What exactly is an SRT file?

Last modified on 26 June 2024.

If you’ve ever worked with videos, you’ve probably come across the term SRT file many times. You’ll find the SRT file in video editing programs, but also when you get into video subtitling. But what exactly is an SRT file? In this article, we will have a closer look at this widely used file format for subtitles and discover why it is so important in the world of multimedia.

In this blog post

• SRT: SubRip Subtitle
• What does an SRT file look like?
• Why are SRT files essential?
• How do I create a subtitle file for my video?

SRT: SubRip Subtitle

Let’s start with the basics: what does the abbreviation SRT actually stand for? SRT stands for “SubRip Subtitle,” or subtitle SRT. It is a commonly used file format for storing subtitles or captions for videos. The purpose of an SRT file is simple but crucial: It provides a textual representation of spoken words and sound effects in a video, allowing viewers to better understand the content even if they turn off the sound or have difficulty hearing.

What does an SRT file look like?

An SRT file is a text file consisting of several parts, each with a specific role:

Serial number
Each subtitle block in subtitle SRT has a unique sequence number. These numbers are used to indicate the order of the subtitles.

Time codes
Each subtitle has a start and end time, indicated in hours, minutes, seconds, and milliseconds. This time coding tells the video player when a subtitle should appear and disappear.

Text
The most important part of SRT subtitles is the actual text of the subtitles. This is what the viewer sees on the screen while the video is playing. An SRT file looks like this:

1
00:00:05,000 -> 00:00:10,000
This is an example of SRT subtitles.

2
00:00:12,500 -> 00:00:18,750
Subtitles are essential for accessibility and understanding of video content.

Why are SRT files essential?

SRT files play a crucial role in the world of multimedia for several reasons:

• Accessibility
  They make videos accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing and those who view videos without sound, such as in public places.
• Multilingualism
  Subtitles SRT can be translated into different languages, allowing videos to reach a wider audience.
• Improved SEO
  Search engines can index the text in SRT files, which improves the findability of video content.
• Content creation
  SRT files facilitate the creation of subtitles for videos, which is useful for content creators and video producers.
• Educational purposes
  They are often used in educational videos to promote reading and comprehension skills.

How do I create a subtitle file for my video? 

In the Triple8 editor you create the subtitle file of your video within 5 minutes. This is done in three steps:

1. Upload your video
2. Edit the subtitles where necessary
3. Download as subtitle file

Do you want to know how to upload the file to your video in video editing programs or social media? Then check out our ultimate guide to video captioning, where we explain it all.