How to Upload SRT
Subtitles to YouTube
YouTube accepts SRT, VTT, and SBV subtitle files. This guide covers how to generate an SRT file, upload it to YouTube Studio, and fix the most common issues.
Step 1: Generate your SRT file
If you already have an .srt file, skip to Step 2. If not, the fastest way to create one is with Vosuba's free SRT generator:
- Download Vosuba from vosuba.com/download (free, no account required).
- Drag your video file into the editor.
- Click Transcribe — AI generates timed subtitles offline on your Mac.
- Review and edit any errors in the timeline.
- Click Export > SRT. Done.
💡 Tip: Use the same video file
Generate your SRT from the exact video file you'll upload to YouTube. If you use a different cut or version, the timestamps won't match and your subtitles will be out of sync.
Step 2: Upload to YouTube Studio
- Go to studio.youtube.com.
- Select the video you want to add subtitles to.
- Click Subtitles in the left sidebar.
- Click Add language and select your subtitle language.
- Click Add next to "Subtitles" (not "Title and description").
- Select "Upload file".
- Choose "With timing" (since your SRT file includes timestamps).
- Select your .srt file and click Upload.
Step 3: Review and publish
- YouTube will show a preview of your subtitles synced to the video.
- Use YouTube's built-in editor to make any final corrections.
- Click Publish to make the subtitles live.
Once published, viewers can toggle subtitles on/off using the CC button on the video player. YouTube also indexes subtitle text for search — adding captions can improve your video's discoverability.
Which format should I use?
YouTube supports multiple subtitle formats. Here's a quick comparison:
| Format | Extension | YouTube | Styling | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SRT | .srt | ✓ | None | YouTube, Vimeo, most platforms |
| VTT | .vtt | ✓ | Positioning | HTML5 video, web players |
| SBV | .sbv | ✓ | None | YouTube legacy format |
| ASS | .ass | ✗ | Full | DaVinci Resolve, Aegisub |
💡 Recommendation: Use SRT for YouTube
SRT is the simplest, most compatible format. YouTube ignores VTT styling anyway, so there's no advantage to using VTT for YouTube uploads. Save VTT for web embedding and ASS for professional NLE workflows.
Troubleshooting common issues
Subtitles are out of sync
This happens when the SRT was generated from a different version of the video. Regenerate the SRT from the exact file you uploaded to YouTube.
"Upload failed" error
Check that your file has the correct extension (.srt) and is encoded in UTF-8. Most tools export UTF-8 by default — if you edited the file in a text editor, save it with UTF-8 encoding.
Special characters look wrong
This is an encoding issue. Open the SRT in a text editor and re-save as UTF-8 (without BOM). Vosuba exports UTF-8 by default, so this only applies to manually edited files.
⚠️ YouTube auto-captions vs uploaded subtitles
YouTube generates auto-captions for many videos, but they're often inaccurate — especially for technical terms, accents, and multi-speaker content. Uploaded SRT files always take priority over auto-captions and give you full control over accuracy, timing, and presentation.
Frequently asked questions
What subtitle format does YouTube accept?
YouTube accepts SRT (.srt), VTT (.vtt), SBV (.sbv), DFXP/TTML (.ttml), and several other formats. SRT is the most widely used and recommended format — it's simple, well-supported, and compatible with virtually every subtitle tool.
Should I use SRT or VTT for YouTube?
Both work. SRT is the simpler format and universally supported. VTT supports additional features like positioning and styling hints, but YouTube ignores most VTT styling. For YouTube uploads, SRT is the safer choice. For web embedding (HTML5 video players), VTT is the standard.
Why are my YouTube subtitles out of sync?
This usually happens when the SRT timestamps don't match the video's actual timing — often because the SRT was generated from a different cut or version of the video. To fix this, regenerate the SRT file from the exact video file you uploaded to YouTube.
Can I auto-generate subtitles for YouTube?
Yes. YouTube has built-in auto-captions, but they often contain errors and provide limited control over timing and formatting. For higher-quality results, use a dedicated tool like Vosuba to generate and edit your subtitles, then upload the polished SRT file to YouTube Studio.
Generate YouTube-ready SRT files for free
Vosuba auto-transcribes your video and exports SRT files — unlimited, free, offline. No typing, no cloud.