Make subtitles with Otter.ai: export an SRT, and where to use it
By Ryleigh Newman · Published
Otter makes subtitles by exporting a conversation as an SRT file. Open the conversation, click the three dots, choose Export, and select srt as the file format. Otter's help center says the SRT option is only on paid plans. The free Basic plan exports plain text only.
I built YapToText, a dictation app for the Mac, so read what I say about Otter with that in mind. Every fact about Otter here comes from its own help center, read on October 11, 2026.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
Export an SRT
- Wait for the recorded or imported conversation to finish processing.
- Fix the text in Otter first if it needs small edits.
- Click the three dots in the upper corner and choose Export.
- Keep Transcript switched on and select srt as the file format.
- Set options such as speaker names or line breaks, then select Export.
An SRT is a text file. Open it in a text editor to check it before you upload it anywhere. For larger edits, Otter suggests exporting first and editing the file.
Which plan exports what
From Otter's help center and pricing page, read October 5 and 11, 2026.
| Plan | Export formats |
|---|---|
| Basic, free | TXT only |
| Pro and above | TXT, DOCX, PDF and SRT |
Exporting a transcript from Otter covers the other formats, and the pricing page has what Pro costs.
Use the file
Otter's article walks through two destinations. On YouTube, open the video's details, click Add in the subtitles section, choose Upload file, pick the timing option, and upload the SRT. In Adobe Premiere, import the SRT as captions. SRT is widely supported, but check that your editor takes it.
Free ways to get an SRT on a Mac
If the only thing you need from Otter is the subtitle file, two Mac apps export SRT at no cost and transcribe on the Mac: MacWhisper's free version and MacParakeet. The subtitle generator page compares them with the paid options.
YapToText, the free app I built, is not one of them. It turns a file into plain text with no timings, so it is for the words, not for captions.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
The short version
- How. Three dots, Export, file format srt.
- Plan. Paid plans only.
- Free plan. TXT only.
- Where it goes. YouTube's subtitle upload, Premiere, or any editor that reads SRT.
- Free SRT on a Mac. MacWhisper's free version, or MacParakeet.
If Otter changes its export formats, open an issue on GitHub and I will update this page. Every one gets read.
This app is completely free. You don't have to make an account. There are no subscriptions, no difficult downloads, and nothing is locked. Made for Apple silicon Macs. Source on GitHub.
Related
Sources
- https://help.otter.ai/hc/en-us/articles/11742706003735-Create-captions-subtitles-for-your-video (checked 2026-10-11)
- https://help.otter.ai/hc/en-us/articles/360047733634-Export-conversations (checked 2026-10-11)
- https://otter.ai/pricing (checked 2026-10-11)
- https://github.com/ryleighnewman/YapToText (checked 2026-10-11)
- https://apps.apple.com/us/app/yaptotext/id6786382289 (checked 2026-10-11)
Questions
Can Otter.ai make subtitles?
Yes. Export a conversation as an SRT file, which works as captions or subtitles. Otter says the SRT option is only on paid plans.
How do I export an SRT from Otter?
Open the conversation, click the three dots, choose Export, keep Transcript on, and select srt as the file format.
Is SRT export free in Otter?
No. The free Basic plan exports TXT only. SRT needs a paid plan.
What is a free alternative for making SRT files on a Mac?
MacWhisper's free version and MacParakeet both export SRT from a video, transcribed on the Mac.