How to create SRT subtitles

SRT is one of the most common subtitle formats for video editors, media players, YouTube, and publishing platforms. With Automatic Subtitles, you can create an SRT file from audio, video, or a YouTube link and then edit or translate it.

Create SRT subtitles

Steps

  1. Open Automatic Subtitles and upload the media file, or use the Video Link tab for a YouTube URL.
  2. Choose the spoken language. If you are not sure, use automatic language detection.
  3. Select SRT as an output format. You can also export VTT, TXT, or JSON for other workflows.
  4. Start the transcription job and wait for the timed subtitle file to finish.
  5. Download the SRT file and review the first minute, the middle, and the end for timing quality.

What makes a good SRT file

A good SRT file has clear timestamps, readable cue length, and text that fits naturally on screen. Shorter lines are easier to read, especially when the speaker talks quickly. If you plan to translate subtitles, start with a clean SRT export because the translated file will keep the same timing structure.

Related guides

After creating subtitles, you can translate subtitles, check subtitle sync problems, or use the online subtitle translator.