Creator captions first
Manual caption tracks receive priority before automatic alternatives.
Free YouTube transcript downloader
Download a YouTube transcript free.
Paste a supported public video link, select an available caption language, and turn the original YouTube captions into clean text or a timestamped subtitle file. Creator-uploaded captions are preferred whenever available.
✓ Free transcript downloader✓ Creator captions preferred✓ Five export formats
Readable and precise
Use grouped reading mode or retain exact subtitle timing.
Free, no forced account
Start with a supported public link without creating an account.
What is a YouTube transcript downloader?
A YouTube transcript downloader turns an accessible video caption track into text you can search, copy, save, and reuse. YouTube Captionly preserves the selected source wording while grouping rapid caption cues into readable passages. This is useful when the native transcript panel is inconvenient or when you need a reusable document or subtitle file.
How to download a YouTube transcript
Copy the URL of a public YouTube video, Short, embed, or completed live replay. Paste it into the free transcript downloader, choose an available language, and review the source badge. You can then search the transcript, remove timestamps for reading, or download TXT, SRT, VTT, CSV, or JSON.
Choose the right transcript format
TXT is best for reading, notes, and AI workflows. SRT is widely supported by video editors and media players. WebVTT is designed for web video. CSV works well in spreadsheets, while JSON preserves structured timing and text for developers.
Creator-uploaded versus automatic captions
Creator-uploaded captions are usually edited by the channel owner or production team and can contain intended punctuation, names, terminology, and timing. Automatic captions are generated from speech recognition and may mishear accents, names, music, or overlapping speakers. YouTube Captionly labels the source so customers know what they received.
Availability and responsible use
A transcript can be extracted only when an accessible caption track exists. Private, region-blocked, members-only, age-restricted, and captionless videos may not work. Downloading a transcript changes its format; it does not transfer copyright or grant permission to republish another creator's work.
Frequently asked questions
What to know before downloading
Can I download every public YouTube transcript?
You can download a transcript when YouTube exposes an accessible caption track. Public status alone does not guarantee that captions exist.
Can I remove timestamps?
Yes. Turn timestamps off for clean reading or keep them for citations, editing, and navigation.
Does it support creator-uploaded captions?
Yes. Creator-uploaded tracks are preferred over automatic tracks when both are available.
Is the transcript downloader free?
The core downloader is free to use without a forced account.
Turn the next video into text you can use.
Creator-uploaded captions preferred. Clean reading and precise exports.
Download a transcript free →