There are numerous reasons why you might find a transcript of a YouTube video useful. For YouTube creators, a transcript enhances the accessibility of videos to a broader audience, while also providing content for blog posts and social media copy. For regular viewers, a transcript offers the convenience of skimming through the material and easily referencing it later.
Obtaining this valuable source of video information is possible through various methods, even without the need to download the entire video. Whether you’re using a computer or a mobile device, you’ll discover the step-by-step process of obtaining YouTube video transcripts in the guide below.
Navigate to YouTube using your web browser and search for the video for which you desire a transcript. Ensure that closed captions are enabled for the video. Typically, music videos, lectures, and other professional content are likely to have them enabled.
#2: Select the three dots located in the video description
Click on the video to open it. To the right of the video title, you’ll see a set of options, including Share and Download, as well as an icon with three dots. Click on the three-dot icon.
#3: Choose Show transcript
Once you click on More, a dropdown menu will appear. Among these options, you’ll find “Show transcript.” This option serves as the gateway to accessing the written content of the video.
#4: Select the language
The transcript will be displayed on the right-hand side of the video.
Thankfully, YouTube’s auto-generated captions support multiple languages. You can choose any language from the dropdown list below the transcript.
#5: Review and download
There aren’t numerous adjustments available for the transcript. You can only toggle time stamps on and off. Additionally, YouTube doesn’t offer direct download options for the transcript. If you wish to obtain the transcript, you’ll need to copy and paste it without formatting it into a Google Doc or Microsoft Word file.
For Mac users, the keyboard shortcut for pasting without formatting is Command + Shift + V. For Windows users, it’s typically Ctrl + Shift + V in most applications.
Be aware: The pasted transcript may not appear aesthetically pleasing initially. You’ll need to edit it to create a polished transcript suitable for use.
Using Phone
Getting a YouTube video transcript on your iPhone or Android device is quite similar to doing it on your computer, but with a slight difference: you can’t directly copy and paste the transcript into a document. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
#1: Choose the video on YouTube
Open the YouTube app on your phone and use the search bar to look for the video you want.
#2: Access video details
Tap on the video you’re interested in, then tap …more below the title.
#3: Click on “Show transcript”
Scroll down until you see the Show transcript button and tap on it to reveal the transcript.
#4: Navigate using timestamps
You can turn timestamps on or off as needed. Tapping on a specific timestamp will take you to that part of the video.
#5: Select the language
If the video has translated transcripts, you can select the language you prefer.
#6: Review
Unfortunately, there’s no direct download option for transcripts on mobile devices, and you can’t copy and paste the text elsewhere for editing. You can either use the transcript as-is or access it from a computer if you need to make changes.
Last thoughts
In short, getting the transcript of YouTube videos can greatly benefit both creators and viewers. Whether you’re looking to improve accessibility for a broader audience or simply want an easier way to engage with content, transcripts are incredibly valuable.
Though the process may differ slightly depending on your device, it’s generally straightforward. However, keep in mind that auto-generated captions may not always be accurate. Exploring external tools for more precise transcripts is worth considering. Overall, transcripts offer numerous advantages for education, content creation, and enhancing the viewing experience, making them an essential resource for YouTube users of all kinds.
