SRT File: What It Is and How to Create an SRT File (Step-by-Step)

SRT File: What It Is & How to Create One (Step-by-Step)

If you’ve ever uploaded a video and been asked to add an “SRT file,” don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds. An SRT file is a small text file that holds your subtitles and their timestamps so they sync perfectly with your video. Adding SRT captions boosts accessibility, improves watch time, and can even help video SEO on platforms like YouTube and Facebook. In this guide, you’ll learn what an SRT File is, how to create an SRT file manually or with tools, how to convert TXT to SRT and VTT to SRT, and how to upload captions to popular platforms with troubleshooting tips for UTF-8 encoding, timing, and more.

What Is an SRT File and How Does It Work?

An SRT file (SubRip Subtitle file) is a plain-text subtitle file used by most video players and social platforms. Each caption includes a sequence number, a start and end timecode, and the text to display, separated by blank lines. The SRT format originally came from the SubRip program, which extracted subtitles and timing from DVDs—hence the name SubRip.

Why it matters: SRT captions make your videos accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, help non-native speakers follow along, and provide text search context that can enhance discoverability on platforms that index captions.

SRT timestamp format and timecode basics

• Timecode line uses this exact SRT timestamp format: HH:MM:SS,mmm --> HH:MM:SS,mmm

• Example: 00:00:03,500 --> 00:00:06,200

• Hours:Minutes:Seconds,Milliseconds with a comma before milliseconds, not a period.

• Each caption block is separated by a blank line.

Closed captions vs open captions

• Closed captions (CC) are delivered with an SRT subtitle file that viewers can toggle on/off using the CC button.

• Open captions are “burned in” to the video and are always visible no SRT file needed.

• Most social and hosting platforms (YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Wistia, Vimeo, Twitter/X) accept SRT files for closed captions. Some short-form apps may not support SRT uploads; in those cases, use open captions.

How to Create an SRT File Manually (Windows, Mac, Word)

Creating an SRT by hand is straightforward once you know the format. You can use any plain text editor.

How to make an SRT file in Notepad (Windows)

Step 1: Open Notepad.

Step 2: Type your first sequence number: 1

Step 3: On the next line, add the timecode in SRT timestamp format, for example: 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,500

Step 4: On the next line, add the subtitle text. Keep it to 1–2 lines.

Step 5: Hit Enter twice to add a blank line.

Step 6: Repeat for sequence 2, 3, and so on—no overlapping times.

Step 7: File → Save As → choose Save as type: All Files, name the file with a .srt extension, and set Encoding to UTF-8 (preferably without BOM if available).

How to create an SRT file on Mac (TextEdit)

Step 1: Open TextEdit → Format → Make Plain Text (Shift+Cmd+T).

Step 2: Type your caption blocks using the same sequence → timecode → text → blank line pattern.

Step 3: File → Save. In the Save dialog, change the filename extension from .txt to .srt. If you see a warning, confirm “Use .srt.” Ensure the document is encoded as UTF-8.

Step 4: If needed, in Preferences, uncheck “If no extension is provided, use .txt” to prevent accidental .txt extensions.

How to create an SRT File in MS Word

Step 1: Open a blank Word document.

Step 2: Set a monospaced font like Courier New and paragraph spacing to 0 to avoid extra gaps.

Step 3: Type each subtitle group: sequence number, timestamp line, subtitle text, then a blank line.

Step 4: File → Save As → select Plain Text (.txt), then name your file with a .srt extension. Confirm UTF-8 encoding.

Step 5: If your system adds .txt automatically, rename it in your file manager to end with .srt.

SRT file template you can copy

1

00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,500

[intro music]

2

00:00:02,600 --> 00:00:06,200

John: Welcome to our product walkthrough.

3

00:00:06,300 --> 00:00:09,000

• Thanks for joining us today!

Guidelines:

• 1–2 lines per caption.

• Aim for roughly 32–40 characters per line.

• Use speaker labels (e.g., John:) or dashes for dialog.

• Include important non-speech cues like [laughter], [applause], [music].

Launch your podcast with expert support, start to finish.

Create SRT Files Automatically (Online and Desktop)

If you’d rather skip manual timing, a dedicated SRT file creator can auto-transcribe and time your captions. These SRT file maker tools are faster and reduce errors, especially for long videos.

Create SRT file online

• Web-based subtitle makers let you upload a video and generate srt subtitles in your browser—no installs required. Many work on Mac, PC, iOS, and Android.

• Look for SSL-encrypted sites that state your projects are private. Online tools such as dedicated SRT creators emphasize workflow speed compared to generic editors.

• Typical workflow: Upload video → auto-transcribe → review and edit captions → Download .srt (or burn open captions if you prefer always-on text).

Dedicated SRT file creator vs. generic editors

• Dedicated tools: Purpose-built timelines, auto-subtitle, translation, and easy export to SRT/other formats.

• Generic text editors (Word/Notepad): Free and simple, but you must set timecodes manually and watch timing closely this is tedious for longer videos.

• Hybrid approach: Use auto captions to draft, then refine timing/wording manually for accuracy and readability.

TXT File to SRT and VTT to SRT (Free Conversions)

Need to convert a transcript or another subtitle format? Here’s how.

TXT file to SRT

• Start with a plain text transcript. Break text into captions and add SRT timing for each.

• Insert sequence numbers and SRT timecodes, then save as .srt with UTF-8 encoding.

• Pro tip: Some platforms (e.g., YouTube) let you upload a raw transcript (.txt) and auto-sync it to generate timecodes; you can then export the synced track as an SRT file.

Convert VTT to SRT free

• Use free subtitle editors (e.g., Subtitle Edit) or online converters: open/import .vtt → Export → choose SubRip (.srt).

• Command line option (with ffmpeg installed):

  ffmpeg -i captions.vtt captions.srtAlways review the output for formatting differences (VTT allows styling/positioning that SRT may not carry over).

How to Upload SRT Captions to YouTube and Facebook

Adding captions increases retention and reach. Here’s the quick how-to for two major platforms.

Upload SRT to YouTube

• Open YouTube Studio → Subtitles.

• Select your video → Add language → Add subtitles.

• Choose Upload file → With timing → pick your .srt file.

• Review the track in the editor, make any fixes, and publish.

Download YouTube captions as SRT (including auto-captions)

• In YouTube Studio → Subtitles, open the video and the desired language track.

• Use the three-dot menu → Download → choose .srt.

• Tip: YouTube auto-captions are convenient but not perfectly accurate, especially for names, jargon, or non-English content. Always proofread.

Upload SRT to Facebook (Pages)

• Go to your Page → upload a new video or edit an existing one.

• In the video editor, find Captions/Subtitles → Upload .srt.

• Follow Facebook’s SRT naming convention: filename.[language_code]_[country_code].srt (example: product-demo.en_US.srt).

• Confirm the caption language → Save/Publish.

• If Facebook rejects the file, re-save with UTF-8 encoding and verify the filename format.

Fix Common SRT Issues (UTF-8, Timing, Overlaps)

Clean formatting and encoding ensure your captions work everywhere.

How can I fix SRT UTF-8 encoding issues?

• Symptom: Weird symbols (�), broken accents, or unreadable characters.

• Fix:

  • Re-save the file as UTF-8 (preferably without BOM) in your editor.

  • In Windows, use Notepad/Notepad++ → Encoding → UTF-8.

  • On Mac TextEdit, Make Plain Text → Save As → UTF-8.

  • Avoid other encodings like ANSI or Windows-1252.

How can I fix SRT timing or sync issues?

• Keep durations between ~1.5 and 6 seconds.

• Avoid overlaps: Each end time must precede the next start time.

• Aim for 12–20 characters per second (CPS) on average for readability; keep lines to ~32–40 characters.

• Break lines at natural pauses (commas, sentence ends) to match speech patterns.

• Use a subtitle editor to shift all captions forward/backward if they’re consistently early/late.

• Test in VLC: open your video → Subtitle → Add Subtitle File → play and check sync.

Best Practices for Readable, Accessible SRT Captions

• Keep to 1–2 lines per caption, each ~32–40 characters.

• Limit CPS to roughly 12–20 so viewers can read comfortably.

• Use speaker labels (Name:) or dashes (-) for rapid back-and-forth dialog.

• Include important non-speech cues (e.g., [laughter], [applause], [music fades]).

• Use standard punctuation and capitalization; avoid ALL CAPS.

• Styling is limited in SRT. Some players recognize <i>...</i> for italics, but color and position styling may be ignored.

• Be consistent with terminology and numbers (e.g., write out “ten” or use “10” consistently).

• For multilingual videos, create separate SRT files per language and name them clearly (en_US, es_ES, fr_FR, etc.).

• Consider legal accessibility requirements in your region; accurate, timely captions support compliance.

FAQs About SRT Files

What is an SRT file and how does it work?

An SRT file is a plain text subtitle file (SubRip) that lists time-stamped caption text. Players read each timecode range and display the associated line(s) on screen at the right moment.

How do I create SRT subtitles manually in a text editor?

Use Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) in plain text mode. Add sequence numbers, timecodes in HH:MM:SS,mmm --> HH:MM:SS,mmm format, and caption text. Separate each block with a blank line, then save as .srt with UTF-8 encoding.

How can I fix SRT encoding or timing issues?

Encoding: Re-save as UTF-8 (without BOM if possible). Timing: Ensure no overlaps, keep captions on-screen 1.5–6 seconds, and target ~12–20 CPS. Use a subtitle editor to shift timings where necessary.

How do I add or upload SRT subtitles to YouTube and Facebook?

YouTube: Studio → Subtitles → Upload file (.srt). Facebook: Upload via the video editor and follow the Facebook SRT naming convention (filename.en_US.srt). Always preview and publish.

Do Instagram, TikTok, or Snapchat support SRT files?

Support varies and changes frequently. Many short-form apps prioritize open captions (burned-in text). If SRT upload isn’t available, create open captions in your video editor or export a version with burned-in subtitles.

Quick Reference: Tools and Workflows

• srt file creator / srt file maker: Look for tools that do auto-transcription, easy timing edits, and one-click SRT export.

• online srt creator: Good for fast, cross-device workflows, many are SSL-secured and require no installation.

• youtube captions: Upload SRT or auto-sync a transcript; you can download an SRT from the three-dot menu.

• vlc add subtitle file: VLC → Subtitle → Add Subtitle File to test sync locally.

• srt template: Use the template above as a starting point for consistency.

• utf-8 encoding: Always save as UTF-8 for cross-platform compatibility.

Step-by-Step Summary: How to Create an SRT File

• Decide manual vs. automatic: Manual is precise but slower; automated is fast and easy to edit.

• Draft captions: Keep lines short, break at natural pauses, include speaker labels, and key sound cues.

• Format correctly: Sequence number → timecode line → caption text → blank line.

• Save properly: Use .srt extension and UTF-8 encoding.

• Test your file: Use VLC or your platform’s preview to verify sync.

• Upload: Add SRT to YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, Vimeo, or your LMS/host. Follow naming conventions where required.

Internal Link Ideas (for SEO)

- What Is an SRT File? (definition, origins, and use cases)

- Closed Captions vs Open Captions: Which Should You Use?

- How to Add Captions to YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn (Platform Guide)

- Fix SRT Encoding and Timing: UTF-8, CPS, and QC Checklist

- VTT vs SRT: Differences, Conversions, and Best Practices

Conclusion:

An SRT file is a simple but powerful way to make your videos accessible, engaging, and search-friendly. Now that you know what an SRT File is and how to create an SRT file—manually, online, or by converting from TXT/VTT—you can produce clean, readable captions in minutes. Save your subtitle file as UTF-8, keep lines concise, test in VLC, and follow platform-specific upload steps (including Facebook’s naming convention). With a solid SRT workflow, you’ll reach more viewers, improve watch time, and give your content the discoverability boost it deserves.

Branded media that scales growth and converts B2B audiences.

If you’d like practical, done-with-you support, we’ll audit your current subtitles, standardize naming and formats, and deliver on-brand, multilingual srt file packages for every platform so you can focus on growth.