Create a Script or Tool to Batch Translate YouTube Captions (.SRT) into 85+ Languages Without Altering Timecodes
Budget: £20 – £250 GBP
Job Description:
I’m looking for a developer or expert to create a simple, user-friendly solution for batch translating YouTube captions (in .SRT format) into 85+ languages using Google Translate while preserving the timecodes. The tool/script should work seamlessly on macOS (specifically on my MacBook Pro M1 Max) and produce accurate translations without disrupting the timecodes.
Current Process (Time-Consuming):
1. Export English captions as a .SRT file from Final Cut Pro.
2. Open the .SRT file using TextEdit.
3. Copy English captions (including timecodes) and paste them into Google Translate for translation.
4. Duplicate the English .SRT file, rename it for the target language (e.g., Afrikaans.srt), and open it in TextEdit.
5. Manually delete the English captions (but keep the timecodes intact) and paste the translated text.
6. Repeat this process for all 85+ languages.
Issues with Current Process:
• Time-consuming: The process involves repetitive manual steps.
• Timecode alterations: Google Translate often changes timecodes unexpectedly, requiring additional fixes.
• File organization: Managing so many files manually is overwhelming.
Requirements for the Tool/Script:
• Input:
• Upload an English .SRT file.
• Translation:
• Use Google Translate (or a similar reliable service).
• Translate only the text, leaving timecodes intact.
• Output:
• Save a new .SRT file for each target language with the correct translations and original timecodes.
• Filenames should be formatted as <Original_Filename>_<Language>.srt (e.g., Paris_SRT_French.srt, Paris_SRT_Chinese_Simplified.srt).
• Languages:
• Translate into 85+ specified languages (list to be provided).
• User-Friendliness:
• Drag-and-drop functionality or minimal clicks to process files.
• Compatible with macOS (no complicated installation).
• Editable Output:
• Ensure the translated .SRT files can be opened and edited later (e.g., using TextEdit or any text editor).
Example of .SRT Structure:
Here is an example of the English .SRT structure for reference:
1
00:01:08,420 --> 00:01:19,420
Lacoste is a French medieval village in the Vaucluse department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in the South of France.
2
00:02:19,520 --> 00:02:31,520
It's a beautiful July morning, already 33°C and warming up. Join us as we explore the charming village of Lacoste, discovering its rich history and vibrant present.
Key Features:
• Preserve original timecodes exactly as in the English file.
• Translate only the text and keep the structure intact.
• Save output files named clearly for each language (e.g., Paris_SRT_German.srt).
• Option to review or batch process all files at once.
Why Not Use YouTube’s Auto-Translate?
YouTube’s auto-translate is unreliable and produces mixed results. Google Translate provides better quality for my needs, but I need a way to automate and streamline the process.
Deliverables:
• A functional script or tool that can process .SRT files as described.
• Clear instructions on how to use it.
• Compatibility with macOS (MBP M1 Max).
Skills that may help complete the project:
Programming Language:
Python, Swift, or JavaScript.
Translation API: Google Cloud Translation API or DeepL API.
SRT Libraries: pysrt (Python) or custom parsers for SRT management.
GUI Frameworks: Tkinter, PyQt, SwiftUI (for macOS apps).
Questions to Address in Your Proposal:
1. Have you worked on similar projects?
2. What approach would you take to ensure timecodes remain untouched?
3. How would you make the tool simple and easy for a non-technical user?
4. Estimated timeline for delivery.
Budget:
Please provide a quote based on your experience and the estimated complexity of the task.
Thanks
Charlie
Walking Tours and Road Trips
https://youtube.com/@walkingtoursandroadtrips
I’m looking for a developer or expert to create a simple, user-friendly solution for batch translating YouTube captions (in .SRT format) into 85+ languages using Google Translate while preserving the timecodes. The tool/script should work seamlessly on macOS (specifically on my MacBook Pro M1 Max) and produce accurate translations without disrupting the timecodes.
Current Process (Time-Consuming):
1. Export English captions as a .SRT file from Final Cut Pro.
2. Open the .SRT file using TextEdit.
3. Copy English captions (including timecodes) and paste them into Google Translate for translation.
4. Duplicate the English .SRT file, rename it for the target language (e.g., Afrikaans.srt), and open it in TextEdit.
5. Manually delete the English captions (but keep the timecodes intact) and paste the translated text.
6. Repeat this process for all 85+ languages.
Issues with Current Process:
• Time-consuming: The process involves repetitive manual steps.
• Timecode alterations: Google Translate often changes timecodes unexpectedly, requiring additional fixes.
• File organization: Managing so many files manually is overwhelming.
Requirements for the Tool/Script:
• Input:
• Upload an English .SRT file.
• Translation:
• Use Google Translate (or a similar reliable service).
• Translate only the text, leaving timecodes intact.
• Output:
• Save a new .SRT file for each target language with the correct translations and original timecodes.
• Filenames should be formatted as <Original_Filename>_<Language>.srt (e.g., Paris_SRT_French.srt, Paris_SRT_Chinese_Simplified.srt).
• Languages:
• Translate into 85+ specified languages (list to be provided).
• User-Friendliness:
• Drag-and-drop functionality or minimal clicks to process files.
• Compatible with macOS (no complicated installation).
• Editable Output:
• Ensure the translated .SRT files can be opened and edited later (e.g., using TextEdit or any text editor).
Example of .SRT Structure:
Here is an example of the English .SRT structure for reference:
1
00:01:08,420 --> 00:01:19,420
Lacoste is a French medieval village in the Vaucluse department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region in the South of France.
2
00:02:19,520 --> 00:02:31,520
It's a beautiful July morning, already 33°C and warming up. Join us as we explore the charming village of Lacoste, discovering its rich history and vibrant present.
Key Features:
• Preserve original timecodes exactly as in the English file.
• Translate only the text and keep the structure intact.
• Save output files named clearly for each language (e.g., Paris_SRT_German.srt).
• Option to review or batch process all files at once.
Why Not Use YouTube’s Auto-Translate?
YouTube’s auto-translate is unreliable and produces mixed results. Google Translate provides better quality for my needs, but I need a way to automate and streamline the process.
Deliverables:
• A functional script or tool that can process .SRT files as described.
• Clear instructions on how to use it.
• Compatibility with macOS (MBP M1 Max).
Skills that may help complete the project:
Programming Language:
Python, Swift, or JavaScript.
Translation API: Google Cloud Translation API or DeepL API.
SRT Libraries: pysrt (Python) or custom parsers for SRT management.
GUI Frameworks: Tkinter, PyQt, SwiftUI (for macOS apps).
Questions to Address in Your Proposal:
1. Have you worked on similar projects?
2. What approach would you take to ensure timecodes remain untouched?
3. How would you make the tool simple and easy for a non-technical user?
4. Estimated timeline for delivery.
Budget:
Please provide a quote based on your experience and the estimated complexity of the task.
Thanks
Charlie
Walking Tours and Road Trips
https://youtube.com/@walkingtoursandroadtrips