Text to WebVTT conversion tool.

These instructions explain how to automatically convert files from Text (.txt) to WebVTT (.vtt) using a simple script.

This script was written to automatically convert transcript files, exported from Otter.ai or other transcript services, into timestamped web video text track files (.vtt). This supports real-time data coding in tools such as Nvivo and Dovetail.

This script has been tested on text files which have been exported from Otter.ai, but has not be tested on other platforms.

The below instructions are for Mac users, but Microsoft users should be able to follow them.

Instructions:

1. Download the python script using the below link (file: vtt.py)

2. Place the vtt.py file into an empty folder in an easy-to-locate place on your computer (e.g. desktop)

3. Place any .txt files you wish to convert into the same folder as the vtt.py script. You can place multiple .txt files into the folder. The folder should only contain the python script and the .txt files for conversion.

   • I use .txt files which I have exported from Otter.ai. I use the following export settings: 

     • Include speaker names (required)

     • Include timestamps (required)

     • Merge same-speaker segments (optional)

4. Open terminal

5. Change directory to folder containing files and script, e.g.:  cd /Users/mckenzie/desktop/folder

6. Run script with: python3 vtt.py 

   • Note that the script requires python to run, and may not function on older versions of python. To check your python version before running the script, type: python --version or python3 --version

7. The script will run, and a new folder will be created within the source folder, called vtt. Within this folder you can find your converted .vtt files. The text files will remain unchanged within the source folder.

Please note: This application is not regularly updated or maintained. But if you need help, please reach out via LinkedIn.