How to Convert VTT to SRT [Full Guide & Free Options]

Subtitles enhance accessibility and engagement, but different formats can cause compatibility issues. Two of the most common formats are:

• VTT (Web Video Text Tracks) – Preferred for online platforms.
• SRT (SubRip Subtitle) – More widely supported across media players and editing software.

If you need to convert VTT to SRT, this guide will walk you through simple steps to ensure seamless conversion. Whether you’re a content creator, video editor, or just making your videos more accessible, you’ll find the best tools and methods right here.

Key Takeaways

• VTT and SRT are two common subtitle formats, but SRT is more widely compatible with media players and editing software. 
• VTT offers more advanced features like styling and positioning, but SRT prioritizes simplicity and broad compatibility.
• Converting VTT to SRT is straightforward. You can do it manually in a text editor, use online tools, or employ conversion software like FFmpeg.

How to Convert VTT to SRT

Converting a VTT subtitle file to an SRT format is simple, but the method you choose depends on the file size and your preference for manual or automated solutions. 

Here is a step-by-step manual process, followed by faster, automated methods.

Method 1: Manual Conversion (For Small Files)

If you have a short VTT file, you can manually edit it with the following steps:

1. Open the VTT File

Use a text editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).

2. Remove the WEBVTT Header

Delete the first line, which usually says “WEBVTT”.

3. Adjust the Timestamp Format

Convert timestamps from VTT to SRT format:

VTT: 00:01:15.500 –> 00:01:20.000

SRT: 00:01:15,500 –> 00:01:20,000

(Replace the ”.” with a ”,” in the milliseconds section.)

4. Remove Extra Metadata

Delete lines containing VTT-specific cues such as position:50% or {italic} formatting.

5. Ensure Subtitle Numbering

Add sequential numbers above each subtitle block:

1

00:00:05,000 –> 00:00:10,000

This is an example subtitle.

6. Save the File as .srt

Choose “Save As”, rename it with a .srt extension, and ensure the text encoding is UTF-8 for compatibility.

7. Test the SRT File

Open it in a media player like VLC to confirm it syncs correctly with the video.

Method 2: Using Online Converters (Fast & Easy)

If manual conversion feels tedious, use an online tool to automate the process. These platforms allow you to upload a VTT file and export it as an SRT in just a few clicks:

Sonix is a premium AI transcription tool that generates transcriptions and allows for easy subtitle editing. The platform is great for high-quality, AI-enhanced subtitle management. 

While we cannot directly convert VTT to SRT, Sonix is capable of transcribing content with 99% accuracy in just a few minutes. Once the transcription is completed, you have the option to export the subtitles in a bunch of different formats including VTT and SRT.

How to convert using Sonix

1. Upload your original media file to Sonix. You can upload your own audio/video file from your computer or paste in a YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, or Dropbox link (just make sure that the file has the right access settings so Sonix can access it).
2. Generate a transcript. You can transcribe content for as little as $5 per hour.
3. Double-check the generated transcription for errors. While it’s always recommended to give your subtitles a quick read, with its 99% accuracy, Sonix rarely makes errors with high-quality audio.
4. If you’re looking to skip having to play around with video editors to sync your subtitles, Sonix also gives you the option to burn-in subtitles to your video content directly from the in-browser editor. 
5. Export your subtitles in your desired format. Sonix provides support for both VTT and SRT.

Looking to convert other files to subtitles or captions? Check out some of our guides below:

• How to convert MPE to subtitles
• How to convert AIF to subtitles
• How to convert MOV to subtitles
• How to convert MPEG to subtitles
• How to convert VOB to captions

What is a VTT file?

A VTT file (Web Video Text Tracks, .vtt) is a widely used subtitle format designed for web-based video content. It is a human-readable text format that stores subtitles sequentially, including timestamps, metadata, and styling information such as font colors, positioning, and text alignment. The WebVTT format is supported by HTML5 video players, making it a preferred choice for streaming platforms and websites.

Unlike SRT files, which only contain plain text and timestamps, VTT files can also include metadata like speaker labels and descriptions, which are useful for accessibility and closed captions. Many online platforms, such as YouTube, Vimeo, and JW Player, support VTT files for subtitle rendering.

Because VTT files allow more advanced styling and text formatting, they are commonly used for interactive web-based applications, online courses, and e-learning videos. However, their compatibility with offline media players and video editing software is limited, which is why converting VTT to SRT is often necessary for broader usability.

What is an SRT file?

An SRT file (SubRip Subtitle file, .srt) is one of the most widely used subtitle formats, known for its simplicity and universal compatibility. It is a plain text file that contains sequential subtitle entries, each with a subtitle number, start and end timecodes, and the corresponding subtitle text.

Unlike VTT files, which support metadata and text styling, SRT files do not include any additional formatting — making them lightweight, easy to edit, and compatible with virtually all video players, streaming platforms, and editing software.

SRT subtitles are commonly used for movies, TV shows, online courses, and social media videos. They are supported by platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, VLC Media Player, and Adobe Premiere Pro. Since SRT files lack styling options, they are often used in scenarios where timing accuracy is more important than text customization. 

Because of their broad compatibility, many users convert VTT to SRT when they need subtitles to work across multiple devices and software without worrying about unsupported formatting or styling inconsistencies.

Why Convert VTT to SRT?

When working with subtitles, WebVTT and SubRip Subtitle files are two of the most commonly used formats. While both serve the same purpose, providing captions for videos, they have key differences that can impact compatibility, usability, and accessibility. 

Converting VTT to SRT is often necessary for ensuring seamless integration across different platforms and video players. Here’s why making the switch can be beneficial.

1. Better Compatibility with Media Players

VTT files are primarily designed for web-based video platforms like HTML5 players and Vimeo, whereas SRT is universally supported across media players, editing software, and streaming services. If you need subtitles to work on VLC, Windows Media Player, or Final Cut Pro, converting VTT to SRT ensures broader compatibility without formatting issues.

2. Simplified Formatting for Editing and Translation

VTT files include extra metadata, such as styling, positioning, and special characters, which may not be necessary for basic captioning. SRT files have a simpler structure, making them easier to edit, translate, and repurpose across different projects. 

If you need to clean up or standardize subtitles, converting to SRT eliminates unnecessary elements and streamlines the editing process.

3. Improved Support for Social Media and Streaming Platforms

While some platforms support VTT subtitles, many, including YouTube, Facebook, and Amazon Prime Video, prefer or require SRT files. By converting VTT to SRT, you ensure that your subtitles can be uploaded without additional conversion steps, saving time and reducing compatibility issues.

4. Enhanced SEO Benefits

Since SRT files are plain text, they can be easily indexed by search engines and video platforms, improving discoverability and accessibility. If your goal is to enhance video SEO and reach a wider audience, using SRT over VTT can be a strategic advantage.

However, this does depend on how the subtitles are stored and linked to the video content. If your website embeds SRT subtitles directly in the HTML or provides them as plain text within the webpage, search engines like Google can crawl and index the text.

Comparing VTT and SRT files

Other Ways of Converting VTT to SRT

Need something a little quicker? Here are a few other ways to convert VTT to SRT.

Convert VTT to SRT Using Python 

If you’re comfortable with coding, Python offers a flexible way to convert VTT to SRT. 

1. Install the webvtt-py Library: Open your terminal or command prompt and type: ‘pip install webvtt-py’. Make sure you already have Python installed and set up correctly on your device. You’ll see a “Successfully installed” message like you see below.

2. Create a Python Script:

import webvtt

# Function to convert VTT timestamp to SRT timestamp format

def convert_timestamp(timestamp):

    return timestamp.replace(‘.’, ‘,’)

# Load the VTT file

vtt = webvtt.read(‘sample VTT file.vtt’)

# Open a new file to write the SRT content

with open(‘converted file.srt’, ‘w’) as f:

    for i, caption in enumerate(vtt):

        # Write the subtitle number

        f.write(str(i + 1) + ‘\n’)

        # Convert and write the start and end times in SRT format

        start = convert_timestamp(caption.start)

        end = convert_timestamp(caption.end)

        f.write(start + ‘ –> ‘ + end + ‘\n’)

        # Write only the text of the caption

        # Any metadata or styling information will be ignored

        f.write(caption.text + ‘\n\n’)

Remember that ‘your_file.vtt’ will need to be replaced by the name of the target file you intend to convert, and ‘your_file.srt’ will be the name of the final SRT file generated. If you need a different name, just replace the ‘your_file’ part before .srt, and you’ll be good to go!

3. Run the Script: Make sure the VTT file and the Python file you just created are in the same folder and execute the Python script. Your SRT file will pop up in the same destination.

Convert VTT to SRT with Mac

Mac users have a handy built-in tool for subtitle conversions, as follows:

1. FFmpeg Installation: Ensure FFmpeg is installed on your Mac, as it’s not included by default. You can install FFmpeg using Homebrew (a package manager for macOS) by running ‘brew install FFmpeg’ in the Terminal.
2. Open Automator: You can find the Automater in your Applications folder.
3. Create a New Quick Action: Select “Quick Action” as the type for your new document. In the top right corner of the Automator window, set the “Workflow receives current” dropdown to “files or folders” in “Finder.”
4. Add Actions:

• Drag the “Get Specified Finder Items” action into your workflow if you want to add files each time you run the action manually. Alternatively, you can skip this action if you prefer to use the workflow by right-clicking on files in Finder.
• Drag the “Run Shell Script” action to the workflow, placing it below the “Get Specified Finder Items” action (if used).
• In the “Run Shell Script” action, set “Pass input” to “as arguments.” 

5. Paste the following script:

#!/bin/bash

for f in “$@”

do

    /usr/local/bin/ffmpeg -i “$f” “${f%.*}.srt”

Done

At the end, your Automator will look something like this.

6. Save Your Quick Action: Save your Quick Action with an appropriate name, like “Convert to SRT.”

Convert VTT to SRT with FFmpeg

FFmpeg, a versatile multimedia toolkit, can also handle subtitle conversions as follows:

1. Download FFmpeg: Here are the steps to properly download FFmpeg.

• Go to the FFmpeg official website: FFmpeg.org
• Click on the “Download” link and choose a Windows build from the provided links. The gyan.dev or BtbN builds are popular choices.
• Extract the Files.
• After downloading, extract the ZIP file to a location on your computer, such as C:\FFmpeg.
• Add FFmpeg to the Windows Path:
• Right-click on “This PC” or “My Computer” and select “Properties.”
• Click on “Advanced system settings” and then “Environment Variables.”
• Under “System Variables,” find and select the “Path” variable, then click “Edit.”
• Click “New” and add the path to the bin folder inside the extracted FFmpeg folder, e.g., C:\FFmpeg\bin.

• Click “OK” to close all dialog boxes.
• Open Command Prompt and type ‘ffmpeg -version’ to check if it’s properly installed. If it is, the response will look something like this.

2. Open a terminal or command prompt: Use the CD command (change directory) to navigate to your VTT file’s directory. Write “cd” and enter the full path of the VTT file.
3. Run the Command:

ffmpeg -i your_file.vtt your_file.srt

Make sure to replace your_file.vtt with the actual name of your VTT file. 

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Converting VTT to SRT

While converting VTT to SRT is generally simple, some common errors and formatting issues can arise. Below are the most frequent problems users encounter and how to fix them.

Retaining Unwanted Metadata and Formatting

VTT files contain extra metadata, styling, and positioning cues that SRT does not support. If these elements are not removed during conversion, they can cause playback errors or incorrect subtitle appearance.

Solution: Use a reliable conversion tool like Sonix, which automatically removes unnecessary formatting. Alternatively, manually clean the SRT file by opening it in a text editor and deleting unwanted lines.

Timing and Synchronization Issues

After conversion, subtitles may appear out of sync with the audio, causing dialogue mismatches. This usually happens due to differences in timecoding formats between VTT and SRT.

Solution: Use subtitle synchronization tools such as Subtitle Edit or Aegisub to manually adjust timestamps. If using an online converter, choose one that offers time alignment options before exporting the SRT file.

Missing or Corrupted Characters

Some VTT files contain special characters, accents, or non-English text that might not convert properly. This can result in garbled text, missing letters, or unreadable subtitles.

Solution: Ensure that the character encoding is set to UTF-8 before converting. If errors persist, use a more advanced subtitle converter like Sonix, which maintains text integrity.

File Size Limitations in Online Converters

Many free online subtitle converters impose file size restrictions, making it impossible to process large VTT files. This can be frustrating for long videos or detailed subtitles.

Solution: Use desktop software like Subtitle Edit, which can process large files without restrictions. If using an online tool, split the VTT file into smaller sections before converting.

Incorrect Numbering or Formatting in the SRT File

After conversion, some users find that their subtitle numbering is incorrect or timestamps are improperly formatted. This can lead to playback errors on certain media players.

Solution: Open the converted SRT file in a subtitle editor and ensure that the formatting follows this structure:

1

00:00:01,000 –> 00:00:04,000

Example subtitle text.

Manually adjust numbering if necessary or re-run the conversion with a more reliable tool.

​​Final Thoughts

Choosing the right VTT to SRT conversion method depends on your specific needs. If you require speed and accuracy, Sonix is the best choice due to its AI-driven subtitle processing, ensuring high precision and seamless formatting. For quick one-time conversions, online tools work well, but they lack advanced customization features. If manual adjustments are necessary, software like Subtitle Edit provides greater flexibility without cost.

Regardless of the method, ensuring that your SRT files are properly formatted and synced will enhance usability and accessibility across different media platforms.

Try Sonix today and get a 30-day free trial to experience fast, AI-powered subtitle conversion with the highest accuracy! 

Converting VTT to SRT: Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from those who are interested in how to convert VTT to SRT:

Can You Convert VTT to SRT?

Yes, you can convert VTT (WebVTT) files to SRT (SubRip Subtitle) format, and it is a common process for improving subtitle compatibility. Many online converters and software tools, such as Subtitle Edit, Aegisub, and HandBrake, can quickly convert VTT to SRT. Since VTT files contain additional metadata like styling and positioning, some of this information may be lost during conversion. However, if you’re looking to create a fresh transcription with 99% accuracy that can be transported in various formats, Sonix can help.

What Is the Difference Between VTT and SRT?

Both VTT (WebVTT) and SRT (SubRip Subtitle) files serve the same purpose, providing subtitles for videos, but they have key differences. VTT files support advanced features like text formatting (bold, italics, colors), positioning, and styling, making them suitable for web-based video players like HTML5, Vimeo, and JW Player. SRT files, on the other hand, are simpler and widely supported across various video players, editing software, and streaming platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Netflix. Because SRT lacks extra styling features, it is more universal, easier to edit, and preferred for broad compatibility.

What Does SRT Txt Mean?

SRT stands for “SubRip Subtitle Text”, a widely used plain text subtitle format for video captions. Each subtitle segment consists of a numbered index, a timestamp, and the subtitle text itself, ensuring that captions appear at the correct moments in a video. The format is lightweight and does not contain styling information like fonts or colors, making it highly compatible with media players, video editing software, and streaming platforms. Because SRT files are human-readable, they can be easily opened and edited in basic text editors.

How Do I View an SRT File?

SRT files can be opened and viewed in various ways, depending on whether you want to edit the text or see subtitles with a video. Most media players, such as VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, and QuickTime, allow you to load an SRT file along with a video, displaying the subtitles as you watch. If you need to edit an SRT file, you can open it in a plain text editor like Notepad (Windows), TextEdit (Mac), or Notepad++, though formatting may appear basic. For advanced editing, specialized subtitle software like Aegisub or Subtitle Edit is recommended.