How To Make a VTT File
Do you know how to make a VTT file? Follow along in this helpful guide to get a step-by-step overview of creating these files.
Last updated: January 29, 2026
• AI tools dominate: In 2026, most creators use Descript, OpenAI Whisper, or Rev to auto-generate VTT files with 99% accuracy in seconds.
• Manual still works: For short clips under 30 seconds, Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) can create VTT files with proper WEBVTT header and timecodes.
• VTT beats SRT: WebVTT supports styling, positioning, and metadata that older SRT format lacks—making it the modern standard for HTML5 video.
• SEO and accessibility: Search engines and LLMs index VTT tracks, boosting rankings. Captions also make content accessible to deaf/hard-of-hearing viewers.
With over 90% of businesses now prioritizing video creation, standing out requires more than just high-quality visuals. In 2026, accessibility is not just a "nice-to-have"—it's a requirement for SEO and global reach. To make your videos accessible, you need captions, and that means understanding how to create a VTT file.
What is a VTT File?
The VTT file (short for WebVTT) is the modern standard for subtitle and caption delivery on the web. Created by the WHATWG in 2010, WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks) was designed to be better optimized for HTML5 than its predecessor, the SRT format. Unlike basic text, VTT supports advanced features like styling, positioning, and metadata, making it the preferred choice for professional video players.
If you're looking for a hosting platform that makes adding VTT tracks simple, check out our guide to the best private video hosting sites.
Why are Subtitles and Captions Essential in 2026?
Adding captions to your video does more than just help with accessibility; it's a significant boost for your metrics:
- Engagement: 82% of web traffic is video, and captioned videos receive 12x more shares on social media.
- Accessibility: Captions make your content inclusive for the millions of people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The W3C WCAG guidelines require captions for Level A compliance.
- SEO & AI Discovery: Search engine crawlers and LLMs (like Gemini and GPT) index your VTT tracks to understand your video content, directly boosting your ranking for specific keywords.
For more on how video impacts your site's performance, see our article on how YouTube videos impact page speed.
2026 Comparison: Manual vs. AI VTT Creation
| Method | Tools | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual | Notepad, TextEdit | Slow (10x video length) | Short clips (< 30s) |
| AI-Automated | Whisper, Descript, Rev | Instant | Long-form/Business |
| Pro Service | 3PlayMedia, Verbit | 24-48 Hours | Legal/Medical Compliance |
The AI Shortcut: Generating VTT Files Automatically
In 2026, most creators have moved away from manual typing. Tools like Descript or OpenAI's Whisper (which is often integrated into top video upload sites) can transcribe your audio with 99% accuracy.
- Upload your video to an AI transcription tool.
- Review the text for any brand-specific names or jargon.
- Export as "WebVTT" or ".vtt". These tools handle the complex timecodes (hh:mm:ss.ttt) for you automatically.
Other popular AI transcription options include:
- Rev – offers both AI and human transcription
- Otter.ai – great for meeting recordings
- Happy Scribe – supports 120+ languages
How to Manually Create a VTT File (The Classic Way)
If you prefer total control or have a very short clip, you can still create a VTT file using a basic text editor. For longer videos, consider using a compressed video format to make editing more manageable.
On Windows
- Launch Notepad.
- Type
WEBVTTat the very top, followed by a blank line. - Add your timecode in the format:
00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:05.000. - Type your caption text (keep it under 32 characters for readability).
- Save as
filename.vtt(ensure "All Files" is selected in the save dialog).
On Mac
- Open TextEdit and go to Format > Make Plain Text.
- Start with the mandatory
WEBVTTstring. - Add your timecodes and text, ensuring there is a double space between each "cue."
- Save the file with the
.vttextension.
VTT File Format Example
Here's what a properly formatted VTT file looks like:
WEBVTT
00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:04.000
Welcome to our video tutorial.
00:00:04.500 --> 00:00:08.000
Today we'll learn about VTT files.
00:00:08.500 --> 00:00:12.000
Let's get started with the basics.Professional Captioning Services
For content requiring 100% accuracy—like legal depositions, medical training, or compliance-heavy industries—consider professional services:
- 3Play Media – industry leader for accessibility compliance
- Verbit – AI-powered with human review
- Cielo24 – enterprise video accessibility solutions
These services typically deliver within 24-48 hours with 99%+ accuracy guarantees.
Final Touches for Your Web Video Text Tracks
Once your VTT file is ready, it's time to pair it with your video. Professional players make it easy to upload your VTT tracks directly, ensuring that search engines can index your content and viewers can enjoy a seamless, accessible experience regardless of their hearing ability or environment.
For tips on optimizing your video content overall, check out our guide on how to optimize your web video content.
SmartVideo makes it simple to add VTT captions to your videos, with fast global delivery and no ads or branding. Your viewers get smooth playback while search engines index your caption content for better SEO.
See SmartVideo pricing →