What is the difference between auto and manual subtitles?

Auto subtitles are machine-generated (write-auto-sub); manual subtitles are creator-provided (write-sub). Availability depends on the video.

How do I choose languages?

Use --sub-langs with codes like en, es, or patterns like en.*. You can request multiple, e.g., --sub-langs "en,es" or all with --all-subs.

Many platforms provide WebVTT (vtt). Use --sub-format srt to prefer SRT and --convert-subs srt to convert when possible.

Embed vs external subtitles?

--embed-subs muxes subs into the output file (MKV recommended for multiple tracks). Without it, .srt/.vtt files are saved alongside the video.

Download Subtitles & Closed Captions (Windows)

Q: Playlists with subtitles?

Yes. Combine --write-sub/--write-auto-sub with --yes-playlist and -o templates to keep files organized.

Use yt-dlp to fetch auto or creator-provided subtitles, select languages, output SRT/WebVTT, and embed tracks into your video. For playlists, combine with templates.

⬇️ Download yt-dlp.exe FFmpeg setup

Tip: Embedding subtitles (--embed-subs) works best with MKV. For MP4, support can be limited depending on formats.

• Works on Windows 11/10

Auto vs manual subtitles

Auto (machine-generated)

yt-dlp --write-auto-sub --sub-langs "en,*" --sub-format srt "URL"

Grabs auto-generated captions where available.
en,* = English preferred, otherwise any.

Manual (creator-provided)

yt-dlp --write-sub --sub-langs en --sub-format srt "URL"

Downloads only human-provided subtitles for chosen languages.

Embed vs external

Soft-embed tracks into the video container (recommended MKV):

yt-dlp -f "bv+ba/best" --embed-subs --merge-output-format mkv "URL"

Without --embed-subs, subtitle files (.srt/.vtt) are saved alongside the video.

Convert to SRT

Prefer SRT and convert when possible:

yt-dlp --write-sub --sub-langs en --sub-format srt --convert-subs srt "URL"

Playlists with subtitles

yt-dlp --write-sub --sub-langs "en.*" --yes-playlist -o "%(playlist)s/%(playlist_index)02d-%(title)s.%(ext)s" "PLAYLIST_URL"

en.* matches English variants (e.g., en-GB).
Use --download-archive to avoid duplicates on large lists.

Language patterns

Multiple languages: --sub-langs "en,es,de"
All available: --all-subs
Prefer English else any: --sub-langs "en,*"

Where files save

By default, to the current folder. Control paths with -o, e.g.,

-o "C:/Videos/%(title)s.%(ext)s"

FAQ

No subtitles found?

Not all videos provide subtitles. Try --write-auto-sub or check other languages with --all-subs.

Embedded subs don't show up?

Use MKV with --merge-output-format mkv and ensure your player supports subtitle tracks.

Can I hardcode (burn-in) subtitles?

yt-dlp embeds subs as tracks. Hardcoding requires re-encoding with FFmpeg filters; it's beyond the scope of this guide.

Legal & safety

Only download and use subtitles you have rights to. Some auto-generated captions may be inaccurate; verify before reuse.

Next steps: Commands cheatsheet • Troubleshooting