What is a YouTube transcript extractor?
A YouTube transcript extractor reads the captions that already exist on a video and returns the timed text. All three YouTube pages here read existing captions; the difference is the output: the generator is text-first for reading and copying, the extractor keeps the timed captions for editing, and the Download YouTube Subtitles page saves an SRT file directly. If a video has no captions, use the MP3 or MP4 page to transcribe the audio.
How to extract a YouTube transcript
- Copy the URL of the video you want to read.
- Paste it above and press Extract transcript.
- Copy the text, or download the timed captions as an SRT file.
Extractor vs generator
Use an extractor when the video already has captions and you want the exact text. Use a generator when the video has no captions and you need speech recognition instead. This page extracts existing captions; if none exist, try the audio to text converter with the video's audio track.
Tips
- Auto-generated captions may contain recognition errors; review names and numbers.
- Only extract transcripts for content you own or have permission to use.
- For a text-only view, use the YouTube transcript generator.
- To remove timestamps from an SRT file, use the SRT to text converter.
Frequently asked questions
How do I extract a transcript from YouTube?
Copy the video URL, paste it into the box, and press Extract transcript.
Does the video need captions?
Yes. The extractor reads existing manual or auto-generated captions. If captions are disabled, there is nothing to extract.
Can I download the transcript as SRT?
Yes. The result includes a Download .srt button with the original timestamps.
Is the extractor free?
Yes. It is free, does not require an account, and works with standard YouTube URLs.
Related tools
- Download YouTube subtitles — SRT-first view.
- SRT to text — remove timestamps.
- Subtitle converter — SRT, VTT and text.
- MP4 to text — transcribe a video file.