YouTube has disabled the long-supported specialised caption option. For channels that rely on advanced subtitles, this is a big deal. The SRV3 format, known for allowing specialised captions with colours, outlines, and positioning, is now disabled. The upload option has been removed, and the existing files are being taken down.
In a Reddit post, creators shared their observations, noting that YouTube’s Creator Studio no longer has the option to upload SRV3 files. Many users also reported that their live videos were losing previously uploaded files. It seems the company is actively implementing the change and removing the associated files, and it isn’t just a simple interface change.
The SRV3 format on YouTube allowed for a more detailed subtitle design compared to the basic tools on the platform. Creators could add multiple colours, drop shadows, and precise placement, making translations clearer without cluttering the screen. It’s a commonly used tool in Japanese and Korean channels, including VTuber productions, where bilingual transcription is common.
The SRV3 format is particularly popular for its ability to support stacked text and let original dialogue appear above translated lines in custom fonts. This has helped disabled viewers and international audiences follow content more easily. While it’s popular among a small audience, YouTube is working to completely scrap it off from its platform.
This sudden change of removing the SRV3 format from YouTube has garnered criticism from worldwide users and established groups such as Hololive, whose international branches depend on advanced caption workflows. Although Google has yet to release any official statement regarding this new development, users and creators hope the company brings back the format or makes provision for specialised captions.