Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.VTT
File Type
Video Text Tracks
Category
Video
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .vtt file format
A VTT file, short for Video Text Tracks, is a text-based file format used to display timed text tracks (such as subtitles or captions) in HTML5 video players. It's a plain text file that contains cues, which are blocks of text associated with specific start and end times. These cues are displayed o…
File extension
.VTT
File type
Video Text Tracks
Category
Video
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .vtt file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .vtt.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .vtt file?
File extension details and usage information
A VTT file, short for Video Text Tracks, is a text-based file format used to display timed text tracks (such as subtitles or captions) in HTML5 video players. It's a plain text file that contains cues, which are blocks of text associated with specific start and end times. These cues are displayed on the video screen during playback, making the video accessible to a wider audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, or those who prefer to read along with the dialogue. VTT files support various features, including styling options like font color, size, and position, allowing for customization of the displayed text. They are crucial for providing accessibility and enhancing the viewing experience for users across different platforms and devices. The format is designed to be relatively simple and easy to parse, making it a widely supported standard for web-based video players. The file typically contains a WEBVTT header, followed by the cues, each consisting of a cue identifier (optional), a time range, and the text to be displayed.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .vtt files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .vtt files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .vtt file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .vtt file.
Why can't I open a .vtt file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .vtt format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .vtt files
To open a .vtt file, use software that supports this file format.
- VLC Media Player
- Subtitle Edit
- Notepad++
- Subtitle Workshop
- Any text editor
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .vtt file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.