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SRT MP4
File conversion

Convert SRT to MP4

Verified by Adam B.· reviewed by FE Editorial ·updated Jul 21, 2026
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Is it possible to convert SRT to MP4?
Yes - SRT converts to MP4.

HandBrake burns subtitles into the video permanently (hardsub) by re-encoding; this works on every device but takes longer. Embedding as a soft track avoids re-encoding but QuickTime on macOS will not display it - VLC and most mobile players do.

2 programs
Also to MP4: AVCHD · USM · MXF

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Tested on macOS, Windows & Linux
Last verified Oct 2026

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Why convert SRT to MP4?

A separate .srt file works only if the player auto-loads it by matching the filename; once you share or upload the video the subtitle file can get separated. Embedding or burning the subtitles makes the .mp4 self-contained for sharing, uploading, or playing on devices that do not support external subtitle files.

How to convert SRT to MP4

HandBrake FREE

Open the video, go to the Subtitles tab, click Add External SRT and tick the Burn In checkbox, then Start Encode to render subtitles permanently into the video.

Cyberlink PowerDirector APP

Import the video and .srt file, place the subtitle track on the timeline, and export as MP4 with subtitles embedded or burned in.

Submerge APP

Drag the video and .srt into Submerge and export to embed the subtitle track into the .mp4 output.

Programs that convert SRT

Cyberlink PowerDirector
Submerge

About these formats

.SRT SubRip Subtitle File

An SRT file (SubRip Subtitle) stores subtitles as plain text with timecodes. You don't open it alone - rename it to match your video file, keep both in the same folder, and VLC or MPV loads…

Open .SRT details →
.MP4 MPEG-4 Part 14 Video File

An MP4 file is a video container (MPEG-4 Part 14, standardized 2003) that holds video, audio, subtitles, and chapters in one file. It plays on every phone, computer, browser, and smart TV…

Open .MP4 details →

Quality & what to watch

  • Burning in (hardsub) permanently re-encodes the video - quality depends on your encoder settings, and the text cannot be removed or turned off without re-encoding again from the original source.
  • Embedding as a soft track (mov_text) avoids re-encoding but QuickTime on macOS does not display mov_text subtitle tracks; VLC and most mobile players do.
  • Once subtitles are burned into the video frames they cannot be disabled and the original video quality cannot be recovered from the output file.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between burned-in and embedded subtitles?
Burned-in subtitles are rendered into every video frame and cannot be turned off; embedded (soft) subtitles are a separate track the viewer can toggle.
Does adding subtitles reduce video quality?
Only burn-in requires re-encoding, which produces a new encode of the video. Embedding as a soft track copies streams without touching video quality.
Will burned-in subtitles play on all devices?
Yes - the text is part of the video frames, so no subtitle track support is required from the player or platform.
Can I add subtitles without HandBrake?
Yes. Cyberlink PowerDirector and Submerge both support adding .srt subtitles to .mp4 files on Windows and macOS respectively.