VTT vs SRT: Convert Subtitles Correctly

WebVTT (`.vtt`) and SubRip (`.srt`) both store timed text, and at a glance they look identical. The differences are small but they matter to players: one wrong separator and the subtitle file is rejected.

The differences that matter

• Header — VTT starts with `WEBVTT`; SRT has no header
• Timestamp separator — VTT uses a dot (`00:00:01.000`), SRT uses a comma (`00:00:01,000`)
• Cue numbers — required in SRT, optional in VTT
• Cue settings — VTT can add position and alignment after the timestamp; SRT cannot
• Styling — VTT supports `<b>`, `<i>` and `<c>` tags; SRT support varies

Which format should you ship?

• HTML5 `<track>` — WebVTT only
• YouTube and most editors — SRT accepted everywhere
• Broadcast and older desktop players — SRT is safer
• Streaming with positioning — WebVTT

What gets lost in conversion

Converting VTT to SRT drops cue settings and VTT-specific classes, because SRT has nowhere to store them. Converting SRT to VTT adds the header and switches the decimal separator, which is lossless.

How to convert

1. 1Open VTT to SRT or SRT to VTT.
2. 2Paste the file contents.
3. 3Convert, then check the first and last cue timings.
4. 4Save with the matching extension so players recognise it.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my player show no subtitles?

The most common cause is a wrong extension or a missing `WEBVTT` header. Also check the file is UTF-8.

Are timings preserved exactly?

Yes. Only the separator character changes, not the values.

Can I convert multiple files?

Convert them one at a time; subtitle files are small, so it is quick.