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Fix subtitles that are out of sync

A free subtitle shifter. Move every subtitle earlier or later, or retime a file made for a different frame rate, then download the fixed SRT or VTT. It runs in your browser, so your file never leaves your device.

Move subtitles
Frame rate fix (optional)
to

Your subtitle file

Your file never leaves your device. The timing is fixed in your browser.

Fixed file

How to shift subtitles

To shift subtitles, drop your SRT, VTT or SBV file into the tool above, choose Earlier or Later, and enter the gap in seconds. If the subtitles appear before the words are spoken, move them later. If they appear after, move them earlier. If they start in sync and drift further out, the file was made for a different frame rate: choose both frame rates instead. Then download the fixed file.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Add your file

    Drop the .srt, .vtt or .sbv file onto the box, choose it, or paste its text.

  2. Step 2

    Measure the gap

    Play your video and note when the first line is spoken and when its subtitle appears.

  3. Step 3

    Move the subtitles

    Choose Earlier or Later and enter the gap in seconds. The fixed file appears right away.

  4. Step 4

    Download and test

    Download the file, load it with your video, and check a line near the start and one near the end.

Which fix do you need?

  • Subtitles appear before the words are spoken: move them later by the gap.
  • Subtitles appear after the words are spoken: move them earlier by the gap.
  • In sync at the start, then further out as the video goes on: the file was made for a different frame rate, often 25 fps against 23.976. Use the frame rate fix.
  • In sync until one point, such as a cut or an ad break, then off: enter the number of the first subtitle that’s off in Starting at subtitle.
  • Off by different amounts all the way through: the subtitles were made for a different cut of the video. Fix those lines in the subtitle editor.

SRT vs VTT

DetailSRTVTT
Full nameSubRip SubtitleWebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks)
First lineA cue number (1)WEBVTT
Timing00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:03,00000:00:01.000 --> 00:00:03.000
StylingBold, italic and underlineBold, italic, underline, CSS classes, position and alignment
Use it forVideo editors, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and most media playersWeb video players (HTML5), Vimeo, YouTube and online course platforms

Want the subtitles on the video itself?

Upload your video and AutoSubtitles writes the subtitles from the speech, then burns them in with styled, animated captions. Free to start, with no account.

Upload your video

Frequently asked questions

How do I sync subtitles with a video?

Find how far off they are: play the video and compare when a line is spoken with when its subtitle appears. Drop the subtitle file into the tool above, choose Earlier or Later, enter that gap in seconds and download the fixed file.

Should I move my subtitles earlier or later?

If you read a subtitle before you hear the line, move the subtitles later. If you hear the line first and the subtitle comes after, move them earlier.

Why do my subtitles drift further out of sync?

The subtitle file was timed for a video with a different frame rate, for example a 25 fps European release played against a 23.976 fps one. Each minute adds a little more delay. Choose the two frame rates in the frame rate fix and every time is stretched to match.

Can I shift only part of a subtitle file?

Yes. Enter the number of the first subtitle that is out of sync in Starting at subtitle. Subtitles before it keep their times.

Does this change the text?

No. Only the timings change. The text, bold, italic and underline stay the same, and you can keep the same format or save as SRT, VTT or SBV.

Can’t I just set a subtitle delay in VLC?

You can. In VLC, the G and H keys move subtitles in steps of 50 milliseconds while you watch, but the change isn’t saved to the file. Shifting the file here fixes it for every player and upload.

Is the subtitle shifter free?

Yes. It is free with no signup, and your file never leaves your device.

I don't have a subtitle file yet. Can you make one?

Yes. Upload your video to AutoSubtitles and it writes the subtitles for you from the speech, with timings. You can fix any word, then burn styled captions into the video for free, or download SRT, VTT and TXT files with Pro ($9/month).

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