.
2. Go to your Transcripts page.
3. Click ‘Upload Transcript or Recording’ in the upper right corner.
4. Drag and drop the file into the box or click ‘Choose file.’ After the file is selected, click ‘Upload’.
5. Select the file from the list of transcripts.
6. Click the ‘Export’ button at the top of the transcript then select TXT or PDF from the options. The file will be downloaded to your computer.

How to Convert VTT File to Formatted Text

To convert a VTT file to a formatted text file, you can use a VTT to TXT converter online:

1. Go to a VTT to TXT converter website like Happy Scribe.
2. Upload the VTT file.
3. Select TXT format.
4. Click Convert.
5. Download the converted text file.

VTT files contain subtitle text and timings. You can modify the text in a VTT file, but it's not recommended to edit the timings unless you're familiar with how.

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How to Get an AI Summary from VTT File

For those looking to extract key points from a VTT file, Tactiq also provides an AI summarization tool. Upload your VTT file to Tactiq, and the platform will analyze the content, and summarize the main points. Here’s how:

1. Visit Tactiq and log into your account.
2. Go to your Transcripts page.
3. Click ‘Upload Transcript or Recording’ in the upper right corner.

4. Drag and drop the VTT file into the box or click ‘Choose file.’ After the file is selected, click ‘Upload’.

5. Click ‘Write a summary’ under AI tools to quickly generate a summary of the transcript. You can also ask AI to write bullet point highlights, create action items, and more.
   

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Editing VTT Files: Tips and Best Practices

Editing VTT files is important in video production and transcription work. Here's how you can edit and customize these files effectively:

Understand the format

A VTT file includes timestamps and corresponding text blocks. It's vital to understand this structure to maintain proper synchronization with the video.

Sync with accuracy

Ensure the subtitles match precisely with the audio. Incorrect timing can confuse viewers, as the text might appear too early or too late compared to the spoken words.

Keep subtitles concise

Subtitles should be brief and easy to comprehend. Long sentences can be hard to read in the short time they are displayed. Aim for short, clear phrases.

Use proper grammar and punctuation

Using proper grammar is essential for clarity and understanding. Correct punctuation also helps convey the right tone and pauses in dialogue.

Consistent styling

Maintain a uniform style throughout your subtitles. This includes font choice, size, and color, if applicable. Consistency in these elements ensures professionalism and a better viewer experience.

Include essential sounds

For a comprehensive experience, include key non-speech elements like sound effects in your subtitles, especially when they are crucial to the video's context.

Editing tools

Use appropriate software for editing VTT files. Simple text editors can be effective, depending on your needs.

Test and review

After editing, always review your VTT file in conjunction with the video. This ensures the subtitles are well-timed and accurately represent the audio.