What Are Subtitle and Transcript Formats?
When you extract spoken text from audio or video, the output needs to be saved in a file format. The format you choose determines how the text can be used later. Konthora supports exporting transcripts in four standalone formats: SRT, VTT, TXT, and JSON.
Some formats (like SRT and VTT) contain embedded timestamps, making them ideal for displaying timed closed captions alongside a video. Other formats (like TXT) are simply readable text, while formats like JSON are designed to be parsed by software applications.
SRT for Timed Subtitles
SRT (SubRip Subtitle) is the most widely supported timed subtitle format. It consists of sequential numbers, start and end timestamps, and the text that should appear on screen.
Because of its simplicity, SRT is highly recommended when adding captions to a video platform or importing captions into a standard video editor. It provides the essential timing data required to align text with speech.
VTT for Web Captions
VTT (WebVTT) is a more modern timed subtitle format designed specifically for the HTML5 <track> element used in web video players. Like SRT, it includes exact start and end timestamps.
VTT is often the preferred choice for developers building custom web video experiences, as it is the native format for web browsers.
TXT for Plain Transcripts
TXT is a standard plain text file format. When you export a transcript as a TXT file, you receive only the readable words, without any embedded timestamps or structural data.
TXT is the best format if you want to read the transcript like a document, copy and paste the text into an article, or review the content without the distraction of subtitle timing codes.
JSON for Structured Transcript Data
JSON is a lightweight data-interchange format designed to be easily parsed by software. A JSON transcript file contains highly structured data, often breaking down the transcript word-by-word alongside detailed timing information.
JSON is primarily used when you need to process transcript data programmatically, such as building custom search interfaces or organizing transcript text and timestamp data for structured workflows.
Which Format Should You Choose?
Selecting the right format depends entirely on what you intend to do with the generated text. The table below summarizes the key differences.
| Format | Best For | Includes Timing | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRT | General video platforms and editors | Yes | Uploading captions to video hosting sites |
| VTT | HTML5 web video players | Yes | Custom web development |
| TXT | Reading and archiving | No | Plain text documents and articles |
| JSON | Structured transcript data | Yes | Organizing transcript text and timestamp data for structured workflows |
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