Captions Selector exposes the caption and subtitle tracks that YouTube has for a video and lets you choose one, including automatic translations.

It is genuinely useful for music in a language you are learning, and for live sets where the between-song talking is the interesting part.

What it does

  • Pick any available caption track, including auto-generated ones
  • Auto-translate captions into your language where YouTube offers it
  • Remembers your preferred caption language

How to enable Captions Selector

  1. Install YouTube Music Desktop App for Windows, macOS or Linux.
  2. Open the app menu and choose Plugins.
  3. Switch on Captions Selector.
  4. Open its options entry to adjust the settings.

Frequently asked questions

Why do some videos have no captions?

Only tracks the uploader or YouTube generated are available; many music uploads have none at all.

Does this show lyrics?

No — for lyrics use the Synced Lyrics or Lyrics Genius plugins.

Captions Selector ships with the app

Free, open source, and one toggle away — along with 42 other plugins.

Download free