YouTube Transcript Downloader
YouTube transcript downloader that saves captions as clean TXT, with or without timestamps. Free for captioned videos; AI transcription when none exist.
This YouTube transcript downloader turns the captions of a public video into readable text. Paste a link and the tool groups short caption cues into paragraphs, so you can copy the transcript or download it as TXT with or without timestamps. Captioned videos are free. When a video has no captions, you can sign in and create a transcript with AI transcription for videos up to 20 minutes.
From caption cues to a readable YouTube transcript
Captions are written as short timed fragments for the screen. The YouTube transcript downloader joins those fragments into paragraphs at natural pauses and sentence endings, which makes the text easier to read, search and quote. With timestamps switched on, each paragraph starts with the time it begins, such as [03:15], so you can jump back to the moment in the video. With timestamps off, you get clean prose for notes, articles or study material.
When the video has no captions
Some uploads have no caption track at all. In that case the tool offers AI transcription: the audio is fetched through our server, prepared in your browser and sent for transcription, using 2 credits per minute of detected speech, rounded up. This path needs sign-in, is limited to videos of 20 minutes or less, and uses one more link from the daily YouTube quota. You can also choose AI transcription when the only available track is auto-generated and you want a second draft.
Checking a transcript before you use it
Caption accuracy depends on the source. Manual captions are normally reliable, while automatic tracks and AI drafts can mishear names, numbers and technical terms. Before quoting the transcript, play the passages that matter and correct them. Keep the timestamps version while reviewing, then export a clean copy once the text is right. Respect the rights of the video owner when you publish transcribed material.
YouTube Transcript Downloader: four steps
Paste the video link
Use the link of a public YouTube video. The tool accepts youtube.com watch, Shorts and embed links as well as youtu.be links.
Load the transcript
Select Get transcript. Caption cues are grouped into paragraphs and shown on the page, with the caption track picker above them.
Choose timestamps
Turn timestamps on to start each paragraph with its time, or off for clean text. If there are no captions, use AI transcription after signing in.
Copy or download
Copy the transcript to the clipboard or download a TXT file. Check names and numbers against the video before quoting them.
Free from captions, AI when needed
Transcripts built from existing captions are free. AI transcription is only used when you request it, requires sign-in, costs 2 credits per minute of speech and is limited to videos up to 20 minutes. All lookups share the limit of 10 YouTube links per IP address per day.
YouTube Transcript Downloader FAQ
Is the YouTube transcript downloader free?
Yes for videos that already have captions. AI transcription for videos without captions needs sign-in and uses 2 credits per minute of speech.
Can I include timestamps?
Yes. Turn timestamps on to start each paragraph with its time, or off for plain text. You can switch before downloading or copying.
What languages are supported?
Any language the video offers as a caption track. Pick the track from the list; AI transcription detects the spoken language automatically.
How long can the video be?
Caption-based transcripts work for videos up to four hours. AI transcription of videos without captions is limited to 20 minutes.
Can I get the transcript as subtitles?
Use the YouTube subtitle downloader on this site for SRT or VTT files that keep the original cue timing.