Guide
TXT vs SRT vs VTT: Which Transcript Format Should You Use?
Compare TXT, SRT, and VTT transcript files, including timestamps, editor support, web captions, and the best use for each format.
By EZTranscript Updated July 22, 2026
TXT, SRT, and VTT can contain the same spoken words, but they serve different jobs. TXT is a document. SRT and VTT are timed-caption files that tell a player or editor when each line should appear.
| Format | Timestamps | Best use | Typical support |
|---|---|---|---|
| TXT | Optional | Reading, notes, search, writing | Any text editor |
| SRT | Required | Subtitles and video editing | Most editors and video platforms |
| VTT | Required | Web captions and browser players | HTML5 video and web tools |
Choose TXT for a readable document
TXT has no required structure. Open it anywhere, paste it into a document, search for a phrase, or send it to a colleague. A plain text transcript may include timestamps, but a media player does not treat those timestamps as caption cues.
Use TXT when the words matter more than playback timing. It is the practical choice for research notes, quotations, summaries, scripts, and content repurposing.
Choose SRT for editing and subtitles
An SRT file stores numbered caption blocks. Each block contains a start time, an end time, and the caption text. The time uses a comma before milliseconds, such as 00:00:04,200.
SRT works with many desktop editors, caption tools, and video platforms. Choose it when you plan to import captions into an editing timeline or upload subtitles beside a finished video.
Choose VTT for captions on the web
WebVTT looks similar to SRT but starts with a WEBVTT header and uses a period before milliseconds. It also supports web-focused cue settings and metadata that SRT does not standardize.
Use VTT with an HTML video track, a browser player, or a web publishing system that asks for WebVTT. Do not rename an SRT file to .vtt; convert the timestamps and add the required header.
A useful export workflow
- Generate the transcript and correct the words first.
- Keep TXT as the human-readable source copy.
- Export SRT for an editor or VTT for a web player.
- Play the final video once with captions enabled.
EZTranscript provides all three formats from the same result, so you can keep a readable transcript and a timed subtitle file together.
Turn a video into text now
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