🎨 Subtitle Formats Explained: SRT vs. VTT vs. TXT vs. ASS
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, you’ll discover the key differences between SRT, VTT, TXT, and ASS, their use cases, and why picking the right format matters for your audience.
📝 What Is an SRT File?
SRT stands for SubRip Subtitle.
It’s the most widely used subtitle format for platforms like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Vimeo, and Netflix.
Key Features:
✅ Simple text structure: timestamps + text
✅ Lightweight and universal
✅ No advanced styling (no fonts, colors, positioning)
Example:
pgsqlKopierenBearbeiten1
00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:04,000
Welcome to our video.
💡 Tip:
Subvideo.ai can automatically generate SRT files in over 90 languages.
✅ Best for: YouTube uploads, basic video editing, social media.
🌐 What Is a VTT File?
VTT stands for WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks).
It was designed for web videos and HTML5 players.
Key Features:
✅ Similar to SRT but allows basic styling (italic, bold, speaker tags)
✅ Supports positioning on screen
✅ Browser-native format
Example:
pgsqlKopierenBearbeitenWEBVTT
00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:04.000
<v Roger> Welcome to our video.
💡 Tip:
Subvideo.ai can export SRT files you can easily convert to VTT, or you can use tools like Subtitle Edit for advanced tweaks.
✅ Best for: Websites, e-learning, HTML5 players.
📄 What Is a TXT File?
TXT is a plain text file — no timestamps, no styling.
Key Features:
✅ Only the raw transcription
✅ Perfect for articles, blogs, and documentation
✅ Not usable as subtitles in a video player
💡 Tip:
Subvideo.ai provides TXT exports automatically, so you can repurpose captions for blog posts or social media.
✅ Best for: Written content, transcripts, subtitles drafts.
🎨 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, colors, shadows, positions, animations
✅ Multiple tracks (great for karaoke or multilingual subs)
✅ Professional workflows (anime, films, branded content)
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.
💡 Tip:
With Subvideo.ai, you can generate SRT first, then convert to ASS in Aegisub or create styled subs directly in the Subtitle Studio.
✅ Best for: Creative projects, professional editors, fully customized subtitles.

🔍 Bonus: Subtitle Analysis and Accessibility Checks
Unlike most platforms, Subvideo.ai offers a built-in Subtitle Analyzer:
✅ Checks for timing consistency
✅ Flags too-long lines
✅ Validates readability and formatting
✅ Helps meet accessibility standards

This makes sure your subtitles aren’t just functional — but truly professional.
🔬 Quick Comparison
Feature | SRT | VTT | TXT | ASS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Timing | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Styling | ❌ None | ✅ Basic | ❌ None | ✅ Full |
Compatibility | ✅ Universal | ✅ Web-focused | ✅ Text only | ✅ Professional tools |
Editing Difficulty | ⭐ Easy | ⭐⭐ Medium | ⭐ Very Easy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Advanced |
File Size | Very small | Small | Very small | Larger |
🎯 Which Subtitle Format Should You Use?
✅ Uploading to YouTube, TikTok, or Vimeo?
➔ SRT (easy and universal)
✅ Embedding subtitles into your website?
➔ VTT (HTML5 friendly)
✅ Need clean text for blogs or documentation?
➔ TXT (pure transcription)
✅ Creating stylized subtitles for film, anime, or branding?
➔ ASS (maximum customization)
💡 Pro Tip: From Subvideo.ai to Every Format
Subvideo.ai makes it easy to generate, style, and convert subtitles:
- ✅ Create SRT, TXT, ASS in one click
- ✅ Style subtitles with fonts, colors, and positions
- ✅ Burn subtitles directly into videos (hardcoded)
- ✅ Download files or embed them in your projects
- ✅ Analyze your subtitles for errors before exporting

🚀 How to Convert Between Formats
- SRT to VTT: Add
WEBVTT
at the top, replace commas with dots - SRT to TXT: Delete timestamps – keep text only
- SRT to ASS: Import in Aegisub, add styles, export
With Subvideo.ai, you get a clean starting point that works across all workflows.
🔚 Conclusion
Choosing the right subtitle format makes your videos:
✅ More professional
✅ More accessible
✅ Easier to edit and distribute
SRT = Simple and universal
VTT = Flexible for the web
TXT = Clean text for reuse
ASS = Full styling control
No matter what you need — Subvideo.ai makes subtitle creation fast, accurate, and easy.
Your video deserves the best captions — let’s make them outstanding.
👉 Ready to try it yourself?
Create your subtitles now for free – no account needed.
Upload your file, select the format, and download subtitles in minutes.
📚 More Guides
- What Is Speaker Recognition and How It Enhances Subtitles
- AI vs. Manual Transcription Accuracy
- [Top 5 Subtitle Mistakes & How to Fix Them]
✍️ Final Word
Whether you need simple captions or fully styled, professional subtitles — Subvideo.ai gives you everything in one platform, including editing, translation, and format conversion.