VTT Format: Web Video Subtitles

WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks) is the modern subtitle format designed for web browsers and HTML5 video players. It's similar to SRT but with additional features for web.

What is WebVTT?

VTT is a text file starting with "WEBVTT" header, followed by timed text entries. It's the standard format for HTML5 <video> and <audio> elements.

WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.230
Hello everyone and welcome to today's podcast.

00:00:05.230 --> 00:00:09.450
Thank you for having me. It's great to be here.

00:00:09.450 --> 00:00:15.120
Let's dive right into the topic of AI transcription.

VTT vs SRT: Key Differences

• Header: VTT requires "WEBVTT" at the start
• Time separator: VTT uses period (00:00:00.000), SRT uses comma (00:00:00,000)
• No sequence numbers needed in VTT
• VTT supports styling, positioning, and metadata
• VTT is the W3C standard for web

Compatible Platforms

• HTML5 video players
• YouTube
• Vimeo
• Wistia
• Video.js
• JW Player
• Plyr
• Modern web browsers

Using VTT with HTML5 Video

Add VTT subtitles to your HTML5 video player:

<video controls>
  <source src="video.mp4" type="video/mp4">
  <track kind="subtitles" src="transcription.vtt" srclang="en" label="English">
</video>

Best Use Cases

• Website video players
• E-learning platforms
• Video streaming services
• Accessibility compliance (WCAG)
• YouTube and Vimeo uploads
• Mobile-friendly subtitles

Character Encoding

All VTT files are exported in UTF-8 encoding with full Unicode support for international languages.

Accessibility Benefits

WebVTT subtitles improve accessibility for:

• Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers
• Non-native language speakers
• Watching in sound-sensitive environments
• Search engine indexing of video content
• Meeting WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance