Creating WebVTT Subtitles for Videos Using Node.js and AssemblyAI API
In this guide, you will learn how to generate WebVTT subtitle files for videos using Node.js and the AssemblyAI API. Follow these steps to transcribe your videos and create subtitles seamlessly.
Step 1: Prepare Your Development Environment
- Begin by installing Node.js 18 or higher on your system.
- Create a new project folder and initialize a new Node.js project using npm.
- Update the package.json file with
type: "module",
to enable ES Module syntax. - Install the AssemblyAI JavaScript SDK to interact with the API.
- Obtain an AssemblyAI API key and set it as the
ASSEMBLYAI_API_KEY
environment variable.
Step 2: Transcribe Your Video Files
- Start transcribing your video files using the AssemblyAI API.
- Use a sample video for practice and create a script in Node.js to initiate the transcription process.
- Handle any errors during the transcription process.
Step 3: Generate WebVTT Subtitles
- Generate subtitles in WebVTT format using the AssemblyAI API.
- Save the generated subtitles as a .vtt file on your local machine.
- Customize the character limit per caption if necessary.
Step 4: Run the Process
- Execute the Node.js script to generate the subtitles.
- Find the generated WebVTT file on your disk after running the script.
Integration and Further Exploration
- Integrate the WebVTT subtitles into your video player or upload them to YouTube Studio.
- Explore additional tools for incorporating subtitles into your video content.
- Discover AssemblyAI’s Audio Intelligence models and LeMUR for enhanced audio and video applications.