Download YouTube Subtitles: 3 Methods That Actually Work

Watching YouTube is fun until you need to save those helpful captions for later. Maybe you want to grab subtitles from a how-to tutorial, download captions for a foreign-language video, or use a transcript for content creation. Yet, many people don't realize how easy it is to download YouTube subtitles.

Below, we'll break down how to download subtitles from a YouTube video using different methods: YouTube's built-in tools, online tools, and even desktop software for batch projects. By the end, you'll have everything you need, plus a tip for adding subtitles to your own videos with a reliable video editor.

Part 1. How to Download YouTube Subtitles Using the Built-in Transcript Feature

If you only need a clean text version of the captions, the easiest way to download YouTube subtitles is by using YouTube's built-in transcript tool. It is a simple and reliable feature that works directly in your browser with no extra software or downloads.

This method is perfect for saving subtitles from tutorials, lectures, or any video where you want the words written out for reference. So, without further ado, check out the simple steps below to learn how to do it:

Step 1

Open the YouTube Video

Begin by heading over to YouTube and locating the video you'd like to save subtitles from. Type the title or keywords into the search bar, then select the video to open it.

Step 2

Open the Transcript

Scroll down to the description area under the video and click "More" to expand the details. Keep scrolling until you spot the "Transcript" option, then click "Show Transcript" to display the captions.

Step 3

Copy and Save Subtitles

The transcript will show up on the right side of your screen. Highlight all the text and press Ctrl + C to copy it. Next, open a text editor like Notepad, Microsoft Word, or any writing app, then paste the subtitles you just copied to keep them saved.

Part 2. Get Subtitles in One Click: Best Online YouTube Subtitle Downloaders

While the built-in transcript tool is helpful, it often includes timestamps and requires extra effort to copy each line. If copying subtitles manually feels like too much work, switching to an online YouTube subtitle downloader can save you a lot of time.

Websites like DownSub, SaveSubs, and DVDVideoSoft are quick, reliable, and easy to use, making them perfect for anyone who wants subtitles ready to go in seconds.

For this example, we will use DownSub to show how easy it is to download YouTube subtitles with an online tool. Follow the steps below to get your subtitles in just a few clicks.

Step 1

Open the Video and Copy URL

Go to YouTube and search for the video you want to grab subtitles from. Highlight the URL in the address bar and press Ctrl + C to copy it, or right-click on the video and choose "Copy Video URL".

Step 2

Paste into DownSub Search Box

Head over to the DownSub website and insert the copied link into the search field. Then click "Download" and wait for it to process.

Step 3

Download as SRT or TXT

After processing, you’ll see options to download the subtitles as an SRT or TXT file. SRT files keep timestamps for syncing with videos, while TXT files contain plain text without timing details. For simplicity, choose TXT and save it directly to your device.

Step 4

Open the Subtitles File

Open the file with Notepad, Microsoft Word, or any text editor. You’ll now have clean subtitles without extra timestamps, making them easier to read or repurpose.

Part 3. How to Download YouTube Subtitles with Desktop Software

Unfortunately, those online subtitle tools can feel overwhelming with endless ads. Not to mention, some sites fail to pull captions from private, age-restricted, or region-locked videos. If that's bothering you, switching to a YouTube subtitle extractor software is a smarter choice.

Among many, one reliable option is 4K Video Downloader, which runs smoothly on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It keeps everything neat and accessible, making it a go-to choice when you want reliable subtitles stored right on your computer.

Take a look at the step-by-step instructions below to see how you can download YouTube subtitles using this method:

Step 1

Download and Install the Software

Go to the 4K Video Downloader website and download the program for your system. Choose the right version (desktop or mobile) and install it on your device.

Step 2

Copy and Paste the Video Link

Copy the link of the YouTube video containing the subtitles. Open the software and press the "Paste Link" button to add it to the downloader.

Step 3

Select Subtitles

Enable the "Subtitles" option to include captions in your download. Choose one language or select multiple if available, depending on your needs.

Step 4

Download the Video and Subtitles

Choose your preferred video format, resolution, and save location. Once ready, click "Download" to grab both the video and subtitles, which will be stored in your selected folder.

Step 5

Open the Subtitles File

Open the subtitles file with Notepad, Microsoft Word, or any text editor. The file is saved in TXT format with timestamps that align with the video’s dialogue, making it easy to read, translate, or repurpose for projects.

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Part 4. More Than Just Downloading: Import & Edit Subtitles for Your Own Videos

After exploring these options, you will find that choosing the best YouTube subtitle downloader depends on how you like to work. Some creators enjoy the speed and simplicity of online tools, while others appreciate the extra control that desktop software provides.

Either way, once your subtitles are saved, you might want to refine them, translate them, or add fresh captions to your own videos. Wondershare Filmora makes this next step effortless, giving you everything you need to tweak captions, design custom subtitles, and craft videos that feel polished and ready to share.

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Here's why Filmora makes video subtitle editing simple and efficient for creators at any level:

• Import And Sync Subtitles With Ease: Filmora makes it simple to import subtitle files and line them up perfectly with your videos. This saves time and keeps your captions accurate without extra manual work.
• Instant Preview Of Subtitles: You can see exactly how your captions look while you edit, so there is no guessing. It keeps the process efficient and accurate.
• Edit Subtitles Like A Pro: You can customize font, size, color, and placement with just a few clicks. It is an easy way to make your subtitles look polished and fit your video style.
• Translate Subtitles With AI: Filmora's AI Video Translation turns your captions into multiple languages instantly. This is perfect for growing your audience and making your videos accessible worldwide.
• Access A Library Of Text Effects: Filmora offers animated text styles and effects to make subtitles stand out. It is perfect for adding personality to your content.
• One-Click Export With Captions: Export your finished videos with embedded subtitles in any format you like. This makes sharing across platforms quick and easy.

Not to mention, Filmora is available on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, making it easy to work on any device you prefer. With all these powerful features, you can handle every part of your subtitle editing process in one place. Now, let's go through a simple guide on how to edit subtitles on your video with ease.

Step 1

Open Filmora and Start a New Project

Install the latest version of Filmora on your device. Open the app and click "New Project" to begin with a fresh editing workspace.

Step 2

Upload Your Video and Subtitle File

Go to the "Media" tab and select "Import" to add your video and subtitle file. Drag both files onto the timeline to begin editing. The video and subtitles will sync automatically in the preview window.

Step 3

Translate Your Subtitles

Select your subtitle file in the timeline and open the "Titles" menu. Choose "AI Captions" → "AI Translation". In "Translation Type", pick "Only translate caption" to focus on subtitles. Set source and target languages (e.g., English → Japanese), enable "Auto-match" for formatting consistency, and click "Translate".

Step 4

Use the Translated Subtitles

Once translation is complete, a new subtitle file will appear in your chosen language. Drag it onto the timeline and preview your video with the updated subtitles.

Step 5

Edit the Subtitles

Double-click the subtitle file to open the subtitle editor. Adjust text, timecodes, font, size, and placement. For styling, use the "Customize" tab for detailed options, or "Preset" to quickly apply templates. Add animations under the "Animations" tab and click "Apply to All" to finalize.

Step 6

Edit the Video

Enhance your video further with Filmora’s creative tools. Add filters, transitions, stickers, or special effects to make your project polished and engaging.

Step 7

Export and Save Your Video

When editing is complete, click "Export". Choose "Local" to save on your device, or "Social Media" to upload directly. Set title, format, resolution, and destination folder, then click "Export" again to finalize.

Conclusion

Not all videos on YouTube come with embedded subtitles, so even if you download them, some clips will not have captions. So, this guide shows you how to download subtitles from YouTube video in three simple ways using the built-in transcript feature, an online YouTube subtitle downloader, or a YouTube subtitle extractor software.

The choice depends on your style, but for editing and enhancing those subtitles, Filmora is the top choice. This editor makes it easy to upload and sync subtitle files, customize every detail, or use ready-made presets for a faster workflow. Not to mention, its AI translation feature helps you create multilingual content effortlessly and expand your reach.

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