youtube-transcript

Extract subtitles and captions from YouTube videos using yt-dlp and Whisper.

Updated Aug 23, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/Growth4U-systems/sanchocmo-openclaw --skill youtube-transcript-growth4u-systems
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: youtube-transcript
Source: https://github.com/Growth4U-systems/sanchocmo-openclaw/tree/main/skills/youtube-transcript
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/Growth4U-systems/sanchocmo-openclaw --skill youtube-transcript-growth4u-systems

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires yt-dlp, openai-whisper, and includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Extracting transcripts from YouTube videos can be time-consuming. This Skill simplifies the process, allowing you to quickly download transcripts for analysis, research, or accessibility.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Automated Transcript Download: Extracts subtitles and captions from YouTube videos.
  • Multiple Formats Supported: Offers options for manual, auto-generated, and Whisper transcriptions.
  • Use Case: Ideal for content creators, researchers, or anyone needing verbatim text from YouTube videos.

Quick Start

Download the transcript from the YouTube video with the URL 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID'.

Frequently Asked Questions about youtube-transcript

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I download YouTube video transcripts for content analysis?▼

To download YouTube video transcripts, provide the video URL to extract subtitles and captions. This process supports manual and auto-generated subtitles, yielding verbatim text ideal for content analysis and research.

Does extracting YouTube subtitles work with auto-generated captions?▼

Extracting YouTube subtitles fully supports auto-generated captions alongside manual subtitles. It automatically fetches available caption tracks from the video to provide accurate transcription text without manual intervention.

Do I need yt-dlp and Whisper to transcribe YouTube videos?▼

You need yt-dlp for downloading YouTube video audio and openai-whisper for transcription. Whisper serves as a last resort to transcribe audio when no manual or auto-generated subtitles are available.

Can I use Whisper transcription as a fallback for YouTube videos without captions?▼

You can use Whisper transcription as a fallback when a YouTube video lacks native captions. The system downloads the audio via yt-dlp and processes it through Whisper to generate a verbatim text transcript.

What is the best way to extract subtitles for language learning from YouTube?▼

The best way to extract subtitles for language learning is using automated transcript download tools. They retrieve manual or auto-generated captions directly from the YouTube video URL, providing accessible text for study.

Why does YouTube video transcription fail for some videos?▼

YouTube video transcription may fail if a video has no subtitles, preventing direct extraction. In these cases, the tool attempts a fallback Whisper transcription, which requires downloading audio via yt-dlp.