LRC to WebVTT: Convert Lyrics for Web Video
Quick Answer
You can convert LRC to WebVTT by adding the required WEBVTT header, reformatting each timestamp from [mm:ss.xx] to hh:mm:ss.mmm --> hh:mm:ss.mmm, and adding end times for each cue.
WebVTT is the HTML5 standard for web video captions, so this conversion is useful whenever you need synced lyrics on a website or in a browser-based player.
What Changes During Conversion
LRC and WebVTT both describe timed text, but WebVTT adds more structure.
LRC is a lightweight lyrics format. Each line has a single start timestamp in [mm:ss.xx] format, with no header and no end times.
WebVTT is the HTML5 subtitle standard. It requires a WEBVTT header at the top of the file, and each cue has both a start and end timestamp in hh:mm:ss.mmm format.
When converting LRC to WebVTT, the converter keeps:
- Lyric text: the words from each LRC line.
- Start times: reformatted from
[mm:ss.xx]tohh:mm:ss.mmm. - Line order: the original sequence.
The converter adds:
- WEBVTT header: required by the spec; without it no browser will parse the file.
- End times: estimated from the next line's start time.
- Cue separators: blank lines between each cue block.
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Simple Example
An LRC file looks like this:
[00:12.50]When the night has come [00:15.00]And the land is dark
The same content in WebVTT:
WEBVTT
00:00:12.500 --> 00:00:15.000 When the night has come
00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:18.000 And the land is dark
Key differences: the WEBVTT header at the top, full hh:mm:ss.mmm timestamps with a period (not a comma), and an end time added to each cue.
How to Convert LRC to WebVTT
The basic steps are:
- Open your
.lrcfile and check every lyric line has a timestamp. - Add
WEBVTTas the very first line, followed by a blank line. - Reformat each timestamp from
[mm:ss.xx]tohh:mm:ss.mmm. - Add an end time: use the next line's start time, or add 2 to 3 seconds for the last cue.
- Write the cue as
start --> endon one line, then the lyric text below it. - Separate each cue with a blank line.
- Save as a
.vttfile with UTF-8 encoding.
For a faster option, use the free LRC to WebVTT converter. Upload your file and download the VTT instantly.
Start With a Clean LRC File
The quality of the WebVTT file depends on the quality of the LRC source.
Before converting, check for:
- Missing timestamps: every lyric line needs one or it will be skipped.
- Accurate timing: late or early timestamps in LRC become late or early cues in WebVTT.
- Line length: web players typically display 2 lines at most. Split long LRC lines before converting.
- UTF-8 encoding: required by the WebVTT spec for correct character display across all browsers.
When to Recreate the Timing
If your LRC file is already accurate, conversion is enough.
If the timing drifts or was roughly synced by hand, it is usually better to regenerate from the original audio. EasyLRC can transcribe a track and produce a fresh, accurate LRC file, then convert it to WebVTT with clean timing instead of inheriting old mistakes.
When You Need LRC in WebVTT Format
The most common reasons to convert LRC to WebVTT:
- HTML5 video: WebVTT is the only subtitle format natively supported by the
<track>element in all modern browsers. - Web music players: browser-based players that display synced lyrics often require VTT format.
- YouTube and Vimeo: both platforms accept WebVTT uploads for caption tracks on music videos.
- PWAs and streaming apps: any web app that handles video playback uses WebVTT for timed text.
For music players on desktop or mobile, LRC is usually the better choice. WebVTT is the right format whenever a browser is involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can LRC files be converted to WebVTT
Yes. LRC can be converted to WebVTT by adding the WEBVTT header, reformatting timestamps from [mm:ss.xx] to hh:mm:ss.mmm, and adding end times to each cue. The lyric text carries over unchanged.
What is the difference between LRC and WebVTT
LRC is a lightweight lyrics format designed for music players, using a simple [mm:ss.xx] start-only timestamp per line. WebVTT is the HTML5 web subtitle standard, requiring a WEBVTT header, start and end timestamps in hh:mm:ss.mmm format, and blank-line-separated cue blocks. LRC is better for music apps; WebVTT is better for browser-based video.
Does WebVTT use a comma or period in timestamps
WebVTT uses a period as the decimal separator, for example 00:00:12.500. This is different from SRT, which uses a comma (00:00:12,500). Using the wrong separator will cause the file to fail validation in browsers.
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