Compare
SRT vs WebVTT
SRT is a simple text format widely used to exchange subtitles. WebVTT is designed for subtitle tracks in web video, including HTML video workflows. Choose for the player and features you need.
Which format should you choose?
Use SRT for general subtitle-file exchange. Consider WebVTT to attach captions to web video, then test timing and text in the target browser and player.
Good fit for SRT
Subtitle exchange
- Adding a separate plain-text subtitle track to a supported video player
Good fit for WebVTT
Web video captions
- Serving a separate caption track with an HTML video element
Basic information
| Field | SRT | WebVTT |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .srt | .vtt |
| MIME type | application/x-subrip | text/vtt |
| Common uses | Subtitle exchange | Web video captions |
| How to open | Open in a text or subtitle editor and play it with the video to check timing. | Open in a text or WebVTT subtitle editor, then preview with the target video. |
| Export or convert | When converting to WebVTT, check timestamps, line breaks, and character encoding. | When converting from SRT, check timestamps, line breaks, and styling. |
Choose by use case
Adding a separate plain-text subtitle track to a supported video player
Subtitle exchange
SRTServing a separate caption track with an HTML video element
Web video captions
WebVTTKey point 1
SRT uses numbered cues, time ranges, and subtitle text in a straightforward file.
More on the differencesKey point 2
WebVTT is intended for web video subtitle and caption tracks, including use with HTML track elements.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Choose the format required by the delivery workflow. When converting, check timing, line breaks, character encoding, styling, and positioning in the actual playback environment.
- SRT is broadly handled by subtitle editors and players, but advanced presentation may vary.
- WebVTT is convenient for web integration, though player support and styling behavior still need testing.
- Neither file contains the video itself; each carries synchronized text separately.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert SRT to WebVTT directly?
Often, but verify cue timing, text encoding, line breaks, and any styling or positioning in the target player.
Can browsers use SRT directly as a video track?
HTML video text tracks commonly use WebVTT; convert SRT when required and verify timing and rendering.