use-cases
Download videos with subtitles
A checklist for subtitle-aware downloads, including when a normal MP4 save is not enough.
Use subtitle-aware workflows when captions are part of the value of the video. Check whether subtitles are embedded, provided as separate tracks, or unavailable; then choose web, HLS, API, or MCP based on the source format and permission status.
Direct answer
Use subtitle-aware workflows when captions are part of the value of the video. Check whether subtitles are embedded, provided as separate tracks, or unavailable; then choose web, HLS, API, or MCP based on the source format and permission status.
Recommended workflow
HLS or API/MCP when subtitle tracks and metadata must be inspected.
Steps
- Check whether the source has embedded captions or separate subtitle tracks.
- Use a manifest-aware workflow for HLS sources when subtitle metadata matters.
- Download the smallest video quality that keeps the subtitles readable.
- Store subtitle files and source notes next to the downloaded video.
Good-fit cases
- Owned captioned videos
- Permitted public educational clips
- Accessible offline reference copies
Do not use this workflow for
- Extracting protected tracks
- Bypassing login-only media
- Claiming subtitles exist before checking