Learn how to extract transcripts from YouTube Shorts. Covers the unique challenges of Shorts, working methods, and tools that support short-form video transcription.
By NoteLM Team•Published 2026-01-16
Share:
Key Takeaways
Convert Shorts URLs from /shorts/ to /watch?v= for better transcript access
NoteLM.ai handles both Shorts and regular video URLs automatically
Shorts transcripts are brief (50-150 words) due to short duration
On-screen text overlays are NOT included in transcripts
Background music and fast speech reduce auto-caption accuracy
Desktop browser transcript access for Shorts is unreliable
YouTube Shorts have unique transcript challenges—the vertical format, quick content, and different interface can make extraction tricky. This guide covers working methods to get transcripts from any YouTube Short.
Can You Get Transcripts from YouTube Shorts?
Yes, but with some differences from regular videos:
Feature
Regular Videos
YouTube Shorts
Show transcript button
Usually available
Often hidden/missing
Auto-captions
~85% of videos
~90% of Shorts
Native transcript view
Full panel
Limited access
Third-party tools
Full support
Usually supported
Method 1: Convert Shorts URL to Regular Video
YouTube Shorts can often be viewed as regular videos by changing the URL.
YouTube Shorts are technically regular videos with vertical formatting. The /shorts/ URL triggers the Shorts player, but the same video exists in the regular player where transcript features are accessible.
Method 2: NoteLM.ai (Works with Both URLs)
NoteLM.ai handles both Shorts and regular video URLs automatically.
Steps
1.Copy your Shorts URL (either format works)
2.Open NoteLM.ai
3.Paste the URL
4.Click "Get Transcript"
5.View, copy, or download
Pros
No URL conversion needed
Works with Shorts player URLs
Same features as regular videos
Download as TXT or SRT
Cons
Method 3: Desktop Browser (Limited)
Some Shorts show transcript options when accessed on desktop.
Desktop Access Steps
1.Open Shorts URL in desktop browser
2.Click the three-dot menu
3.Look for "Show transcript"
4.If available, transcript panel opens
When This Works
Shorts with manual captions
Some auto-captioned Shorts
When creator hasn't disabled transcripts
When It Fails
Many Shorts hide the transcript option
Mobile-first content may lack this feature
Some regions have different interfaces
Method 4: yt-dlp Command Line
For technical users, yt-dlp supports Shorts directly.
Command
# Download Shorts captions
yt-dlp --write-auto-sub --sub-lang en --skip-download "https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VIDEO_ID"
Output
Creates a subtitle file (.vtt or .srt) with the Shorts transcript.
Shorts Transcript Challenges
Challenge 1: Short Duration = Less Text
Shorts are under 60 seconds, meaning transcripts are brief:
Typical Shorts transcript:
- 30-second Short: 50-75 words
- 60-second Short: 100-150 words
Challenge 2: Fast Speech
Many Shorts feature rapid delivery:
Lower auto-caption accuracy
More errors with quick speech
Harder to follow timestamps
Challenge 3: Music and Effects
Shorts often include:
Background music (confuses auto-captions)
Sound effects
Multiple speakers rapidly
Text overlays (not in transcript)
Challenge 4: Text Overlays Not Captured
Important: On-screen text in Shorts is NOT included in transcripts. Only spoken words are captured.
What you see: "3 PRODUCTIVITY TIPS" (on screen)
What transcript shows: [spoken content only]
Working with Shorts Transcripts
Quick Notes Format
For short content, simple notes work best:
# Short: [Title]
**URL:** [link]
**Duration:** [X seconds]
## Transcript
[Full transcript - usually 50-150 words]
## Key Points
- Point 1
- Point 2
Batch Processing Shorts
For multiple Shorts from one channel:
1.Collect all Shorts URLs
2.Convert to watch URLs if needed
3.Process through NoteLM.ai one by one
4.Compile into single document
Extracting Trends from Shorts
Use Shorts transcripts to analyze:
Common phrases/hooks
Content patterns
Trending topics
Competitor strategies
Use Cases for Shorts Transcripts
Content Repurposing
Turn viral Shorts into longer content
Extract hooks for your own Shorts
Analyze successful Shorts formats
Accessibility
Create text versions for deaf/HoH viewers
Enable reading for hearing-impaired audiences
Support non-native speakers
Research
Study viral content patterns
Analyze creator communication styles
Document trending topics
Learning
Study short educational content
Extract key facts and tips
Build flashcards from Shorts
Shorts Transcript Quality
Accuracy Factors
Factor
Impact on Accuracy
Clear speech
High accuracy
Background music
Lower accuracy
Multiple speakers
Medium accuracy
Fast talking
Lower accuracy
Sound effects
Can cause errors
Improving Results
1.Check for manual captions - Some creators add them
2.Verify against video - Quick to check for Shorts
3.Edit obvious errors - Easy given short length
Comparing Methods
Method
Speed
Reliability
Ease
URL conversion + YouTube
Slow
Medium
Medium
NoteLM.ai
Fast
High
Easy
Desktop browser
Slow
Low
Easy
yt-dlp
Medium
High
Technical
Recommendation
Use NoteLM.ai for the best balance of speed and reliability.
Troubleshooting
"No transcript available"
Causes:
Short has no captions
Very new upload
Music-only content
Solutions:
Wait 24 hours for auto-captions
Try URL conversion method
Accept some Shorts lack transcribable content
Wrong language
Solution
Check if other languages available
Use translation tools on extracted transcript
Transcript doesn't match video
Cause
On-screen text not in transcript
Solution
Manually note important on-screen text separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1Do all YouTube Shorts have transcripts?
Most Shorts have auto-generated captions and thus transcripts. However, music-heavy content, very new uploads, or Shorts with minimal speech may not have transcripts available.
Q2Why can't I see the transcript button on Shorts?
The Shorts player interface often hides the transcript option. Convert the URL from /shorts/ to /watch?v= format, or use NoteLM.ai which handles Shorts URLs directly.
Q3Are Shorts transcripts accurate?
Accuracy is similar to regular videos (85-95%) but can be lower due to fast speech, background music, and sound effects common in Shorts. Always verify important content.
Q4Can I get transcripts from Shorts on mobile?
Mobile transcript access for Shorts is limited. Best approach: copy the URL and use NoteLM.ai in your mobile browser for reliable extraction.
Q5How do I extract text that appears on screen in Shorts?
On-screen text overlays are not included in transcripts—only spoken audio is transcribed. You'll need to manually note important on-screen text.
Q6Can I batch process multiple Shorts?
Yes, but you'll need to process each Short individually. Collect URLs, then run them through your transcript tool one by one. Scripts with yt-dlp can automate this.
Conclusion
Getting transcripts from YouTube Shorts requires a slightly different approach than regular videos. The most reliable method is using NoteLM.ai, which handles Shorts URLs directly. Alternatively, convert the /shorts/ URL to /watch?v= format to access YouTube's regular transcript features.
Quick method:
1.Copy Shorts URL
2.Paste in NoteLM.ai
3.Get transcript
4.Copy or download
Despite shorter content, Shorts transcripts are valuable for repurposing, accessibility, research, and learning. Start extracting your Shorts transcripts today.
Written By
NoteLM Team
The NoteLM team specializes in AI-powered video summarization and learning tools. We are passionate about making video content more accessible and efficient for learners worldwide.