SRT vs VTT: What's the Difference?

What is an SRT file?

SRT, short for SubRip Subtitle, is a widely supported subtitle format. A typical SRT file contains sequential cue numbers, start and end timestamps, and subtitle text.

SRT timestamps conventionally use commas before milliseconds, such as 00:00:05,500.

What is a VTT file?

VTT, or WebVTT, is another timed-text format and is commonly associated with web video. A WebVTT file normally begins with a WEBVTT header.

Its timestamps commonly use periods before milliseconds, such as 00:00:05.500, rather than the comma used in SRT.

The main differences between SRT and VTT

For ordinary subtitle text, the formats can look similar because both organize captions around start and end times. Their file syntax is not identical, however, so simply changing the filename extension does not properly convert one format into the other.

• SRT normally uses numbered subtitle cues.
• WebVTT normally begins with a WEBVTT header.
• SRT conventionally uses commas for timestamp milliseconds.
• WebVTT conventionally uses periods for timestamp milliseconds.
• WebVTT can support features beyond basic SRT subtitle structure.

Which subtitle format should you use?

Use the format required by the video platform, editor, player or workflow you are working with. If a destination asks for SRT, use SRT. If it specifically expects WebVTT, use VTT.

When you already have the wrong format, convert the subtitle structure rather than manually renaming the file extension.

Converting between SRT and VTT

ViralTranscript provides converters in both directions. The SRT to VTT tool converts standard SRT structure into WebVTT, while the VTT to SRT tool creates standard SRT output from WebVTT subtitles.

After conversion, review the result if your source file relies on unusual format-specific metadata or advanced cue features.