Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.WEBVTT
File Type
Web Video Text Tracks
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .webvtt file format
The WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks) file format is a text-based format used for displaying timed text tracks, such as subtitles, captions, descriptions, chapters, and metadata, in conjunction with HTML5 `` elements. It is designed to be a simple and efficient way to add accessibility and enhance the…
File extension
.WEBVTT
File type
Web Video Text Tracks
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .webvtt file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .webvtt.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .webvtt file?
File extension details and usage information
The WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks) file format is a text-based format used for displaying timed text tracks, such as subtitles, captions, descriptions, chapters, and metadata, in conjunction with HTML5 <video> elements. It is designed to be a simple and efficient way to add accessibility and enhance the user experience for online video content. WebVTT files are plain text files that contain cues, each consisting of a start time, an end time, and the text to be displayed during that time interval. The format supports styling options, allowing for customization of the text's appearance, including font, color, and position on the screen. WebVTT is a crucial component of modern web video accessibility, ensuring that content is accessible to a wider audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. It also facilitates language localization by providing subtitles in multiple languages. The format is standardized and widely supported by web browsers and video players, making it a reliable choice for delivering timed text tracks.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .webvtt files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .webvtt files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .webvtt 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 .webvtt file.
Why can't I open a .webvtt file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .webvtt 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 .webvtt files
To open a .webvtt 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 .webvtt 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.