SRT File Format Explained
Everything you need to know about SRT files — the most widely supported subtitle format on the internet.
What is an SRT File?
SRT (SubRip Subtitle) is a plain-text subtitle format that pairs caption text with timing information. Because it's simple and universally supported, SRT works in VLC, YouTube, Premiere, Final Cut, TikTok, and almost every video player or editor.
The name comes from SubRip, the original software that extracted subtitles from DVDs into this format.
SRT File Structure
Each subtitle entry follows four repeating parts:
1
00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,500
Hello, and welcome to this video.
2
00:00:04,600 --> 00:00:08,200
Today we’ll learn about SRT files.
- Sequence number — the subtitle counter (1, 2, 3…).
- Timestamp — start and end time separated by the characters
-->. Milliseconds use a comma. - Caption text — one or more lines of subtitle text.
- Blank line — separates each entry.
Timestamps always use the format hours:minutes:seconds,milliseconds (for example, 00:01:23,456).
SRT vs VTT: What's the Difference?
VTT (WebVTT) is a modern web subtitle format that extends SRT with styling and positioning features. Both use similar timestamp formats, but VTT uses periods instead of commas for milliseconds and adds support for colors, cue settings, and chapters.
- SRT — maximum compatibility, works everywhere, simplest format.
- VTT — best for HTML5 video and browsers, with styling options.
If you only need your captions to play anywhere, SRT is the safe choice. TranscribePro can export both, plus TXT and Markdown.
How to Open and Create SRT Files
Open an SRT file
SRT files open in any text editor (Notepad, TextEdit, VS Code) and most video players. In VLC, add a media file and use the Subtitle menu to load a matching .srt file.
Create an SRT file automatically
The fastest way is to transcribe your video and export SRT. TranscribePro generates timestamped captions from audio, video, or a YouTube link in 120+ languages — then downloads the matching .srt file. Try the free SRT generator now.
Add subtitles to a video
Upload your SRT to YouTube or Vimeo, or drag it into your editor. For a detailed walkthrough, read how to add subtitles to video.
SRT FAQ
Are SRT files free to create?
Yes. You can create SRT subtitles for free with TranscribePro (300 minutes/month) or write them by hand in any text editor.
Do SRT files contain audio or video?
No. An SRT file stores only text and timestamps. You pair it with your video file to display captions.
Generate an SRT File Free
Upload any video or paste a YouTube link to get a timestamped, downloadable SRT file.
Create SRT Free