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YouTube Transcript Downloader

Download YouTube transcripts via yt-dlp with Whisper fallback.

Updated Aug 27, 2026
Search Tags:#subtitles#video content#captions#youtube#transcription#yt-dlp#whisper
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ashleytower/claude-skills-collection --skill youtube-transcript-downloader
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: YouTube Transcript Downloader
Source: https://github.com/ashleytower/claude-skills-collection/tree/main/skills/youtube-transcript-downloader
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ashleytower/claude-skills-collection --skill youtube-transcript-downloader

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires yt-dlp, openai-whisper.

What problem does it solve?

Accessing the text content of YouTube videos can be challenging, especially when official subtitles aren't available. This skill automates the process of downloading existing transcripts or generating new ones using advanced AI, saving you the effort of manual transcription.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Intelligent Transcript Retrieval: Prioritizes official subtitles, falls back to auto-generated, and uses Whisper AI for transcription if none exist.
  • Multi-format Output: Provides transcripts in both VTT (for video players) and clean plain text (for reading/analysis).
  • Automated Installation & Cleanup: Handles yt-dlp and Whisper installation, and cleans up temporary audio files.
  • Use Case: Provide a YouTube URL and instantly get a clean, plain-text transcript of the video, perfect for content analysis, note-taking, or repurposing content.

Quick Start

Provide a YouTube URL:

VIDEO_URL="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQw4w9WgXcQ"

Ask Claude to download the transcript:

Download the transcript from this YouTube video: $VIDEO_URL

Frequently Asked Questions about YouTube Transcript Downloader

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I download transcripts from YouTube videos without manually typing them out?▼

Download transcripts using yt-dlp to retrieve existing subtitles and captions from YouTube videos. The Skill automatically prioritizes official subtitles, falls back to auto-generated captions if available, and uses Whisper AI transcription when no subtitles exist, delivering clean plain-text output ready for analysis or note-taking.

Can I get a transcript when a YouTube video has no subtitles or captions available?▼

Yes. When official or auto-generated subtitles are missing, Whisper AI automatically transcribes the video's audio, generating a transcript from scratch. This fallback ensures you can access transcript content regardless of whether the video creator provided captions.

What output formats do I get when downloading a YouTube transcript?▼

Transcripts are provided in two formats: VTT (Video Text Track) for use in video players and clean plain text for reading, analysis, and content repurposing. This dual-format approach supports both playback integration and standalone document workflows.

Do I need to install yt-dlp and Whisper separately before using this?▼

No. The Skill includes automated installation checks and handles setup for both yt-dlp and Whisper, managing dependencies transparently. It also cleans up temporary files automatically, so you only provide a YouTube URL and receive your transcript.

How does this approach compare to manually transcribing or using other transcript services?▼

This Skill combines yt-dlp's subtitle retrieval with Whisper's AI fallback, eliminating manual transcription while avoiding reliance on external paid services. The intelligent fallback chain ensures transcript access across videos with varying caption availability.

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