How to download Youtube subtitles as text (video transcripts / captions into google doc)

Introduction

If you're looking to leverage the content of a YouTube video for study or create written posts based on the spoken words, extracting subtitles or transcripts can be incredibly helpful. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of downloading and formatting YouTube video transcripts into Google Docs.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Access the YouTube Video

Start by navigating to the YouTube video you wish to extract transcripts from. Make sure you're using either a laptop or a desktop computer for the best experience.

2. Open the Transcript

Scroll down below the video player.
Locate the three dots (More options) under the video and click on them.
Select "Open Transcript" from the dropdown menu.

3. Toggle Off Timestamps

Once the transcript window appears, you may notice timestamps next to each line of dialogue.
To remove these timestamps, click on the three dots within the transcript window.
Select "Toggle Timestamps." This will clear the timestamps for a cleaner transcript.

4. Select and Copy the Transcript

Scroll down to the bottom of the transcript.
Instead of starting from the top, start selecting the text from the bottom up. This method often results in fewer cursor errors.
Once all the text is selected, copy it using Command + C on a Mac or Ctrl + C on Windows.

5. Paste into Google Docs

Open a new tab in your web browser and type doc.new. This shortcut will automatically create a new Google Docs document linked to your Google Drive.
In the new document, click on "Edit" and then select "Paste without formatting" to ensure that you only have plain text.
Once pasted, you’ll have a complete transcript of the video, ready for further editing or conversion into a blog post.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can easily download and edit YouTube video transcripts into a text format in Google Docs. While the accuracy of the AI-generated transcripts may vary, they serve as a great foundation for your writing projects.

Keyword

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FAQ

Q1: Can I download subtitles if the video doesn't have them available?
A1: If the video creator hasn't enabled subtitles, you won't be able to download transcripts.

Q2: Is there an easier way to access transcripts?
A2: This method requires manual steps through YouTube. There are third-party services, but they may not always be reliable or safe.

Q3: How accurate are YouTube's automatic transcripts?
A3: The accuracy of YouTube’s AI-generated transcripts can vary, especially if the audio quality is poor or if the speaker has a strong accent.

Q4: Can I edit the transcript once it's in Google Docs?
A4: Yes, once the transcript is pasted into Google Docs, you can freely edit it to suit your needs.

Q5: Are the transcripts time-stamped by default?
A5: Yes, when you open the transcript from YouTube, it includes timestamps, which you can toggle off for a cleaner text version.