Copy YouTube Transcript

Copy YouTube transcripts in one click.

Get the words from videos and Shorts into your notes or AI chat. Keep timestamps for quotes, or leave them out for easier reading.

Add to Chrome — free copying

Desktop Chrome · Requires available YouTube captions
Copying and formatting are free. Pro is optional.

Try the free transcript cleaner Already copied a transcript? Remove its timestamps here.

4.6★ · 149 ratings · 40,000 usersChrome Web Store snapshot · September 20, 2026

Choose your output

The same words.
The format you need.

Clean text

Start by writing down one thing you want to learn.
Turn it into a question before you watch the video.
Afterwards, explain the answer in your own words.

Ready to paste into notes, a document, or an AI chat.

With timestamps

0:00 Start by writing down one thing you want to learn.
0:06 Turn it into a question before you watch the video.
0:12 Afterwards, explain the answer in your own words.

Keep time references so you can check a quote in the video.

Original sample text illustrating the two formats. No video is loaded.

Simple controls, right in Chrome

Open a captioned video, choose your formatting, and copy.

Copy YouTube Transcript extension with the Copy to Clipboard button

Transcript formatting controls for timestamps, line spacing and video title

Copy YouTube Transcript open on a YouTube Short

Screenshots show the extension controls; their layout may vary by version.

How to Copy a YouTube Transcript

Just 3 simple steps

Install the Extension

Add Copy YouTube Transcript from the Chrome Web Store. Basic copying is free; Pro features are optional.

Open a Video with Captions

Navigate to any YouTube video or Short that has captions/subtitles available.

Click Copy to Clipboard

Click the extension icon and hit "Copy to Clipboard". The entire transcript is ready to paste anywhere!

Free copying. Optional Pro tools.

Start with the transcript. Upgrade only if you need the extra tools.

Free

Copy captions from videos and Shorts
Include or remove timestamps
Customize titles and line spacing
Download plain text and add your own AI prompt

Pro

Export PDF and Markdown
Use AI chat in the side panel
Save named formatting presets
Keep an expanded transcript history

See current upgrade options inside the extension.

Get more from your transcripts

Practical guides for the task you are working on.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I copy a YouTube transcript?

Install Copy YouTube Transcript extension, open any YouTube video with captions, click the extension icon, and hit "Copy to Clipboard". The entire transcript is copied instantly.

Does this work with YouTube Shorts?

Yes! Copy YouTube Transcript works with both regular YouTube videos and Shorts, as long as they have captions available.

Can I include timestamps in the transcript?

Yes, you can customize the output to include or exclude timestamps, add spacing between lines, and even include the video title.

Is this extension free?

Basic transcript copying and formatting are free. PDF/Markdown export, the AI side panel, saved presets and expanded history are optional Pro features.

Can I use the transcript with AI tools like ChatGPT?

Yes. Copy the transcript and paste it into your AI chat. Custom prompts are available with free copying; the integrated AI side panel is a separate Pro feature.

What if a video doesn't have captions?

The extension needs captions already available on YouTube. It does not transcribe the audio of videos without captions.

Does it work offline?

You need an internet connection to load the video and its captions. After copying or saving the text, you can read it offline.

Ready to Copy YouTube Transcripts?

Copy available captions into the tools you already use.