Download YouTube video subtitles can be super useful for studying content, improving accessibility (for example for people who are hard of hearing), translate videos, or archive transcripts.
Subtitles are also a great help for people who encounter language barriers.
With over 2.7 billion active users on YouTube (source: Statista), the tools for extracting subtitles are more efficient and simple than ever. Each tool has specific features, such as support for multiple languages or formats.
What are the best tools for downloading YouTube subtitles?
Here is a selection of most reliable tools, based on recent tests.
The table below lists the main features and options for each tool, including features, formats, and languages available for extracting and downloading subtitles.
These tools are free or freemium, no need to register for the databases, and compatible with PC/mobile:
🛠️ Tool
⭐ Rating (/5)
✨ Stars
🔑 Key Features
📄 Supported Formats
🆓 Free?
⚠️ Limitations
🎯 Accuracy (%)
DownSub
4.8
★★★★★
Direct download, multi-language, playlists
SRT, TXT, VTT
Yes
Ads
98%
SaveFrom.net
4.6
★★★★★
Video + subtitles, HD, fast
SRT, TXT, MP3 (audio)
Yes
No free 4K
95%
4K Video Downloader
4.5
★★★★★
Integrated subtitles, playlists, mobile app
SRT, VTT, TXT
Freemium
30 free downloads/day
99%
YouTube Transcript Downloader (Chrome)
4.3
★★★★☆
Fast extraction, multi-language
TXT, SRT
Yes
Chrome extension only
92%
KeepVid
4.2
★★★★☆
Online download, varied formats
SRT, TXT, VTT
Yes
Ads
90%
YTSubtitles.com
4.0
★★★★☆
Focus on subtitles only, free
SRT, VTT
Yes
No video
88%
These tools are secure and fast (less than 1 minute for a standard subtitle).
How do I download subtitles for a YouTube video?
Here is a step by step tutorial with DownSub (the simplest) — applicable to other tools:
Copy video link : Open YouTube, click “Share” and copy the link.
Access the tool : Go to downsub.com (or an equivalent like SaveFrom.net).
Paste the URL : Insert the link in the search bar then click on “Download”. The download can be done in just a few clicks.
Choose language and format : Select the language (e.g. French, English) and the format (SRT for videos, TXT for plain text). The language and format are selected in a dedicated window.
Download : Click on the download button — the file will be saved on your device. The downloaded file can be saved on your computer.
Verify : Open the file with an editor like Notepad (TXT) or a video player like VLC (SRT to add subtitles).
Thanks to this simple process, subtitles can be quickly obtained from the tool page.
Tip: If the video doesn't have subtitles, YouTube subtitles automatically generates in 13 languages (e.g. French, English), but they may contain errors. For mobiles, use the Chrome browser — no app required.
Can we download subtitles in several languages or formats (SRT, TXT...)?
Yes! Most tools support multiple languages if available on YouTube (auto-generated or added by the author). Users can choose from a list of language options and formats when downloading subtitles.
Common formats include:
SRT : Standard for videos, with timestamps (ideal for VLC or editors).
TXT : Plain text, without timstamps (for reading or translating).
MTB : Web format, compatible with online readers.
Each tool offers different features and options. to meet all needs.
Should the video have subtitles generated automatically or added by the author?
Not necessarily:
Subtitles added by the author : More accurate, available for direct download (accuracy 99%).
Auto-generated subtitles : YouTube creates them via AI for 13 languages, but they can have errors (accuracy 85-95%, source: YouTube Blog). Tools like DownSub extract both types. If no options, YouTube doesn't allow the download.
Thanks to these tools, it is possible to extract both auto-generated subtitles and those added by the author.
Is it legal to download subtitles?
This is a gray area: YouTube prohibits unauthorized downloads via its CGUs, but for personal use (studies, accessibility), it is often tolerated if you do not redistribute.
Respect copyright — don't monetize or share without the owner's permission
Also, consider the download burden, whether in terms of storage capacity on your devices or respect for copyright when transferring or managing files.
In France, intellectual property law protects content, so use for private purposes (source: CNIL). Reassuring: These tools don't store your data and are legal as long as you're not violating rights.
How do I reuse or modify an uploaded subtitle file?
Once downloaded:
Reuse : Add SRT to a video with VLC (Tools > Subtitles > Add) or YouTube (for your own videos). For translations, import into Google Translate or an editor like Subtitle Edit.
Edit : Open the SRT file with Notepad or a dedicated editor (e.g. Aegisub, free) to correct errors, add timstamps, or translate.
Convert : Use tools like Subtitle Converter to switch from SRT to TXT.
Downloaded subtitles can also be embedded as text in your YouTube videos or other media.
Download methods
Retrieving YouTube subtitles is becoming more complex following platform changes. Many tools have stopped working, but several reliable solutions remain. 🎯
Web services remain the most accessible method for most users:
🛠️ Tool
✅ Status 2025
📱 Formats
🌍 Languages
💰 Price
⭐ Rating
DownSub
✅ Functional
SRT, VTT, TXT
50+ languages
Free
4.5/5
SaveSubs
✅ Functional
SRT, VTT, TXT
40+ languages
Free
4.2/5
YouSubtitles
✅ Functional
SRT, TXT
30+ languages
Free
4.0/5
EasySub
✅ Functional
SRT, ASS, VTT, TXT
60+ languages
Free
4.3/5
Y2Mate
⚠️ Unstable
SRT, TXT
20+ languages
Free
3.0/5
✅ Advantages: No installation, immediate use, universal compatibility
❌ Disadvantages: Ads, speed limits, internet addiction
2. Office software (more reliable)
Installed apps are more resistant to YouTube changes
🖥️ Software
💡 Specialty
📊 Reliability
🔧 Features
💲 Price
4K Video Downloader
🔝 High Quality
95%
📥 Batch downloading, 8K support
$15/month
EaseUS Video Downloader
⚙️ Versatility
90%
🌐 Multi-platform, varied formats
Free / Pro
Wondershare UniConverter
🛠️ All-in-One
85%
🎞️ Conversion, editing, burning
$56/year
DVDVideoSoft
✨ Simplicity
80%
🔄 Basic interface, standard formats
Free
3. Mobile applications
To download directly from your smartphone:
📱 App
🤖 Android
🍎 iOS
🎯 Feature
iMyFone TopClipper
✅
✅
Intuitive interface
Video Downloader Plus
✅
❌
Fast download
Documents by Readdle
❌
✅
Integrated file manager
4. YouTube manual method
Simple steps:
🎥 Open your YouTube video
⚙️ Click on the three dots (...) under the video
📝 Select “Show Transcript”
📋 Copy the text shown
💾 Paste into a text editor
⚠️ Limits: No time codes, variable quality, manual formatting required
📊 Comparison of output formats
📄 Format
🎯 Main Use
🔧 Compatibility
📝 Content
SRT
Standard video players
VLC, Windows Media Player
Text + timing
VTT
Web players
Browser, HTML5
Text + styles
TXT
Simple reading
All text editors
Text only
ASS/SSA
Advanced subtitling
Aegisub, specialized players
Text + effects
⚖️ Legal framework
✅ Authorized uses:
👨 🎓 Personal education
♿ Accessibility and disability
🌍 Language learning
📚 Academic research
❌ Prohibited uses:
💰 Commercial redistribution
🔄 Reselling content
📺 Unauthorized public broadcasting
Using a downloader
Mastering YouTube subtitle downloaders requires choose the right tool according to your needs. The download process may vary depending on the tool selected, whether it's a browser extension or an online platform.
Here is a comprehensive guide:
🎯 Profile selection guide
👤 User Profile
🛠️ Recommended Tool
🔧 Reason
💰 Budget
Occasional beginner
DownSub
Simple interface, free
$0
Regular student
EaseUS Video Downloader
Batch downloading
$0–25
Professional
4K Video Downloader
Maximum reliability
$15/month
Content creator
Wondershare UniConverter
Integrated tools
$56/year
📝 Step-by-Step Tutorial (DownSub)
🔥 Most popular method
Step 1: Preparation
🎥 Open your YouTube video 📋 Copy the full URL (Ctrl+C) on its web application 🌐 Go to downsub.com
Step 2: Setup
📝 Paste the URL into the text field 🌍 Select the desired language 📄 Choose the format (SRT recommended)
Step 3: Download
⬇️ Click “Download” ⏳ Wait for analysis (5-15 seconds) 💾 Save the generated file
⚙️ Advanced features
These advanced features are among the features most sought after by users, as they offer great flexibility and meet a variety of needs.
🚀 Function
🎯 Utility
🛠️ Compatible Tools
📊 Time Savings
⚙️ Batch downloading
Complete playlist management
4K Video Downloader, EaseUS Video Downloader
+400%
🔄 Automatic conversion
Conversion to multiple formats without intervention
Before looking at the chart below, note that this section answers the most common questions you encounter when downloading subtitles.
❌ Problem
🔍 Likely Cause
✅ Solution
⏱️ Resolution Time
🎥 Video without subtitles
No CC available
Check the CC icon on YouTube
30 seconds
⚠️ Download error
Incorrect URL
Copy the full URL
1 minute
⏱️ Desynchronized subtitles
Automatic transcription
Prefer manual subtitles
2 minutes
❗ Incompatible format
Wrong format choice
Use universal SRT format
30 seconds
📊 Subtitle quality by type
🎯 Subtitle Type
🎥 Source
⭐ Accuracy
🔧 Editing Required
📝 Manual (White CC)
👤 Creator
95–99%
Minimal
🤖 Auto-generated (Gray CC)
YouTube AI
70–85%
Necessary
🗣️ Community
Contributors
85–95%
Occasional
🌐 Auto-translated
AI
60–75%
Significant
🔒 Security and privacy
✅ Best practices:
🛡️ Use recognized tools
🔐 Avoid suspicious sites
💻 Prefer installed software
🌐 Verify SSL certificates
⚠️ Warning signs:
📥 Executable download requests
💳 Requests for personal information
🔄 Multiple redirects
📢 Intrusive ads
Conclusion
Subtitles play an important role in video engagement and conversions, and the best example is anime. Most animes are in Japanese and don't have a dubbed version. In this case, subtitles are very useful and generate massive engagement.
So subtitles are a bigger part of engagement and conversion. This article has covered a few YouTube subtitle downloader software that allows users to download subtitles easily.
Among all the subtitle downloader software mentioned, DownSub and the 4K downloader software are some of the best tools that users can use to download high-quality subtitles and videos.
These tools are suitable for all types of YouTube videos, making it easy to extract, download, and add subtitles to improve accessibility and the user experience.
FAQS
Can I download subtitles for private videos?
No, only for public videos or those where you have access. If it's your video, use YouTube Studio to export subtitles.
Do the tools work on mobile?
Yes, via the browser (e.g. Chrome on Android/iOS). For iOS, use an app like Documents to save the file.
How do I download playlist subtitles?
Some tools like 4K Video Downloader support playlists; otherwise, download video by video with DownSub.
What should I do if the auto-generated subtitles are inaccurate?
Edit them manually with an editor like Subtitle Edit, or ask the video creator to add specific subtitles.
Can we download subtitles in 4K or HD?
Subtitles are independent of video quality; they are in text format, but tools like SaveFrom.net extract them from HD videos.
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