What an SRT file is
An SRT file is a plain text file listing numbered captions with start and end times. Many video platforms and editors can read it.
Uploaded captions are usually 'closed', meaning viewers can switch them on or off and platforms can read them. Burned-in captions are part of the picture and always visible.
Create and clean the captions
Use the auto-caption feature in your editing app or a transcription tool on your own video, then read every line. Fix names, product terms and words the tool misheard.
Keep each caption to one or two short lines so viewers can read it in time. Split long sentences at natural pauses.
Export and upload
Choose SRT as the export format and save it with the same name as the video, for example 'repot-plant.srt'. Open it in a text editor to check it looks right.
Upload it in the captions or subtitles section of platforms that support files, such as YouTube. Check each platform's help pages for current support, since options vary.
Reuse and translate
Because SRT is just text, you can translate it line by line while keeping the timings to make a second language version. Have a fluent speaker review automatic translations.
For apps that only show burned-in text, import the SRT into your editor, style it once and export a captioned copy.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my captions drift out of sync?
This usually happens after you trim the video. Re-export the SRT from the final edit, or shift all timings in an editor that supports subtitle adjustment.
Can I edit an SRT file by hand?
Yes. It opens in any plain text editor; keep the number, timing line and text format exactly as they are, and save with UTF-8 encoding.