In the world of video creation and accessibility, subtitles have become essential. But when it comes to exporting subtitle files, many creators face a big question: Which format is the best?
In this article, we dive deep into the most common subtitle formats — SRT, VTT, TXT, and ASS — and explain their technical differences, typical use cases, and why choosing the right format matters.
📝 What Is an SRT File?
SRT stands for SubRip Subtitle.
It’s one of the most widely used subtitle formats for platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Vimeo, and Netflix.
Key Features:
- Simple text-based structure: timestamps and text.
- Lightweight and universal: supported by almost every platform and video editor.
- No advanced styling: no fonts, colors, or positioning embedded.
Example:
pgsqlKopierenBearbeiten1
00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,000
Welcome to our video.
Tool Tip:
You can easily create and edit SRT files using Subtitle Edit (free and open source).
✅ Best for: Uploading to video platforms, video editing software.
🌐 What Is a VTT File?
VTT stands for WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks).
It was created specifically for web videos and HTML5 players.
Key Features:
- Similar to SRT, but allows basic formatting (italic, bold, speaker tags).
- Supports positioning and styling.
- Browser-native format for websites and mobile apps.
Example:
pgsqlKopierenBearbeitenWEBVTT
00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:04.000
<v Roger> Welcome to our video.
Tool Tip:
Use Aegisub to create and edit VTT files if you want more control over styles.
✅ Best for: Web developers, HTML5 video players, learning platforms.
📄 What Is a TXT File?
TXT is a plain text file without timestamps.
Key Features:
- Only the transcription: no timing, no styling.
- Ideal for creating articles, summaries, or notes.
- Not playable as subtitles in a video player.
Tool Tip:
You can create TXT transcripts directly with Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac), or export from Subvideo.ai.
✅ Best for: Blog posts, documentation, editing transcripts manually.
🎨 What Is an ASS File?
ASS stands for Advanced SubStation Alpha — a powerful subtitle format for advanced video projects.
Key Features:
- Full styling support: fonts, sizes, colors, shadows, positions, rotations.
- Multiple subtitle tracks: ideal for multiple languages or karaoke-style timing.
- Used in professional workflows like anime subtitling or stylized movie projects.
Example Snippet:
vbnetKopierenBearbeiten[Script Info]
Title: Example Subtitle
ScriptType: v4.00+
[Events]
Dialogue: 0,0:00:01.00,0:00:04.00,Default,,0,0,0,,Welcome to our video.
Tool Tip:
The go-to tool for creating ASS subtitles is Aegisub (free and highly flexible).
✅ Best for: Professional video editors, stylized subtitles, creative projects.
🔬 Quick Comparison
| Feature | SRT | VTT | TXT | ASS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timing | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Styling | No | Limited | No | Full Styling |
| Compatibility | Universal | Web-focused | Text platforms | Professional tools |
| Editing Difficulty | Easy | Medium | Very easy | Advanced |
| File Size | Very small | Small | Very small | Larger |
If you’re specifically looking for a step-by-step tutorial on how to automatically create subtitles, check out our guide: How to Automatically Generate Subtitles with AI.
🎯 Which Subtitle Format Should You Use?
If you’re uploading to YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo, or basic editors:
➔ Use SRT (easy, universal).
If you’re embedding subtitles into your website:
➔ Use VTT (better for styling in HTML5).
If you need clean text for blogs, books, or documentation:
➔ Use TXT (pure transcription).
If you’re working on professional films, anime, or highly designed videos:
➔ Use ASS (maximum control and creative freedom).
Pro Tip:
With Subvideo.ai, you can generate SRT and TXT files directly — and later convert them into VTT or ASS formats easily using tools like Subtitle Edit or Aegisub.
🚀 Bonus Tip: How to Convert Between Formats
- SRT to VTT: Minor formatting adjustments (replace commas with dots, add “WEBVTT” at the top).
- SRT to TXT: Delete timestamps — keep the pure text.
- SRT to ASS: Import the SRT into Aegisub, add styles, and export as ASS.
Subvideo.ai provides you with a clean foundation — so you can quickly move between all subtitle standards.
Conclusion
Choosing the right subtitle format makes your videos more professional, accessible, and audience-friendly.
- SRT = Simple and universal.
- VTT = Flexible for the web.
- TXT = Clean text for writing and editing.
- ASS = Full customization for professional video projects.
No matter which format you need — Subvideo.ai gives you fast, accurate, and easy subtitle creation.
Your video deserves the best captions — let’s make them outstanding.
Want to learn how AI can even recognize different speakers in your subtitles? Discover more in our article: What is Speaker Recognition and How It Enhances Subtitles.