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YouTube’s transcript feature helps you follow along with videos, take notes, and quickly find key points. Whether you’re a student or creator, this guide shows you step by step how to open transcripts on YouTube.
What Is a YouTube Transcript?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s clarify what a YouTube transcript is.
A YouTube transcript is a text version of the video’s audio. It displays the spoken words in written form, usually alongside timestamps, so you can easily follow along with the video or jump to specific parts of the content. Many YouTube videos — especially those with captions enabled — automatically generate transcripts.
Transcripts are especially helpful for:
- Understanding difficult accents or fast speech
- Referencing quotes from a video
- Learning new languages
- Improving accessibility
- Finding specific information quickly
Now, let’s learn how to access this handy feature.
How to Open a Transcript on YouTube (Desktop)
YouTube makes it simple to access transcripts on desktop browsers. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open the YouTube Video
Go to YouTube and open the video you want to watch. Make sure it’s a public video — private videos or those with disabled captions won’t have a transcript.
Step 2: Click the Three Dots Below the Video
Just below the video player, you’ll see the description box，click more to expand it.
Step 3: Select “Show Transcript”
Scroll to the very bottom of the description box to find the Transcript section. Click the Show transcript button.
Step 4: View the Transcript
The transcript panel will open on the right side of the video. You’ll see a line-by-line breakdown of the video’s speech, along with timestamps.
How to Open a Transcript on YouTube (Mobile)
YouTube also allows you to view transcripts directly from the mobile app. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Open the YouTube Video
Open the YouTube app on your mobile device and go to the video you want to transcribe.
Step 2: Tap “More” Below the Video
Below the video player, tap on the …more option to expand the full description box. Alternatively, you can tap the video title to access the description.
Step 3: Select “Show Transcript”
Scroll to the bottom of the description box until you find the Show transcript button. Tap on it.
Step 4: View the Transcript
The description box will be replaced by the transcript panel. You can now scroll through the full text of the video and read along as it plays.
What If “Show Transcript” Doesn’t Appear?
Sometimes, you might not see the “Show transcript” option. Here’s why:
- The video has no captions. YouTube generates transcripts based on captions, so if they’re not available, there won’t be a transcript.
- The uploader disabled captions. Some creators choose to turn off this feature.
- The video is private or restricted. Transcripts are typically only available for public videos.
If you want to ensure your videos always have transcripts, consider adding captions manually or using tools like Zeemo to automatically generate accurate captions and transcripts.
Pro Tip: Use Zeemo for Better Transcripts
While YouTube’s auto-generated transcripts are helpful, they’re not always perfect — especially with background noise, fast speech, or multiple speakers. That’s where tools like Zeemo come in.
Zeemo is an AI-powered video editing tool that offers:
- Accurate, high-quality transcriptions with fewer errors than YouTube’s auto-captions.
- Multi-language support, helping you reach global audiences.
- Editable transcripts, so you can fine-tune the text before sharing.
- Stylish subtitles and exportable text files, making your videos more professional and accessible.
If you’re a content creator or need transcripts for professional use, using Zeemo can save you time and ensure greater accuracy.
YouTube’s transcript feature is a simple yet powerful tool to make the most of video content. Whether you’re looking to catch every word, take notes, or find specific information quickly, opening the transcript can make your YouTube experience much more efficient.
While the built-in feature works well for most needs, creators and professionals looking for higher accuracy and more customization should explore tools like Zeemo for better transcription and subtitle options.
