How to prepare captions or a script

Prepare your script by importing captions, uploading a file, or pasting text. The images below show the actual VIDEOudit app with example material.

Importing, uploading a file, and pasting do not use audit credits. AI analysis starts when you select Run audit.

Import captions from a video URL

In desktop Chrome, install the extension and allow automatic import from the app. Check the video URL and caption collection consent, then select “Import captions.”

Extension setup and guide ↗

VIDEOudit video URL field and caption import controls
Actual VIDEOudit screen · Example material · Tap to enlarge

Use a file or a copied script

If you have an .srt, .vtt, or .txt file, choose it under “Upload captions.” You can also paste a copied script into the text field. Either method is an alternative to automatic import.

VIDEOudit caption file upload control and script field
Actual VIDEOudit screen · Example material · Tap to enlarge

Review the script, then run an audit

Imported captions automatically fill an empty script field. Existing text is replaced after confirmation. Check names, numbers, and timestamps, then select Run audit when ready.

VIDEOudit script field with an example script and Run audit button
Actual VIDEOudit screen · Example material · Tap to enlarge

Need to prepare captions yourself?

① My channel · Download a caption file

Open YouTube Studio ↗· Log in with the Google account that owns the video channel.

  1. Choose “Subtitles” in the left menu

    Select your video from the subtitle list. Videos owned by other people are not listed here.

  2. Choose a language and open the subtitle editor

    Choose “Edit” in the subtitle column for your language. Automatic captions may show “Duplicate and edit.” Read any draft-overwrite notice before proceeding.

  3. Options → “Download subtitles”

    In the editor’s options (⋮), choose “Download subtitles.” Select .srt or .vtt if prompted. You do not need to publish captions again to run an audit.

Choose the downloaded file using “Upload captions” above.

Official guide:Download and edit caption files ↗

② Other videos · Copy a transcript
  1. Expand the description on YouTube

    Open YouTube ↗and open the video. Select “More” in the description below the video.

  2. Choose “Show transcript”

    Select “Show transcript” in the description. It is available when captions exist; its location may vary.

  3. Copy the full transcript → Paste into VIDEOudit

    Select and copy the transcript (Windows: Ctrl+C, Mac: ⌘C), then paste into VIDEOudit (Ctrl+V / ⌘V). Include timestamps to help locate edits. YouTube watch pages generally have no caption-file download button.

Official guide:View a video transcript ↗

③ No captions or transcript?

An accurate audit needs a script or captions.

Type what was actually said or paste your original script. A title and description cannot replace the script. Correct names, numbers and product names in automatic captions.

For your own videos, check automatic captions in Studio. Automatic captions are not available for every video.

Official automatic-caption help ↗

Without timestamps, edits are located by sentences. Captions alone cannot measure silence, cuts or facial expressions.

VIDEOudit