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

Co-authored by Rain Kengly Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: September 6, 2025 Fact Checked

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Using the Mobile App

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Using a Computer

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Using a Transcript Generator

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Video

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

Navigate to a YouTube video.
Expand the description.
Scroll down and tap Show transcript.^{[1]
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Copy the transcript text.
Paste the text into another app.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using the Mobile App

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This is the white play button in a red rectangle.
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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This is below the video. The description will expand.
4
Scroll down and tap Show transcript. You can find this under the Transcript header.^{[2]
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- Not every video will have a transcript available.
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.
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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using a Computer

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Go to https://www.youtube.com/ in a web browser. You can use any browser.
Use the search icon in the top-right corner to type in keywords or select a video from your home feed.
This is below the video. The description will expand.
4
Scroll down and click Show transcript. You can find this under the Transcript header.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- A new panel will open on the right of the video.
- Not every video will have a transcript available.
5
Copy and paste the transcript. 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 ⋮ in the top-right corner of the Transcript window and select Toggle timestamps.
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.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using a Transcript Generator

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1
Open the Generator tool in a web browser. Keep in mind that these are third-party websites; you shouldn't share any personal information or sign into any accounts.
- You can use websites such as:
  - https://youtubetranscript.com/
  - https://tactiq.io/tools/youtube-transcript
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.
This is at the top of the Generator page.
The transcript will load.
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.