YouTube Transcript Extractor

A Chrome extension that adds a convenient transcript button directly into YouTube's video interface, allowing you to easily extract, copy, and download video transcripts.

Features

• Seamless Integration: Adds a "Transcript" button directly to YouTube's video controls
• Multiple Actions: Copy transcript to clipboard, download as text file
• Native Compatibility: Works with YouTube's built-in transcript system

Installation

Chrome webstore

• Install via Chrome Webstore: Tiny Youtube Transcript Extractor

Manual

1. Download or clone this repository
2. Open Chrome and navigate to chrome://extensions/
3. Enable "Developer mode" in the top right corner
4. Click "Load unpacked" and select the yt-transcript folder
5. The extension will be installed and ready to use

How to Use

Button Interface

1. Navigate to any YouTube video page (youtube.com/watch?v=...)
2. Look for the "Transcript" button with a download icon in the video controls area (next to like/dislike buttons)
3. Click the button to reveal a dropdown menu with copy/download actions and timestamp settings:

Available Actions

• Copy: Instantly copies the transcript to your clipboard
• Download: Downloads the transcript as a .txt file with the video title as filename

Extension Icon

You can also click the extension icon in your browser toolbar to toggle the dropdown menu when on a YouTube video page.

Requirements

• Transcript Availability: The video must have transcripts available (either auto-generated or manually added)
• Supported Languages: Works with any language that YouTube supports for transcripts
• Permissions: Requires access to YouTube pages and clipboard for copying functionality

Troubleshooting

"No transcript available" Error

• The video doesn't have transcripts enabled
• Try checking if the "Show transcript" button appears below the video

Button Not Appearing

• Refresh the page and wait a moment for YouTube to fully load
• The extension targets the area next to like/dislike buttons - make sure this area is visible

Transcript Panel Issues

• If the transcript panel doesn't open automatically, try manually opening it first
• Some videos may have region-restricted transcripts

Technical Details

• Manifest Version: 3 (Chrome Extensions MV3)
• Permissions: activeTab, scripting, clipboardWrite, notifications
• Content Script: Injects into *://*.youtube.com/watch* pages
• Background Script: Handles extension icon clicks and script injection

File Structure

yt-transcript/
├── manifest.json          # Extension configuration
├── content.js             # Main extension logic
├── background.js          # Background service worker
├── icons/                 # Extension icons 
└── README.md             # This file

Privacy & Security

• No Data Collection: The extension doesn't collect or transmit any personal data
• Local Processing: All transcript processing happens locally in your browser
• Minimal Permissions: Requests only essential permissions for functionality

Contributing

Feel free to submit issues, feature requests, or pull requests to improve the extension.

License

This project is open source and available under standard open source terms.