Subtitle Format Comparison: SRT vs VTT vs ASS vs TTML
Comprehensive comparison of major subtitle formats with technical specifications, compatibility analysis, and use case recommendations for content creators and developers.
18 min read
Technical Comparison
Quick Recommendation
For 95% of use cases, choose SRT format. It offers universal compatibility, simplicity, and meets accessibility requirements while being supported by all major platforms and players.
Consider other formats only for specific technical requirements like advanced styling (WebVTT), professional broadcast (TTML), or specialized applications (ASS).
Format Comparison Overview
| Format | Compatibility | Complexity | Styling | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SRTRecommended .srt | Universal | Simple | Limited | General video content |
WebVTT .vtt | Web-focused | Moderate | Advanced | HTML5 video players |
ASS/SSA .ass/.ssa | Limited | Complex | Extensive | Anime and fan subtitles |
TTML .ttml/.xml | Professional | Complex | Extensive | Broadcast television |
SRTRecommended
SubRip Subtitle
Extension
.srt
Technical Features
Timing Support
Styling OptionsLimited
Positioning Control
Metadata Support
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Universal compatibility across all players
- Simple plain text format
- Small file size
Limitations
- Limited styling options
- No positioning control
- No metadata support
Ideal Use Cases
General video contentSocial media platformsEducational videosBasic accessibility compliance
WebVTT
Web Video Text Tracks
Extension
.vtt
Technical Features
Timing Support
Styling OptionsAdvanced
Positioning Control
Metadata Support
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- W3C standard for web video
- Advanced styling capabilities
- Positioning and layout control
Limitations
- Limited support in older players
- More complex syntax
- Larger file sizes
Ideal Use Cases
HTML5 video playersWeb-based streamingInteractive video contentAdvanced accessibility features
ASS/SSA
Advanced SubStation Alpha
Extension
.ass/.ssa
Technical Features
Timing Support
Styling OptionsExtensive
Positioning Control
Metadata Support
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Extensive styling options
- Advanced positioning
- Animation support
Limitations
- Limited player support
- Complex syntax
- Large file sizes
Ideal Use Cases
Anime and fan subtitlesProfessional video productionArtistic subtitle presentationsKaraoke videos
TTML
Timed Text Markup Language
Extension
.ttml/.xml
Technical Features
Timing Support
Styling OptionsExtensive
Positioning Control
Metadata Support
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- W3C standard
- Extensive metadata support
- Multi-language capabilities
Limitations
- Complex implementation
- Limited consumer player support
- Large file sizes
Ideal Use Cases
Broadcast televisionProfessional streamingMulti-language contentEnterprise video platforms
Format Selection Guide
Choose SRT When:
- • Maximum compatibility is required
- • Creating content for social media
- • Basic accessibility compliance needed
- • Working with multiple platforms
- • Simplicity and ease of editing is important
Consider Alternatives When:
- • Advanced styling is required (WebVTT)
- • Professional broadcast standards needed (TTML)
- • Complex animations required (ASS)
- • Multi-language support essential (TTML)
- • Web-specific features needed (WebVTT)
Ready to Create Professional Subtitles?
Start with SRT format using our professional tools designed for universal compatibility.