LRC
Lyrics format
A synchronized lyrics format used by music players (Spotify, Apple Music, Musixmatch) and karaoke apps. Each line is timestamped with [mm:ss.xx] format.
In depth
LRC (Lyrics) is a plain-text format for synchronized song lyrics. Each line starts with a timestamp in [mm:ss.xx] format (minutes, seconds, hundredths) followed by the lyric text. Unlike subtitle formats (SRT, VTT), LRC has no end timestamps — each line displays until the next timestamp arrives. Optional metadata tags ([ti:Title], [ar:Artist], [al:Album]) can appear at the top. LRC is the standard format for Spotify's synced lyrics, Apple Music lyrics, Musixmatch, and most karaoke applications.
When to use it
Use LRC for music player integrations, karaoke apps, lyric video creation, and any workflow involving synchronized song lyrics. For video subtitles, convert to SRT or VTT.
Example
[00:12.00]Line 1 lyrics [00:17.20]Line 2 lyrics [00:21.10]Line 3 lyrics
Frequently asked
How do I convert LRC to SRT?+
Use SoCaptions' LRC to SRT converter. End times are inferred from the next line's start time. The last line gets a default duration.
Can I convert SRT to LRC?+
Yes — SoCaptions' SRT to LRC converter drops end timestamps and cue numbers, outputting clean [mm:ss.xx] lines.
Does LRC support word-level timing?+
Enhanced LRC (eLRC) supports word-level timing with inline timestamps: [00:12.00]<00:12.00>Word <00:12.50>by <00:13.00>word. Standard LRC is line-level only.
The most common subtitle file format. Plain text with numbered cues and HH:MM:SS,mmm timestamps.
A heavily-styled subtitle format used by Aegisub and the anime fansub community. Supports per-cue fonts, colors, positioning, and karaoke timing.
Timing data that marks the start and end of every word, not just every cue. The foundation for karaoke captions and word-by-word reveal animations.