Wrong timestamp syntax
SRT commonly uses HH:MM:SS,mmm. Dot-style WebVTT timestamps belong to VTT, so a renamed or mixed-format file may confuse a strict importer.
IMPORT TROUBLESHOOTING
Why won't my SRT import?
When an editor or player rejects an SRT, the problem is often structural rather than the subtitle wording. Use this checklist to find the mechanical issue before trying to re-export the file.
CHECK IT FIRST
Validate SRT/VTT →Run the file through the validator.
It checks the same families of problems described below and can preview safe structural repairs.
Missing blank separator
Each SRT cue normally has a number, timing line, subtitle text and a blank line before the next cue. A missing separator can merge cues together.
Broken numbering
Unexpected, duplicated or malformed cue numbers can cause import issues in stricter applications. Sequential numbering is easy to normalize.
Reversed timing
A cue cannot reliably display when its end time is equal to or earlier than its start. These are structural errors, not wording problems.
Encoding problems
Undecodable text or replacement characters can make subtitles display incorrectly or cause a workflow to reject the file. Check encoding before delivery.
Wrong format for the destination
Web players often expect WebVTT, while many desktop subtitle workflows use SRT. Do not solve a format mismatch just by renaming the file extension.
DESTINATION CHECKLIST
What to check before importing
Premiere Pro / DaVinci Resolve / Final Cut / Avid
Check that the file is really SRT, timestamps use the expected comma format, cues are separated correctly, numbers are valid, and timing is not reversed. Then inspect overlaps and unsupported markup if the file imports but displays strangely.
YouTube or a browser player
Check the format first. WebVTT requires the WEBVTT header and uses a dot before milliseconds. Also check backwards timing and undecodable characters.
The file imports but the captions look wrong
That is often a readability or timing issue rather than a parser failure. Inspect overlaps, CPS, line length, number of lines and cue duration.
STILL BROKEN?
Open checker →Generate a clean QC report.
Use the checker to identify exact cue-level findings and download a plain-text report you can keep with the subtitle delivery.