How to Download YouTube Subtitles in Another Language

When a YouTube video doesn't come with subtitles in your language, you can still get a transcript in the language you need—either by downloading the existing subtitle track and translating it, or by using YouTube's auto-translate feature. This guide explains the difference between creator-provided translations and YouTube's machine-generated versions, how to check which subtitle languages are available, and how to download or generate subtitles in another language. For a complete overview of working with subtitles, see our complete guide to downloading subtitles.

Understanding Subtitle Languages on YouTube

YouTube supports two types of subtitles: those uploaded by the creator and those automatically generated. Creator-uploaded subtitles may include multiple language tracks, especially if the creator has translated them or used community contributions. YouTube also uses speech recognition to create automatic captions, which can be translated into other languages using the auto-translate feature. This distinction matters because it affects whether you can download a track directly in your language or need to translate the original.

Creator-Provided Subtitles vs. YouTube Auto-Translate

Creator-provided subtitles are files uploaded by the video owner, often in multiple languages. For example, a vlogger might provide subtitles in English, Spanish, and German. These are usually more accurate than auto-generated ones because they are human-reviewed. YouTube's auto-translate, on the other hand, takes the original caption track (either human or auto-generated) and runs it through machine translation. This is a quick way to get subtitles in another language, but the quality can vary, especially for idiomatic expressions. The YouTube Help page on translating your own videos explains how creators can upload or edit translations, while the captions and auto-translate help page covers how viewers can enable auto-translated subtitles.

How to See Which Subtitle Languages Are Available

Before downloading, you need to know what's available. Here's how to check:

1. Open the video on YouTube.
2. Click the Subtitles/CC button (or the gear icon, then Subtitles/CC).
3. In the menu that appears, you'll see a list of available subtitle tracks. If a language is listed without "Auto-translate" next to it, it's a creator-provided track. If it says "Auto-translate," it's machine-translated.
4. To see all languages, click Auto-translate and select a language from the list.

If you're using a subtitle downloader, the available languages are usually listed in the tool's interface. For example, the subtitle downloader with language selection shows all tracks, including auto-generated ones, so you can pick the one you need.

Downloading a Specific Language Track

If the video has a subtitle track in the language you want, you can download it directly. Here's a general method:

1. Use a subtitle downloader tool that supports language selection. Many online tools and desktop apps can extract subtitles from YouTube.
2. Paste the video URL into the tool.
3. The tool will fetch all available subtitle tracks, including auto-generated ones.
4. Select the language you want (e.g., Spanish) and the format (e.g., SRT or VTT).
5. Download the file.

For example, the subtitle downloader at transcript.you lets you choose the language and outputs a standard subtitle file. If you need a step-by-step walkthrough, our guide on how to download YouTube subtitles as SRT, VTT or TXT covers the process in detail.

When No Subtitle Track Exists in Your Language

Often, a video will only have subtitles in the original language, or no subtitles at all. In that case, you have two options: use YouTube's auto-translate to view subtitles in your language (but you can't download that translated track directly), or download the original track and translate it yourself.

Using YouTube's Auto-Translate (Viewing Only)

YouTube's auto-translate feature lets you watch with subtitles in another language without downloading. To enable it:

1. Turn on subtitles (CC).
2. Go to Settings > Subtitles/CC > Auto-translate.
3. Choose your language.

This works for viewing, but if you want a file, you'll need to download the original track and translate it. The YouTube Help page on captions and auto-translate describes this feature in more detail.

Downloading the Original Track and Translating It Yourself

If the video has subtitles in its original language, you can download that track and translate it using a translation service or a CAT tool. Here's a practical approach:

1. Download the original subtitle file (e.g., English SRT) using a downloader.
2. Open the file in a text editor or subtitle editor.
3. Use a translation service like Google Translate or DeepL to translate the text, being careful to preserve the timing codes.
4. Save the translated file in the same format.

For a more automated method, you can use a tool that combines downloading and translating. Our guide on translating YouTube transcripts explains how to get a transcript and translate it while keeping the structure intact.

Translating a Transcript Yourself: Step-by-Step

If you prefer to work with a plain transcript rather than a subtitle file, you can download the transcript and translate it. Here's how:

1. Get the transcript of the video using a tool like the transcript downloader. This gives you a clean text file without timestamps.
2. Translate the text manually or with a translation tool.
3. If you need subtitles, you can then add timestamps and convert the text to SRT or VTT format.

For example, if you're learning a language, you might download the original transcript, translate it to your language, and then compare the two side by side. This method gives you full control over the translation quality.

Format Considerations

When you download subtitles, you'll get a file in a specific format. The most common are SRT and VTT. SRT is widely supported by media players, while VTT includes additional styling and metadata. If you're translating, you might want to use a plain text format (TXT) for easier editing. Our guide on SRT vs VTT vs TXT explains the differences and when to use each.

Comparing Download Methods

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Download existing track	Accurate, original timestamps	Only if track exists in your language	When a track is available
YouTube auto-translate (view only)	No download needed	Cannot be saved as a file	Quick viewing
Download original + translate	Works for any language	Time-consuming, may need manual timing	Language learners, localisation
Use a translation tool	Automated, fast	Quality may vary	When you need a rough translation

Practical Example: Downloading and Translating

Let's say you want Spanish subtitles for a video that only has English auto-generated captions. Here's what you can do:

1. Use a subtitle downloader to get the English auto-generated track (SRT).
2. Open the SRT file in a text editor.
3. Translate the text using an online service, keeping the timing codes intact.
4. Save the file with a .srt extension.
5. Play the video with the new subtitle file to check the timing.

If the timing is off, you might need to adjust it using a subtitle editor. This process is more manual but gives you a subtitle file in your language.

A Note on Copyright and Fair Use

When downloading subtitles, remember that the content is the creator's intellectual property. Downloading subtitles for personal use, such as language learning, is generally acceptable, but redistributing them without permission is not. Always respect the creator's rights and the platform's terms of service.

Conclusion

Downloading YouTube subtitles in another language is possible in several ways: you can download an existing track, use YouTube's auto-translate for viewing, or download the original and translate it yourself. The right method depends on whether a track exists and your need for accuracy. For a comprehensive solution, try the subtitle downloader at transcript.you to get the language you need, or explore our guide on downloading subtitles in other languages for more tips. And if you're also looking to download the video itself, our YouTube downloader can help you keep a copy for offline viewing.