Transcribe Any YouTube Video in Real-Time
Get a live, editable transcript of any YouTube video directly in Chrome — without copying, pasting, or switching tabs. Free mode included.
LessonScriptor is a free Chrome extension that transcribes YouTube videos in real-time. Install it from the Chrome Web Store, open any YouTube video, click the LessonScriptor icon to open the side panel, and press play. The transcript appears immediately alongside the video — editable, highlightable, and exportable to Markdown or clipboard. It works on Coursera, Udemy, and any other Chrome tab, not just YouTube.
How to get a YouTube video transcript — all methods compared
| Method | Pros | Cons | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube built-in captions | Free, no install needed | Read-only, no editing, not available on all videos, inaccurate on auto-generated captions | OK for reading along |
| LessonScriptor (this tool) | Live editing, highlight, export, works on any video not just YouTube, 14+ languages, free mode | Requires Chrome extension install | Best for students and learning |
| Copy-paste transcript tools | Quick for a static copy | No live transcription, not real-time, no editing, YouTube-only | OK for archiving |
Who uses LessonScriptor to transcribe YouTube videos?
University students watching recorded lectures
Many universities post lecture recordings on YouTube or link them in Moodle. LessonScriptor transcribes them in real-time, so students get searchable notes without rewatching.
Language learners studying with YouTube
Watching videos in French, Spanish, or German? LessonScriptor transcribes in 14+ languages — the transcript helps with vocabulary and comprehension at the same time.
Online course students on Coursera and Udemy
Coursera and Udemy videos play in Chrome just like YouTube. LessonScriptor works on both — giving you editable transcripts for every paid course you take.
Step-by-step: transcribe a YouTube video with LessonScriptor
- 1
Install LessonScriptor from the Chrome Web Store (free, one click, no sign-up).
- 2
Open any YouTube video in Chrome.
- 3
Click the LessonScriptor icon in your Chrome toolbar to open the side panel.
- 4
Hit play on the video — transcription starts automatically.
- 5
Edit as you watch: click to add notes, highlight important passages, delete tangents.
- 6
Export to Markdown when done — your formatted notes are ready.
Support
Common questions
Can I download a transcript from a YouTube video?
Yes. With LessonScriptor, you can export the transcript as a Markdown file (.md) or copy it to clipboard to paste into Notion, Google Docs, or Obsidian. The export preserves all your formatting — bold, highlights, headers.
Is there a way to get a full transcript of a YouTube video?
Yes. YouTube's built-in transcript (click '...' → Show transcript) gives you a read-only, uneditable copy of auto-generated captions — not available for all videos. LessonScriptor generates a full editable transcript as the video plays, works on any video, and lets you export the complete text when done.
What's the difference between YouTube auto-captions and LessonScriptor?
YouTube auto-captions are read-only, appear as an overlay you can't edit, and aren't available on all videos. LessonScriptor transcribes in real-time into an editable side panel — you can correct errors, highlight passages, add notes, and export as Markdown. It also works on Coursera, Udemy, and any other video in Chrome, not just YouTube.
Does it work on YouTube videos without captions?
Yes. LessonScriptor doesn't rely on YouTube's captions — it transcribes the actual audio in real-time. So it works whether or not YouTube has auto-generated captions for the video.
Can I transcribe a YouTube video in French or Spanish?
Yes. LessonScriptor supports 14+ languages. In the extension settings, select your target language and it will transcribe accordingly — useful for language learning or international lectures.
Can I transcribe a private YouTube video?
Yes, if you have access to it. LessonScriptor transcribes any video playing in a Chrome tab — including YouTube unlisted or private videos you're logged in to view. It doesn't bypass any access restrictions; it just captures the audio from what's already playing on your screen.
Is there a limit to how long a YouTube video can be?
No hard limit. LessonScriptor transcribes in real-time as the video plays, so it works for any length — from a 5-minute tutorial to a 3-hour lecture.
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