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What Is a VTT File? WebVTT Format Explained
A VTT file, also called WebVTT, is the web standard subtitle file format used by HTML5 video, it supports styling, positioning, and metadata.
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By Sumit DeyUpdated
VTT File, Explained
A VTT file, formally WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks), is a subtitle and caption file format standardized by the W3C for use with HTML5 video. It extends the older SRT format with support for inline CSS styling, screen positioning, alignment, and metadata. A VTT file begins with the header 'WEBVTT' on its own line, then a sequence of cue blocks, each containing a timecode range and the caption text. VTT is the default format for HTML5 <track> elements and is widely supported by modern browsers. It is preferred over SRT when you need styling control directly in the subtitle file, for example, coloring different speakers differently or positioning captions in specific corners of the video. Most video tools can convert between SRT and VTT in a single step.
VTT File Examples
- WEBVTT\n\n00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:03.500\nWelcome to the show.\n\n00:00:04.000 --> 00:00:06.000\n<c.speaker1>Let's get started.</c>
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VTT File, answered
How do I open a VTT file?
Any text editor can open a VTT file, since it is plain text. To watch it with the video, load it in a player that supports WebVTT, such as a web browser's built-in video player or VLC.
What is the difference between VTT and SRT?
Both hold timed subtitles as plain text. VTT starts with a WEBVTT header, uses a full stop before milliseconds, and supports positioning and basic styling. SRT is simpler and accepted almost everywhere.
How do I convert SRT to VTT?
Add WEBVTT on the first line, replace the comma before the milliseconds in every timestamp with a full stop, and save the file with a .vtt extension. The caption text and order stay exactly the same.
Does YouTube accept VTT files?
Yes. YouTube Studio accepts both VTT and SRT subtitle files. Open the video in Studio, upload the file under Subtitles, check that the preview lines up with the speech, and then publish it.
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