Free tool
VTT to SBV Converter
Convert VTT subtitles to SBV (.sbv) — YouTube's caption format — right in your browser, with timestamps preserved exactly. No signup, no watermark.
100% in your browser — your files never leave your device.
How to convert VTT to SBV
- Step 1
Add your subtitles
Paste your VTT content into the box, or upload the .vtt file.
- Step 2
Convert to SBV
Click Convert — you get a YouTube-ready .sbv with cue numbers dropped and the timing preserved.
- Step 3
Copy or download
Copy the result or upload the .sbv in YouTube Studio.
Example: VTT → SBV
Here's the same cues before and after conversion, so you know exactly what you'll get.
WEBVTT 00:00:01.000 --> 00:00:03.500 Hello — welcome to the show. 00:00:04.000 --> 00:00:06.200 Today we have a special guest.
0:00:01.000,0:00:03.500 Hello — welcome to the show. 0:00:04.000,0:00:06.200 Today we have a special guest.
The formats explained
What is VTT? (WebVTT)
The W3C subtitle format required by HTML5 video and most web players. Like SRT but with a WEBVTT header and dot-separated milliseconds, plus optional styling and positioning cues.
What is SBV? (SubViewer / YouTube)
The caption format YouTube Studio exports and imports. Plain text with H:MM:SS.mmm timecodes separated by a comma and no cue numbers — simple, but not read by most desktop players or editors, which expect SRT.
Why convert VTT to SBV?
- SBV is the caption format YouTube Studio reads — if your subtitles are in VTT, convert them to .sbv to add them as captions on a video.
- SBV has no cue numbers and puts a comma between the start and end times; the converter handles that for you and leaves the timing untouched.
- You edited subtitles in a tool that exports VTT and now need them back on YouTube.
FAQ
How do I convert VTT to SBV for YouTube?
Paste or upload your VTT file and click Convert to SBV. Download the .sbv and upload it under YouTube Studio → Subtitles — the timing is preserved exactly.
What is an SBV file?
SBV (SubViewer) is YouTube's caption format: plain text with H:MM:SS.mmm timecodes separated by a comma and no cue numbers.
Does YouTube still accept SRT?
Yes — YouTube accepts SRT too, but SBV is its native export format, so a .sbv is guaranteed to import cleanly.
Are my files uploaded?
No — the conversion runs entirely in your browser; nothing is sent to a server.
Need to translate your subtitles too?
Converting is free here. When you need to translate subtitles into another language with the timeline kept perfectly aligned, that's what SubtitleFlow does.
Translate subtitles free