Answer first
Choose TXT for notes, research, quotes, and repurposing. Choose SRT when a video editor or player expects numbered subtitle cues with comma-based milliseconds. Choose VTT for web video players and browser captions, where cue timing uses periods for milliseconds and the file starts with WEBVTT.
TXT: best for reading and rewriting
A TXT export is the least structured option, which is exactly why it is useful. It is easy to paste into a document, search through for a quote, or turn into a blog outline. If you do not need to sync words back to a video, TXT avoids subtitle formatting getting in the way.
SRT: best for editing software
SRT stores a cue number, a start and end time, and the spoken text. Many desktop video editors, subtitle tools, and upload workflows recognize it. Review the end times before exporting: a transcript segment with an unclear end timestamp can make subtitles appear too early or too late.
VTT: best for the web
VTT is designed for web video tracks. It begins with WEBVTT and uses timestamp cues that browsers can load for captions. If the next step is an HTML video player, a VTT file is usually the cleanest handoff.
Keep timestamps on when you are unsure
Timestamped output is easier to trim later than plain text is to reconstruct. Keep timestamps on when you are reviewing an interview, checking names, finding a hook, or handing the transcript to an editor. Turn them off only when you are certain the result is headed into ordinary notes or copy.
One workflow, three useful outputs
- Choose a local video or audio file in the browser.
- Transcribe once and review a few names, numbers, and noisy sections.
- Switch the output format and re-render instead of processing the file again.
- Download TXT for writing, SRT for editing, or VTT for web captions.