How to Get Transcript of YouTube Video with Ease

Converting YouTube videos into text makes any video content more accessible and informative, even without rewatching the video. You can easily follow along with the video using the transcript, or copy and paste the text to Docs or social media content.

Whether you're a student researching content, a content creator repurposing videos, or someone who prefers reading to watching, getting YouTube transcripts can be incredibly valuable.

YouTube's built-in transcript feature can easily show the transcript, but it only works if the creator enabled captions or auto-transcripts exist. This guide will show three reliable methods to obtain full YouTube video transcripts, making content more accessible and easier for various purposes.

1. Enhanced Accessibility

Text is readable for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. If you are a non-native speaker of the video language, you can directly translate the video or get the video transcript for slower reading and better understanding of the content. Additionally, video transcripts enable reading when audiences like to mute the video or in sound-sensitive environments.

2. Content Optimization

Transcript makes your video content searchable, allowing search engines to index your content effectively and improving SEO. Also, it enables quick content scanning and reference.

3. Content Repurposing

Once transcribed from a YouTube video, the text acts as a material library. You can use it to create social media captions and posts or generate study materials for intensive reading and researching.

Next, check the step-by-step guide to convert video content into text.

For videos with creator-uploaded closed captions, you'll typically get highly accurate and well-synchronized transcripts with the video timing. And, you can generate multiple languages as you need.

This method is perfect for quick reference and when you need immediate access to video content in text form.

Steps to Use YouTube's Built-in Transcript

Step 1. Open the YouTube video that you need to get a transcript, and click “...more” below the video.

Step 2. Click "Show transcript" under “Transcript”.

Step 3. The transcript panel will appear on the right. Click the three dots in the transcript panel > tap on Toggle timestamps to remove timestamps from YouTube transcripts.

Step 4. Select all and copy to save the transcript.

However, YouTube’s built-in transcript has some limitations as below:

• Only available for videos with captions (auto-generated or uploaded).
• The transcript may not be accurate for videos relying on auto-generated captions.
• The transcript is not complete and is not organized into paragraphs. No direct download option.

Go next to check how to get transcripts of YouTube videos without a timestamp.

It supports 170+ languages to transcribe and translate, with smart AI that can identify different speakers. Perfect for content creators to get transcripts without manual typing, for educators to review readable transcripts, for businesses to get informative articles and guides, and more uses.

VMEG offers both free and premium features, with the free version providing 60 credits to try the featured function.

Key features of VMEG YouTube Transcript Generator

• Fast and accurate text conversion for efficient working.
• Access all 170+ languages, making it particularly useful for international content creators and students working with multilingual content.
• Equipped with the built-in translation feature that you can quickly translate your videos.
• Support multiple text output formats, including TXT, SRT, VTT, TTML, SBV, and more.
• User-friendly, web-based transcript generator that requires no installation.

Step 1. Upload a Video

Go to the YouTube transcript generator landing page to upload a video. Click Transcribe Video to Text Now.

Sign in to your account and go to the dashboard. Then, choose Transcription mode (Balanced mode is for standard and good transcript quality, Accurate is for fast and high-precision transcript), Number of speakers, Original language, or Translate into if needed. Then click “Submit”.

Step 3. Edit and Export the Transcript

When task submission succeeds, transcribing starts. VMEG turns your YouTube video into text in seconds. Use the built-in editor to adjust the generated transcript. Then export it.

Mobile transcription is essential for users who primarily consume content on their smartphones. This method is particularly valuable for students taking quick notes during commutes, professionals needing to reference video content during meetings, or anyone who needs to access transcripts while away from their desktop.

The mobile method also relies on YouTube but with the added convenience of touch-based controls and a mobile-optimized interface.

Steps to Get Transcript of YouTube Video on Mobile

Step 1. Open the YouTube app and play your desired video.

Step 2. Tap on the “...more” under the title to expand the description box.

Step 3. Scroll down to the bottom, click “Show transcript” under Transcript.

Step 4. Here you can view or search the transcript of the video. Copy them to save.

Getting YouTube video transcripts is super easy with the methods above. Whether you leverage YouTube’s built-in feature for free, AI-powered tools like VMEG for a full transcript, or mobile accessibility options, you now possess versatile solutions for any scenario. Select the one that best fits your needs.

VMEG prioritizes your specific needs as the most efficient approach, whether uncaptioned content, enhanced accuracy, multilingual support, direct downloads, speaker identification, or direct translation. Empower your content repurposing, research, or accessibility efforts with it.