3 Simple Ways to Get Transcript of YouTube Video for Free

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Convert any YouTube video into text with this user-friendly guide
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Do you want to generate a transcript for a certain YouTube video? Luckily, most YouTube videos allow creators to create and upload accurate transcripts that can be copied and pasted. If the video doesn't have a transcript, you can use a free online generator. Here's how to get a transcript of YouTube videos on an iPhone, iPad, Android, or computer.

Quick Steps

  1. Navigate to a YouTube video.
  2. Expand the description.
  3. Scroll down and tap Show transcript .
  4. Copy the transcript text.
  5. Paste the text into another app.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using the Mobile App

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the white play button in a red rectangle.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/70\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use the search icon in the top-right corner to type in keywords or select a video from your home feed.
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  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is below the video. The description will expand.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can find this under the Transcript header. [1]
    • Not every video will have a transcript available.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Copy and paste the transcript. Select the text, and then tap Copy . Navigate to a text editing app, such as Notes , Google Docs , or Word . Paste the text.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since the text is not formatted, you can add formatting if needed. You may need to add or delete lines, bold the timestamps, or change the font.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using a Computer

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Go to https://www.youtube.com/ in a web browser. You can use any browser.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use the search icon in the top-right corner to type in keywords or select a video from your home feed.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is below the video. The description will expand.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can find this under the Transcript header.
    • A new panel will open on the right of the video.
    • Not every video will have a transcript available.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/94\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Select the text, and then click Copy . Open a text editing app like Google Docs or Microsoft Word and paste the text.
    • If you want to remove the timestamp, click â‹® in the top-right corner of the Transcript window and select Toggle timestamps .
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d1\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since the text is not formatted, you can add formatting if needed. You may need to add or delete lines, bold the timestamps, or change the font.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using a Transcript Generator

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Keep in mind that these are third-party websites; you shouldn't share any personal information or sign into any accounts.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/35\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can find this at the top of the browser window. If you're using the mobile app, tap the Share button below the video, and then tap Copy link .
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f7\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is at the top of the Generator page.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The transcript will load.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cf\/Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-17.jpg\/v4-728px-Get-Transcript-of-YouTube-Video-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can choose to copy and paste the text into a text editing program. If you choose to download the file, make sure you have an antivirus software to protect your computer.
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      References

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