## Transcript File Format Details This is the initial spec for the podcast transcript format. There are four possible formats detailed below. Some transcript implementations are done in-browser. [CORS headers](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTTP/CORS) are required to make these files available from other websites. [A CORS tester is available here](https://cors-test.codehappy.dev/), to ensure that transcripts are available within browser-based players. The examples given below are just for convenience. In production you should ensure you are conforming to the actual spec for each format as defined in it's own documentation.

## HTML The HTML transcript format provides a solution when a transcript is available but no or limited timecode data is available. HTML transcript files are considered low-fidelity and are designed to serve as an accessibility aid and provide searchable episode content. The HTML format used for podcast transcripts should adhere to the following specifications. #### HTML tags used: - ``: Name of the speaker (if available) - ``: Start time of monologue (if available) - `

`: Content of monologue #### Snippet: ```html Kevin: 0:00

We have an update planned where we would like to give the ability to upload an artwork file for these videos

Alban : 0:09

You're triggering Tom right now with a hey, here's a cool feature.

``` Example file: [example.html](example.html)

## JSON The JSON representation is a flexible format that accomodates various degrees of fidelity in a concise way. This format for podcast transcripts should adhere to the following specifications. #### Elements included in this representation: - ``: The version of JSON transcript specification - ``: An array of dialogue elements (segments) - ``: Speaker - ``: Start time for the segment - ``: End time for the segment (if available) - ``: Dialogue content #### Snippet: ```json { "version": "1.0.0", "segments": [ { "speaker": "Darth Vader", "startTime": 0.5, "endTime": 0.75, "body": "I" }, { "speaker": "Darth Vader", "startTime": 1, "endTime": 1.25, "body": "am" }, { "speaker": "Darth Vader", "startTime": 1.5, "endTime": 2.0, "body": "your" }, { "speaker": "Darth Vader", "startTime": 2.25, "endTime": 2.50, "body": "father.\n" }, { "speaker": "Luke", "startTime": 2.75, "endTime": 3.0, "body": "Nooooo" } ] } ``` Example file: [example.json](example.json)

## SRT The SRT format was designed for video captions but provides a suitable solution for podcast transcripts. The SRT format contains medium-fidelity timestamps and are a popular export option from transcription services. SRT transcripts used for podcasts should adhere to the following specifications. #### Properties: - Max number of lines: 2 - Max characters per line: 32 - Speaker names (optional): Start a new card when the speaker changes. Include the speaker's name, followed by a colon. #### Snippet: ``` 1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,760 Sarah: In today's episode, you'll learn whether or not you 2 00:00:02,760 --> 00:00:06,090 should have a podcast trailer. And if so, what should you 3 00:00:06,090 --> 00:00:11,610 include in one? Welcome to Podcasting Q&A, where you learn 4 00:00:11,610 --> 00:00:15,750 the best tips and strategies to launch, grow and monetize your 5 00:00:15,750 --> 00:00:18,630 podcast. This week's question comes from Gillian. 6 00:00:19,080 --> 00:00:21,450 Gillian: Hi Buzzsprout, Gillian here from breaking through 7 00:00:21,450 --> 00:00:25,350 careers podcast. My question is, do we need a podcast trailer? ``` Example file: [example.srt](example.srt) ## WebVTT Web Video Text Tracks Format (WebVTT) are an alternative to SRT primarily designed for the use in HTML on the web. It is supported in all major web browsers and is similar enough to SRT to be converted. ### Differences from SRT taken from [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WebVTT): - WebVTT's first line starts with WEBVTT after the optional UTF-8 byte order mark - There is space for optional header data between the first line and the first cue - Timecode fractional values are separated by a full stop instead of a comma - Timecode hours are optional - The frame numbering/identification preceding the timecode is optional - Comments identified by the word NOTE can be added - Metadata information can be added in a JSON-style format - Chapter information can be optionally specified - Only supports extended characters as UTF-8 - CSS in a separate file defined in the companion HTML document for C tags is used instead of the FONT tag - Cue settings allow the customization of cue positioning on the video #### Properties: - Speaker names (optional): Speakers can be included in a voice span tag `` at the beginning of each caption. #### Snippet: ``` WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.000 Podcasting 2.0 is really changing the game. 00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:10.000 Yeah, absolutely. The new features are incredible. 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:15.000 It's amazing how it's empowering creators like never before. 00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:20.000 And the enhanced monetization options are a game-changer. 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:25.000 Exactly, Tom. It's revolutionizing the industry. 00:00:25.000 --> 00:00:30.000 No doubt about it. Podcasting 2.0 is the future. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.000 Couldn't agree more, Tom. The future looks bright. ``` Example file: [example.vtt](example.vtt)