# YouTube Subtitle Reader

> Reads YouTube subtitles out loud using TTS. Available on Chrome/Edge too, which support more voices/languages straight after installation.

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/youtube-subtitle-reader](https://chrome-stats.com/d/youtube-subtitle-reader)

## Overview

- **ID:** `youtube-subtitle-reader`
- **Platform:** Firefox
- **Type:** Firefox add-on
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Conrad
- **Category:** language-support,games-entertainment
- **Daily users:** 1,386
- **Weekly downloads:** 50
- **Rating:** 3.71 / 5 (21 ratings)
- **Version:** 0.1.7.16
- **Last updated:** 2025-06-07
- **First published:** 2023-05-31
- **Size:** 68 KB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-08
- **Store listing:** [Firefox Add-ons Store](https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/addon/youtube-subtitle-reader/)
- **Website:** [https://github.com/conradRz](https://github.com/conradRz)

## Description

The YouTube Subtitle Reader is a unique Chrome extension that enables users to have YouTube subtitles read aloud using text-to-speech technology. It fills a gap in accessibility and language learning tools by supporting multiple voices and languages directly upon installation, compatible with both Chrome and Edge browsers.

This extension benefits language learners by providing passive exposure to foreign languages, which research shows improves acquisition. It also assists individuals who are blind or visually impaired in consuming non-dubbed YouTube content, as well as people seeking immersive exposure to foreign media and cultures. Use cases include English speakers learning Spanish or Russian speakers learning English through contemporary media.

## Rankings

- #2,757 — Overall
- #112 — Language Support
- #259 — Games & Entertainment
- #56 — reader
- #104 — header
- #132 — example

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `storage`
- `tabs`

### Content script matches

- `*.youtube.com`

## Safety

- **Risk impact:** High risk impact
- **Risk likelihood:** Low risk likelihood

### Analysis details

- Grants access to browser tabs, which can be used to track user browsing habits and history, presenting a privacy concern.
- This extension has low user count. Unpopular extensions may not be stable or safe.

> Some risk analysis details are omitted from this free response. [Upgrade to view the full analysis](https://chrome-stats.com/pricing).

## Review summary

User reviews show a mix: the core feature—reading subtitles aloud via TTS—is praised and useful when it works, with UI controls to choose subtitles and support for system voices on Mac. However, reliability is a recurring issue: several users report it stops functioning or fails on YouTube and other platforms, and some updates appear to break it. There are also requests for more TTS customization (speed, voices).

### Pros

- Reads subtitles aloud via text-to-speech (TTS).
- Generally useful and appreciated when it works.
- UI controls to select which subtitles to read (checkboxes near the video description).
- Supports system voices (e.g., Mac) for smoother listening.
- Provides clear setup guidance to enable read-aloud functionality.

### Cons

- Reliability issues: it stops functioning or fails to read subtitles, reported by multiple users.
- Not functioning on YouTube and other platforms according to several reviews.
- Update breakages: some users report a version update (0.1.7.16) breaks the feature.

## Similar extensions and apps

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- [AI Subtitle Translator](https://chrome-stats.com/d/ai-subtitle-translator) — 19 users
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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/youtube-subtitle-reader)