How to Fix Issues with Subtitles

If you’re having trouble downloading or seeing subtitles with 4K Video Downloader Plus, here’s what you need to know about how subtitles work in the app and what might cause issues.

How Subtitles Work in 4K Video Downloader Plus

4K Video Downloader Plus can detect and download all types of subtitles that are available for a YouTube video. There are several types you might encounter:

• Author-uploaded subtitles. These are subtitles that the video creator has added themselves. They usually offer the highest quality and accuracy.
• Auto-generated subtitles. YouTube can automatically transcribe speech in a video and generate subtitles. In the app, these appear as “language name – transcribed” (for example, “English – transcribed”).
• Auto-translated subtitles. If a video doesn’t have subtitles in your preferred language, 4K Video Downloader Plus can request an automatic translation using YouTube’s own translation service. In the app, these appear as “language name – auto-translated.”.

Note: Auto-translated subtitles are only available for the most popular languages and only if there are no higher-quality subtitles (like author-uploaded or auto-generated) for that language.

Why Subtitles Might Not Download or Appear

• Unsupported languages. While 4K Video Downloader Plus supports most common subtitle languages, some rare or less widely used languages (such as Tibetan) may not be supported yet.

• Subtitle page issues. The app checks if the subtitle page is available and contains content. Subtitles may not be downloaded if:

  • The subtitle page is unavailable (for example, due to an HTTP error).

  • The subtitle page is accessible but contains no actual subtitle data (this can happen with some auto-generated or auto-translated subtitles).

• YouTube limitations. If YouTube itself doesn’t provide subtitles for a particular language or video, the app cannot download them.

What You Can Do

• Check subtitle availability. After parsing a video link (make sure that Smart Mode is off before pasting a link into the app), review the list of available subtitles in the download window. Note that if there are no subtitles (CC) on YouTube, the app cannot generate them.
• Try a different language. If your preferred language isn’t available, check if another language appears in the list. Sometimes, only certain languages are supported for a specific video.
• Use a compatible media player. For best results, open downloaded videos and subtitle files with VLC Media Player or Media Player Classic. Many default players, such as Windows Media Player, rarely work well with subtitles.

How to Download Embedded Subtitles

If you want subtitles built directly into your video file (so you don’t need a separate .srt file):

1. Launch 4K Video Downloader Plus.
2. In the menu bar, click Tools > Preferences > Advanced.
3. Enable the Embed subtitles if possible option.
4. If Smart Mode is enabled, disable it.
5. Copy the link of a video with subtitles (CC) and paste it into the app.
6. In the download window, toggle the Subtitles section and pick one or multiple languages from the list.
7. Adjust other settings if needed, then click the Download button.
8. Open the video with VLC Media Player or Media Player Classic. Use the Subtitle menu to enable or switch subtitles.

How to Download Subtitles as a Separate File

If you prefer to have subtitles as a separate .srt file, follow these steps:

1. Launch 4K Video Downloader Plus.
2. Go to Tools > Preferences > Advanced to make sure the Embed subtitles if possible option is turned off.
3. Copy the link of a video with subtitles (CC) and paste it into the app.
4. In the download window, select your preferred subtitle language.
5. Adjust other settings if needed, then click the Download button. The app will save the subtitles as a separate .srt file alongside your video.
6. Open both the video and the .srt file in VLC Media Player or Media Player Classic to view subtitles. In VLC, you can add the subtitle file via the Subtitle menu.

Still Need Help?

If subtitles are still missing or not working:

• Confirm the video has CC available on YouTube.
• Try another supported language if your preferred one isn’t available.
• Contact our support team, providing the video link, subtitle language, and details about the issue. We’re here to help you get the most out of your downloads!