How to Get YouTube Transcript with Timestamps [2026]

YouTube's built-in transcript feature displays timestamps, but when you copy the text, timestamps are removed. To get transcripts with timestamps preserved, use a third-party tool like NoteLM.ai or download subtitle files in SRT format. This guide shows you all methods to keep timestamps intact.

Why YouTube Removes Timestamps When Copying

When you use YouTube's "Show transcript" feature and copy text:

YouTube separates the timestamp display from the copyable text, making it impossible to copy both together using the native feature.

Why Timestamps Matter

Timestamps in transcripts are valuable for:

• Navigation: Jump to specific moments in videos
• Citation: Reference exact times in academic work
• Note-taking: Organize notes by video sections
• Content creation: Create timestamped summaries
• Accessibility: Help viewers find specific content
• SEO: Create chapter markers for videos

Method 1: NoteLM.ai (Recommended)

The easiest way to get timestamped transcripts is with an online tool.

Step-by-Step Guide

Output Format

[0:00] Hello everyone and welcome to this tutorial
[0:05] Today we're going to cover three important topics
[0:12] First, let's start with the basics
[0:18] The concept is straightforward once you understand
[0:25] Let me show you a quick example

Timestamp Formats Available

Method 2: Download SRT File

SRT (SubRip) files contain timestamps by design.

How to Download SRT

Using NoteLM.ai:

1. 1.Generate transcript
2. 2.Click "Download SRT"
3. 3.File includes full timestamp data

Using yt-dlp (command line):

yt-dlp --write-auto-sub --sub-format srt --skip-download "VIDEO_URL"

SRT Format Structure

1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,000
Hello everyone and welcome to this tutorial

2
00:00:05,000 --> 00:00:12,000
Today we're going to cover three important topics

3
00:00:12,000 --> 00:00:18,000
First, let's start with the basics

SRT includes:

• Sequence number
• Start timestamp → End timestamp
• Text content
• Blank line separator

Method 3: Browser Developer Tools

For technical users, browser DevTools can extract timestamped data.

Chrome DevTools Method

JSON Output Structure

{
  "events": [
    {"tStartMs": 0, "dDurationMs": 5000, "segs": [{"utf8": "Hello everyone"}]},
    {"tStartMs": 5000, "dDurationMs": 7000, "segs": [{"utf8": "Welcome to the video"}]}
  ]
}

Method 4: Manual Timestamp Extraction

For short videos, you can manually preserve timestamps.

Manual Process

1. 1.Open YouTube transcript panel
2. 2.Open a text document side by side
3. 3.For each line:

- Note the timestamp

- Copy the text

- Combine in your document

When Manual Works

✅ Good for:

• Short videos (under 5 minutes)
• Extracting specific sections only
• When you need exact control

❌ Not ideal for:

• Long videos
• Frequent transcript needs
• Bulk processing

Converting Between Timestamp Formats

Brackets [0:00] to Plain 0:00

Find: \[
Replace: (empty)

Find: \]
Replace: -

Plain to SRT Format

Use online converters or scripts:

# Simple Python conversion example
import re

def txt_to_srt(text):
    lines = text.strip().split('\n')
    srt_output = []
    for i, line in enumerate(lines, 1):
        match = re.match(r'\[(\d+:\d+)\]\s*(.*)', line)
        if match:
            time, content = match.groups()
            srt_output.append(f"{i}")
            srt_output.append(f"00:{time},000 --> 00:{time},999")
            srt_output.append(content)
            srt_output.append("")
    return '\n'.join(srt_output)

Timestamp Precision Levels

Different tools offer different precision:

For most use cases, minutes:seconds precision is sufficient.

Use Cases for Timestamped Transcripts

Academic Citation

According to [Creator Name] at [1:23], "direct quote here"
Video: [Title], URL, accessed [date]

Study Notes with Navigation

## Lecture: Introduction to Topic

### Key Concepts
- [2:15] Definition of term X
- [5:30] Example demonstrating concept
- [8:45] Common misconceptions
- [12:00] Summary and takeaways

Content Repurposing

## Article Outline from Video

Introduction [0:00-1:30]
- Hook from opening
- Context setting

Main Point 1 [1:30-5:00]
- Key argument
- Supporting evidence

Main Point 2 [5:00-9:00]
...

Chapter Markers

For video creators adding chapters:

0:00 Introduction
1:23 Setting Up
3:45 Main Tutorial
7:00 Advanced Tips
10:30 Conclusion

Troubleshooting

Timestamps Not Matching Video

• Download fresh transcript
• Use manual captions if available
• Verify key timestamps manually

Timestamps Missing from Download

Solution:

• Use NoteLM.ai with timestamp option enabled
• Download as SRT instead of plain TXT
• Check tool settings for timestamp toggle

Inconsistent Timestamp Format

Solution:

• Use find/replace to standardize
• Choose one tool for consistency
• Convert to your preferred format

Quick method summary:

1. 1.Easiest: NoteLM.ai → Copy or download with timestamps
2. 2.For video editing: Download SRT file format
3. 3.For automation: Use yt-dlp command line
4. 4.For short clips: Manual extraction

Start extracting timestamped transcripts now—they make video content infinitely more useful for notes, citations, and navigation.