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What is an SRT File? Understanding Subtitle Formats

SRT is the most universally accepted file format for timed subtitles. Learn how its timecode structure works, when it is most useful, and how to export your audio transcripts as SRT files.

What Is an SRT File?

An SRT file (SubRip Subtitle) is a plain text file that contains dialogue and the exact timestamps dictating when that dialogue should appear on screen. It is one of the oldest and most universally supported subtitle formats in video production.

Because it is plain text, an SRT file does not contain any video or audio data itself. Instead, it acts as a set of instructions. When you load an SRT file into a video player or an editing program alongside a media file, the software reads the timestamps and displays the text at the correct moments.

The Basic SRT Cue Structure

Every subtitle in an SRT file is written in a strict, four-part block known as a cue. The timecode format always follows the structure of Hours:Minutes:Seconds,Milliseconds.

Illustrative SRT Example
1
00:00:01,500 --> 00:00:04,250
This is the first subtitle appearing on screen.

2
00:00:04,300 --> 00:00:06,800
It tells the video player exactly when to appear
and when to disappear.

Each cue contains:

  • A sequence number: Indicates the order of the subtitle.
  • The timecode: A start time and an end time separated by an arrow (-->).
  • The text: The actual dialogue to be displayed on screen.
  • A blank line: Indicates the end of the current cue and the start of the next.

When Is SRT Useful?

SRT is the default format for almost all speech to text transcription workflows that involve video. It is particularly useful because of its broad compatibility:

Video Editing

Desktop editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut, and DaVinci Resolve can natively import SRT files, turning them directly into editable caption tracks.

Social Platforms

Platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook allow you to upload an SRT file alongside your video to provide accurate closed captions for viewers.

How SRT Differs from TXT and VTT

When exporting an audio transcript, you must choose the format that matches your workflow.

  • TXT (Plain Text): Contains only the spoken words. It lacks timestamps entirely. If you only want to read the transcript or publish it as an article, choose TXT. If you need the text synced to video, a TXT file will not work.
  • VTT (Web Video Text Tracks): Like SRT, VTT contains timestamps and dialogue. However, VTT is a newer format designed specifically for HTML5 web players. It supports advanced features like styling, positioning, and metadata, whereas SRT remains strictly structural.

Exporting SRT Transcripts from Konthora

Konthora generates the raw transcript and structural files, but it does not burn captions permanently into your video. Instead, it exports the standalone SRT file for you to use in your own editing or publishing workflow.

When you transcribe audio on Konthora, the system calculates precise timestamps. Before downloading the SRT file, you can adjust how the text is grouped—by sentence, paragraph, or individual word—depending on your visual preference. For more details on these grouping options, refer to the guide on transcription timestamps.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Konthora burn SRT captions directly into my video?
No, Konthora generates and exports the standalone SRT subtitle file. You must import this file into a video editor (like Premiere or Resolve) or upload it as a sidecar file to a platform (like YouTube) to display the captions.
Can I open an SRT file without a video editor?
Yes, because an SRT file is simply plain text, you can open, read, and edit it using any standard text editor such as Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).
What is the difference between SRT and VTT?
While both are text-based caption formats, SRT is older, simpler, and more universally supported by desktop video editors. VTT is a newer format designed specifically for HTML5 web players and supports advanced styling and positioning.
Can I choose how the text is grouped in my SRT export?
Yes, when exporting from Konthora, you can choose to group the timestamps by word, sentence, or paragraph to control how the subtitles appear on screen.