Subtitle Converters
Every subtitle tool here runs entirely in your browser — no uploads, no accounts. Drop a file, pick the target format, download.
All subtitle converters
Which format should I use?
SRT is the universal subtitle format: plain text, timestamp + caption pairs, supported by every media player ever made. VTT (WebVTT) is SRT's web-native cousin — the format HTML5 <track> and YouTube both expect. ASS (Advanced SubStation Alpha) is the fansub standard: full styling control, positioning, karaoke effects, but only desktop players like VLC and mpv render it correctly. For uploading to YouTube, Vimeo, or a podcast platform: VTT. For anime or fansub work: ASS. For literally everything else: SRT. Converting between them loses the fancy styling (ASS → SRT drops positions and colors) but timing always survives.
| Format | Best for | Styling | Universal support |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRT | Everything — players, editors, uploads | Basic HTML tags only | Yes — universal |
| VTT | HTML5 video, YouTube, captions.com | Positioning, cues, regions | Web + modern platforms |
| ASS | Anime fansubs, advanced styling | Full: fonts, colors, positions, karaoke | Desktop only (VLC, mpv) |
Frequently asked questions
Which subtitle format does YouTube want?
YouTube accepts SRT, VTT, and SBV. VTT is the most feature-friendly for captions that include positioning or speaker labels, but SRT works for 99% of uploads.
Does ASS styling survive conversion to SRT?
Mostly no. ASS positioning, fonts, colors, and karaoke effects have no equivalent in SRT — the conversion keeps timing and plain text only. For styled captions, keep the ASS original as your master.
Can I edit SRT files in a text editor?
Yes. SRT and VTT are plain text — any editor (VS Code, Notepad, TextEdit) opens them fine. Use a monospace font so timestamps line up for fast manual editing.
Why do my VTT subtitles fail to load in my video player?
Common causes: missing 'WEBVTT' header on line 1, using commas instead of periods in timestamps, or encoding the file as UTF-16 instead of UTF-8. Our converter always writes UTF-8 with the correct header.
Are my subtitle files uploaded?
No. Every conversion runs in your browser. Subtitles for unreleased episodes, client work, and NDA-bound content stay on your device.