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.
SRT and VTT use start-and-end cues for timed text alongside a video. Konthora TXT exports use readable display timestamps before text blocks, while JSON is designed for software applications. Review SRT or VTT exports and add accessibility annotations when fully authored closed captions are required.
For an MP4, WebM, or MOV file, use the video-to-text converter to create a transcript, then export SRT or VTT when you need timed caption cues.
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. Konthora's TXT export pairs readable text blocks with display timestamps, without the start-and-end subtitle cues used by SRT and VTT.
TXT is useful when you want to read the transcript like a document, copy it into an article, or review it without subtitle cue syntax.
JSON for Structured Transcript Data
JSON is a lightweight data-interchange format designed to be easily parsed by software. A Konthora JSON transcript contains structured segments and timing fields, with word-level details when word timestamp mode is selected.
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 | Display timestamps | Plain text documents and articles |
| JSON | Structured transcript data | Yes | Organizing transcript text and timestamp data for structured workflows |
Ready to export your file?
Upload your media to transcribe and download standalone SRT, VTT, TXT, or JSON files instantly.