SRT vs VTT vs TXT: Complete Subtitle Formats Comparison 2025

Introduction to Subtitle Formats

Choosing the right subtitle format can significantly impact your workflow, whether you're editing videos, creating accessible content, or learning languages. This comprehensive guide breaks down the four most common subtitle formats and helps you choose the best one for your needs.

SRT (SubRip Text Format)

Overview

SRT is the most widely supported subtitle format, created in 2000 for the SubRip DVD ripping software. Its simplicity and universal compatibility have made it the industry standard.

Technical Specifications

SRT files consist of four parts per subtitle entry:

• Sequential number
• Timecode (start --> end)
• Subtitle text
• Blank line separator

Example Format

1
00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,000
Welcome to our video tutorial

2
00:00:04,500 --> 00:00:07,800
Today we'll learn about subtitle formats

Advantages

• Universal compatibility with video players
• Simple text-based format
• Easy to edit manually
• Small file size
• Supported by all major video editing software

Disadvantages

• Limited styling options
• No support for advanced positioning
• Basic formatting only (limited HTML tags)

Best For

• General video playback
• Social media platforms
• DVD and Blu-ray
• Most video editing workflows

VTT (Web Video Text Tracks)

Overview

VTT is the modern web standard for HTML5 video, designed by W3C to replace SRT for online video content. It offers enhanced features for web-based applications.

Technical Specifications

VTT files begin with "WEBVTT" header and support:

• CSS styling
• Positioning controls
• Metadata tracks
• Cue settings

Example Format

WEBVTT

00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:04.000 align:start position:10%
Welcome to our video tutorial

00:00:04.500 --> 00:00:07.800
<c.yellow>Today we'll learn about subtitle formats</c>

Advantages

• Advanced styling capabilities
• Precise positioning control
• Support for metadata and chapters
• Perfect for HTML5 video
• Accessibility features

Disadvantages

• Less universal compatibility than SRT
• More complex syntax
• Not supported by all video players

Best For

• Web-based video platforms
• HTML5 video players
• Projects requiring custom styling
• Accessible web content

TXT (Plain Text)

Overview

Plain text format strips away all timing information, leaving only the spoken content. While not a true subtitle format, it's invaluable for specific use cases.

Technical Specifications

TXT files contain:

• Raw transcript text
• No timing information
• Optional paragraph breaks
• Simple line-by-line format

Example Format

Welcome to our video tutorial
Today we'll learn about subtitle formats
Let's start with SRT files

Advantages

• Extremely simple and lightweight
• Easy to read and edit
• Perfect for translation work
• Great for content analysis
• Universal text editor support

Disadvantages

• No timing synchronization
• Cannot be used for video playback
• Loses all formatting

Best For

• Translation workflows
• Content analysis and research
• Creating written transcripts
• SEO content generation
• Language learning study materials

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation)

Overview

JSON format represents subtitles as structured data, making it ideal for developers and programmatic processing.

Technical Specifications

JSON subtitle files typically include:

• Structured key-value pairs
• Timestamps in various formats
• Metadata fields
• Nested objects for complex data

Example Format

{
  "subtitles": [
    {
      "start": 1.0,
      "end": 4.0,
      "text": "Welcome to our video tutorial"
    },
    {
      "start": 4.5,
      "end": 7.8,
      "text": "Today we'll learn about subtitle formats"
    }
  ]
}

Advantages

• Perfect for API integration
• Easy programmatic parsing
• Flexible data structure
• Can include metadata
• Human and machine-readable

Disadvantages

• Not directly usable in video players
• Requires conversion for playback
• Larger file size than SRT

Best For

• Software development
• API responses
• Database storage
• Complex subtitle processing
• Multi-language management systems

Format Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right Format

Choose SRT if:

• You need maximum compatibility
• Working with traditional video players
• Simplicity is a priority
• Sharing with diverse audiences

Choose VTT if:

• Publishing web content
• Need custom styling
• Working with HTML5 video
• Require accessibility features

Choose TXT if:

• Creating written transcripts
• Translating content
• Analyzing speech patterns
• Generating SEO content

Choose JSON if:

• Building software applications
• Need database integration
• Processing subtitles programmatically
• Managing complex metadata

Converting Between Formats

Most subtitle tools offer conversion between formats. Key considerations:

• SRT to VTT: Simple conversion, add WEBVTT header
• VTT to SRT: Strip styling and positioning
• Any to TXT: Extract text only, lose timing
• Any to JSON: Structure data programmatically

Conclusion

Understanding subtitle formats empowers you to choose the right tool for your specific needs. SRT remains the universal choice for general use, VTT excels for web applications, TXT serves translation and analysis workflows, and JSON provides flexibility for developers.

For most users, starting with SRT ensures broad compatibility while maintaining the option to convert to other formats as needed. Whatever your choice, having access to multiple formats ensures you're prepared for any subtitle-related task.