Feedback: speech-to-text-pre-recorded-audio-export-srt-or-vtt-caption-files

Documentation Feedback

Original URL: https://www.assemblyai.com/docs/speech-to-text/pre-recorded-audio/export-srt-or-vtt-caption-files
Category: speech-to-text
Generated: 05/08/2025, 4:25:24 pm

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Claude Sonnet 4 Feedback

Generated: 05/08/2025, 4:25:23 pm

Analysis and Recommendations for AssemblyAI Caption Export Documentation

🔴 Critical Issues

1. Missing Core Information

• What are SRT and VTT formats? - No explanation of these caption formats or their differences
• No sample output - Users can’t see what the exported files will look like
• Missing prerequisite information - No mention that transcription must be completed first
• No error handling examples - What happens if export fails?

2. Unclear Parameter Documentation

• chars_per_caption parameter lacks crucial details:
  • What’s the default value?
  • What’s the valid range?
  • How does it affect caption quality/readability?
  • What happens if text can’t fit within the limit?

🟡 Structure and Organization Issues

3. Poor Information Hierarchy

# Suggested Structure Improvement:
## Overview
## Prerequisites
## SRT vs VTT Formats
## Basic Usage
## Configuration Options
## Sample Output
## Error Handling
## Best Practices

4. Language Support Placement

The accordion with 70+ languages should be moved to the end or a separate section - it’s overwhelming upfront.

🟠 Code Examples Issues

5. Inconsistent Code Patterns

• Some examples show both SRT and VTT (commented out), others don’t
• Parameter usage varies across languages (some show chars_per_caption=32, others don’t)
• Error handling is inconsistent

6. Missing Real-World Context

# Better example structure needed:
# 1. Simple case (default settings)
# 2. Customized case (with chars_per_caption)
# 3. Error handling
# 4. Batch processing multiple formats

📝 Specific Recommendations

1. Add Overview Section

## Overview

Export your completed transcripts as SRT or VTT caption files for use in video players, streaming platforms, and accessibility tools.

**SRT (SubRip Subtitle)**: Simple text-based format, widely supported
**VTT (WebVTT)**: Web-optimized format with advanced styling capabilities

> ⚠️ **Prerequisites**: Your audio must be fully transcribed before exporting captions.

2. Document Parameters Thoroughly

### Configuration Options

| Parameter | Type | Default | Range | Description |
|-----------|------|---------|-------|-------------|
| `chars_per_caption` | integer | 32 | 16-128 | Maximum characters per caption line |

**chars_per_caption guidelines:**
- 32-40: Good for mobile viewing
- 40-50: Standard for desktop
- 50+: Use cautiously, may impact readability

3. Add Sample Output

### Sample Output

**SRT Format:**

1 00:00:00,000 —> 00:00:03,000 Welcome to AssemblyAI’s speech

2 00:00:03,000 —> 00:00:06,000 to text API documentation.

**VTT Format:**

WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 —> 00:00:03.000 Welcome to AssemblyAI’s speech

00:00:03.000 —> 00:00:06.000 to text API documentation.

#### **4. Improve Code Examples**
```python
# Add progressive examples:

# Basic usage
srt = transcript.export_subtitles_srt()

# With custom character limit
srt = transcript.export_subtitles_srt(chars_per_caption=40)

# With error handling
try:
    srt = transcript.export_subtitles_srt(chars_per_caption=40)
    with open(f"captions.srt", "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
        f.write(srt)
except Exception as e:
    print(f"Caption export failed: {e}")

5. Add Error Handling Section

### Error Handling

Common issues and solutions:
- **Transcription not completed**: Wait for `status == "completed"`
- **Invalid chars_per_caption**: Use values between 16-128
- **File encoding**: Always use UTF-8 encoding when saving files

6. Add Best Practices

### Best Practices

**Character Limits:**
- Mobile devices: 32-40 characters
- Desktop/TV: 40-50 characters
- Accessibility: Shorter is better

**File Naming:**
- Include transcript ID for tracking
- Use descriptive names: `video_title_captions.srt`

**Quality Checks:**
- Preview captions in a video player
- Test on target platforms
- Verify special characters display correctly

🚀 Additional Enhancements

7. Add Troubleshooting Section

• Common API errors and solutions
• Platform-specific compatibility notes
• Character encoding issues

8. Include Integration Examples

• How to use exported files in popular video players
• Integration with streaming platforms
• Accessibility compliance notes

9. Add Performance Notes

• Export time expectations
• File size estimates
• Batch processing recommendations

📊 User Experience Improvements

10. Progressive Disclosure

• Start with simple examples
• Move language list to appendix
• Use expandable sections for advanced options

11. Visual Improvements

• Add icons for SRT vs VTT
• Use callout boxes for important notes
• Include screenshots of caption files in video players

This documentation would benefit significantly from these changes, transforming it from a basic code reference into a comprehensive guide that helps users successfully implement caption export functionality.

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