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YouTube Transcript GeneratorPaste a Link, Get the Full Transcript

Paste a public YouTube video link to get its transcript with timestamps. Existing captions are used when available; otherwise the speech is transcribed. Edit the text and download TXT, DOCX, XLSX, or SRT.

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We supportYouTubeTikTokInstagramXFacebookMP3, MP4, WAV, M4A, MOV, etc.

What You Get From a YouTube Link

A full transcript you can read, search, quote, and export, without downloading the video first.

Works Without Captions

If the video already has captions, they are used. If it has none, the speech is transcribed automatically, so you still get text.

Timestamps on Every Line

Each part of the transcript keeps its time in the video, so you can jump back to the exact moment a quote was said.

Edit in the Browser

Fix names, numbers, and technical terms in the transcript editor before you copy or download anything.

TXT, DOCX, XLSX, and SRT

Download plain text for notes, a Word document for articles, a spreadsheet for research, or SRT subtitles for re-uploads.

Translate the Transcript

Translate the transcript in the editor and export the translation or a bilingual SRT for viewers in another language.

Upload the Original for Speaker Labels

Own the video? Download the original MP4 from YouTube Studio and upload it to get speaker labels for interviews and panels.

How to Get the Transcript of a YouTube Video

Three steps from YouTube link to editable text.

Step 1

Copy the YouTube Link

Open the video and copy the address from your browser, or use Share > Copy link. Shorts links work the same way.

Step 2

Paste the Link

Paste it into the box at the top of this page and start. Link transcription needs a free account.

Step 3

Edit and Download

Review the transcript, fix any words, then download TXT, DOCX, XLSX, or SRT.

YouTube Transcript Use Cases

Real workflows where a YouTube transcript in TXT makes a difference.

Podcasters and Interviewers

Extract Quotes from YouTube Interviews

Transcribe a YouTube interview and pull exact quotes without re-listening. Timestamps show where each quote appears in the video.

Input:: A YouTube URL of an interview or panel
Output:: A timestamped TXT transcript

Students and Educators

Turn Lectures into Searchable Notes

Convert recorded lectures or online classes into a searchable transcript, then find any topic by keyword instead of scrubbing through the video.

Input:: A lecture video on YouTube
Output:: A searchable TXT transcript for note-taking

Operations and Training Teams

Archive Internal YouTube Training

Download private training videos from YouTube Studio → Content → Videos, transcribe them, and file the TXT in your knowledge base for searchable reference.

Input:: An original MP4 from YouTube Studio
Output:: A searchable TXT transcript in your knowledge base

Privacy Controls

Practical controls for transcripts you create from YouTube videos.

Controlled Access

Transcripts are scoped to the account or guest session that created them and are not exposed publicly unless you choose to share them.

Configurable Retention

Retention options vary by account type. Guest transcripts are held for the duration of the session, while signed-in users have additional controls in their workspace.

User-Directed Deletion

Signed-in users can delete transcription tasks from their workspace at any time. Once removed, the transcript text is no longer accessible through FastScribe.

YouTube Transcript Generator FAQ

Answers to common questions about getting a transcript from a YouTube video.

How do I get the transcript of a YouTube video?

Copy the video link, paste it into the box at the top of this page, and start. When it finishes, the transcript opens in the editor, where you can copy it or download TXT, DOCX, XLSX, or SRT.

Can I get a transcript if the video has no captions?

Yes. When a video has captions they are used directly. When it has none, the spoken audio is transcribed instead, so you still get a full transcript with timestamps.

Is the YouTube transcript generator free?

Transcribing a link needs a free account, and signing up gives you free credits to start. Longer or repeated transcriptions use credits from your account.

Can I download the transcript as a TXT file?

Yes. Choose TXT in the download menu for plain text. DOCX opens in Word, XLSX in a spreadsheet, and SRT gives you timed subtitles for a video editor.

Does it work with private or members-only videos?

No. Only public videos can be transcribed from a link. If you own a private video, download the original file from YouTube Studio and upload it instead.

Can I translate a YouTube transcript?

Yes. Translate the transcript in the editor, then export only the translation or a bilingual SRT with both languages.

Convert a YouTube Video for Free

Use 15 guest credits to transcribe a short video now, or register for 120 credits—no credit card required.

Start with 15 guest credits Sign up for 120 credits

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