VTT? SRT? TTML? ABCDEFG? Subtitle file formats can seem pretty complicated. There are a lot of variations out there because of the many different options we have to view video, like television or YouTube. It may be tempting to choose a subtitle file type at the top of a dropdown list or something that is familiar (i.e., TXT), but it will save you time in the long run to understand which file format is just right for you, based on what you plan to do with the subtitles.
To help you make the best decision, we’ve compiled our recommendations for the best subtitle file formats to use based on your needs below, along with some great tips that will save time and prevent headaches.
If you’re using the Amara subtitle editor , you have the option to choose from a list of some of the most widely supported and popular subtitle file types.
Bonus: in most cases where a situation arises that you need a different subtitle file format that the one you have, you can also use the Amara subtitle editor to convert one filetype to another.
Supported subtitle formats for import/export with the Amara subtitle editor include:
- SRT
- SSA (SubStation Alpha)
- TTML (Timed Text Markup Language)
- SBV (YouTube format)
- DFXP (Distribution Format Exchange Profile)
- VTT (Web Video Text Track)
- TXT (untimed text transcript)
What are you planning to do with this video after subtitles are added?
- Display subtitles with the video online
- Display videos and subtitles with a media player
- Use subtitles in a video-editing tool
By the way, do you know what’s the difference between subtitles and closed captions? Check out our article: Subtitles vs. Captions: What’s the Difference?
Display subtitles with the video online:
| Hosting Platform | Best Format | Info |
| YouTube | WebVTT | All your formatting will show on YouTube |
| Vimeo | WebVTT | All your formatting will show on Vimeo |
| Unformatted SRT | Does not allow: Positioning, special characters, or text formatting. Make sure you don’t use any of those when making subtitles on Amara | |
| Kaltura | DFXP | If you use a custom video player, make sure captions are enabled |
| Brightcove | WebVTT | All your formatting will show on Brightcove |
If you’re using a different hosting site, check the support documentation for that site to see which subtitling formats they support.
Display video and subtitles with a media player:
| Media Player | Best Format | Info |
| VLC | Sub Station Alpha or WebVTT | |
| Windows Media Player | SRT | Usually the only format supported on basic media players |
| Other common media players | SRT | Usually the only format supported on basic media players |
Use subtitles in a video-editing tool:
| Editing Tool | Best Format |
| Final Cut Pro | ITT |
| Premiere Pro CC | SCC or a Final Cut Pro XML export |
| ffmpeg | Sub Station Alpha |
| MacCaption | WebVTT or ITT |
| Sony Vegas, Lightworks | Check software support documentation |
Note – For Sony Vegas and Lightworks:
- Many video editors only support manually creating title cards.
- We recommend either adding the subtitles with a different video editor on a separate step, or checking with the software’s support and community for recent features or unofficial add-ons.
Tips and tricks:
1. Using other subtitling editing tools might erase some of the work you did on Amara. For example, editing subtitles in the YouTube editor gets rid of any top-positioning you might have done to subtitles made on Amara.
2. Always use a programming text editor like Notepad++, TextEdit (MacOS) or gedit (Linux) to open subtitle files. Using a standard text editor like Windows Notepad or a word processor with autocorrections (like Office Word) can alter formatting and render the file unusable.
3. When you need to download subtitles, make sure to save them directly to disk rather than let the browser open them with the default application. Otherwise, you might find that they weren’t saved when you need them.
4. Save time by setting up automatic subtitle export from Amara to the video platform of your choice. The Amara knowledge base has instructions for some of the most popular video sites around, including YouTube, Vimeo, and Kaltura. Check out the links below:
- Automatic subtitle export to YouTube
- Automatic subtitle export to Vimeo
- Automatic subtitle export to Kaltura
Leave a comment if you have additional questions on subtitle formats, and if you need professional help with captioning, subtitle translation, or any subtitling needs, Amara can help. Visit Amara.org to learn more about our solutions designed for your different needs. Email us at client-services@amara.org to inquire more about our services and get a quote for your project.
Thank you SO much for this article Amara!! I cannot express just how much this has helped me. :)
So many formats.. why do they invent them. Thanks god there’re convertors to help us in this variety of subs format.
I have done a part of the video and wanted to export subtitles in SRT format. However, the timings are not correct. In fact, it says:
1
99:59:59,999 –> 99:59:59,999
Hello! And thank you for joining us today
and it goes the same throughout the file. The same timings (99:59:59,999)
Any suggestions? Have I done something wrong?
Thank you in advance :)
Hi Isidora,
This is Erin from the Amara Support Center.
If possible, can you send the following information to support@amara.org so that we can take a closer look at the subtitles:
–the Amara URL for the video
–your email address
–your Amara user name
Usually, a timing issue like what you describe can be resolved using the Clear Timings feature in the Editor (click on the Clock icon, then Clear timing). However, it is important to note that the will clear ALL the timing in the subtitles. Clear timing is a great tool to use when not a lot of syncing has already been done on the subtitles, and it may not be a suitable solution for all timing issues.
Because of this, it is best to provide us with the Amara URL so that we can investigate further. Thank you!
Actually Isidora – I was able to locate your Amara user name and the Amara URL of the video. The subtitles need to be synced. I sent an email to your email address, with an explanation of the issue (subtitles need to be synced) and some guidelines for how to proceed. The support ticket is https://support.amara.org/a/tickets/1052843. Thank you!
Thank you for a really useful article! While I was reading it, I was thinking that I definitely should keep this information because it is highly valuable.
Very informative and good article. Thank you very much!
I want use it fot tv what is the best one?
Good question! It depends on where your subtitles will be shown. Broadcast television in North America usually uses SCC (Scenarist Closed Caption) files. But if you are creating subtitles for online streaming television, the most simplest option would probably be SRT subtitles. I hope this helps! Happy subtitling!
This is a very good question and thank you so much for this informative post. Your post is very useful for those who are working in subtitling services. Keep it on. Thank you!
Thanx for sharing such a kind of informative post. Professional subtitling services for accurate text localization to cater broader audience engagement