SRT vs. VTT: which caption file do you need?
Both are plain-text caption formats, and Vimeo accepts both. SRT is the universal lowest common denominator; VTT is the web-native format with styling. Here's how to choose.
The formats in 30 seconds
SRT (SubRip) is the oldest and simplest: numbered cues, start and end times with comma decimals, and a line of text. Nothing else. Every editor and platform reads it.
VTT (WebVTT) is the web standard: it starts with a WEBVTT header, uses dot decimals, and can carry styling, positioning, and comments that browsers understand.
The same cue, side by side
SRT first, then VTT:
SRT 1 00:00:04,500 --> 00:00:07,200 Welcome back to the workshop. --- VTT WEBVTT 00:00:04.500 --> 00:00:07.200 Welcome back to the workshop.
Which to use on Vimeo
If you already have a file, attach whatever you have — Vimeo takes both. If you're generating files, SRT is the safest default; pick VTT when you need positioning or styling in web players.
And if you have no files at all: for videos uploaded after May 25, 2022, Vimeo generates the caption track for you — no file needed. For older videos, re-uploading gets you the same result, and Recaption does that across a whole library.
Questions.
- Can I convert SRT to VTT?
- Yes. Add the WEBVTT header at the top and change the timestamp decimals from commas to dots. Any subtitle editor handles it — or use our free in-browser converter at /tools/srt-to-vtt.
- Can I edit auto captions instead of making a file?
- Yes — Vimeo's transcript editor lets you correct an autogenerated track in place, which is usually faster than authoring a file from scratch.