How to add subtitles to videos: step-by-step guide

In an increasingly global and digital world, making video content accessible and understandable to a broad audience is more important than ever. Adding...

In an increasingly global and digital world, making video content accessible and understandable to a broad audience is more important than ever. Adding subtitles to your online videos can significantly improve their accessibility and widen their appeal to a broader audience who speak other languages than english. But what are subtitles? How do they differ from closed captions? Why are they so vital for your videos, and most importantly, how can you add them to your videos?

Here, we answer these questions, providing an in-depth look into the world of video subtitles and offering step-by-step tutorials on adding subtitles using various video editors and video hosting websites. Whether you're a seasoned YouTube content creator or a beginner TikTok influencer, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make your videos more accessible and engaging.

What are subtitles?

Subtitles, often referred to as "subs," are a transcription of the dialogues or narrations present in a video. They are displayed as text at the bottom of the screen, providing a textual representation of the video's audio. Subtitles can be in the same language as the audio or in a different language, serving as a translation for non-native speakers.

Subtitles vs. closed saptions

While subtitles and closed captions serve a similar purpose of providing a text version of the audio, there is a subtle difference between the two. Subtitles, also known as open captions, are designed to cater to viewers who can hear the audio but prefer to have the dialogues in text form, often because they are in a noisy environment or watching a video in a foreign language. On the other hand, closed captions are meant for viewers who are hard of hearing or deaf. They not only transcribe dialogues but also include descriptions of important non-dialogue sounds such as "phone ringing" or "door creaking."

Why all videos should have subtitles and their added benefits

There are several reasons why adding subtitles or captions to all videos can be beneficial:

• 1. Enhanced Accessibility for the Hard of Hearing: One of the most significant benefits of burning subtitles onto your video is that it makes your content accessible to individuals with hearing impairments. By providing text representations of the spoken words, those who are hard of hearing can fully enjoy and understand your video's message. This inclusivity demonstrates your commitment to making your content available to everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities.
• 2. Expanding Your Audience Reach Beyond Language Barriers: When you add subtitles to your videos or animations, language is no longer a barrier for your content. International viewers can now understand and engage with your videos, leading to a more diverse and global audience. This means that people from different parts of the world can connect with your content, allowing you to reach a broader demographic.
• 3. Improved Comprehension for All Viewers: Subtitles aren't just beneficial for the hard of hearing or international viewers; they can also enhance comprehension for everyone. Whether your video features complex or technical content, subtitles provide additional context and aid in better understanding. They act as a helpful reinforcement of the spoken words, ensuring that your message is clear and easily grasped by all viewers.
• 4. SEO and Discoverability Boost: By incorporating subtitles, you're not only making your video more accessible but also improving its search engine optimization (SEO). Search engines can index the text within subtitles, increasing the discoverability of your content. This means your video is more likely to appear in relevant search results, attracting even more viewers to your content.
• 5. Boosting Social Media Engagement: In the fast-paced world of social media, subtitled videos have a significant advantage. Many users scroll through their feeds in public spaces or places where sound might be inconvenient. With subtitles, your video can still deliver its message effectively, capturing the attention of those who prefer to watch videos silently. This increases the likelihood of users engaging with and sharing your content, leading to higher visibility.

Getting ready to add subtitles to your video

Before we dive into the subtitle addition process, the first step is to ensure you have your video file ready for the task. Follow these simple steps to get started with ease:

Step 1. Choose the Right Platform: To begin, determine where you want to add subtitles to your online video. Various video platforms and video editing software provide support for subtitle integration and subtitle editors. Take a moment to select the most suitable platform that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

Step 2. Log in or Create an Account: Depending on the platform you've chosen, you might need to log in to your existing online video editor account or create a new one if you don't have it already. This step grants you access to your video library and settings, enabling you to proceed seamlessly with the subtitle addition.

Step 3. Upload Your Video File: Locate the "Upload" button on the chosen platform and select your video file from your Windows computer. The upload process might take a bit of time, depending on your internet connection and the size of your video.

How to add subtitles with different video editors and video hosting platforms

Subtitles are an essential part of video content creation, making your content more accessible and engaging. Whether you're a YouTube content creator or a social media influencer on platforms like TikTok, subtitles and video captions can greatly enhance your content's reach and impact. It might require an extra step in the video editing process, but the benefits it offers make it a worthwhile effort.

Here is how to add subtitles to videos in the following platforms:

YouTube videos

1. Upload your video file to your YouTube channel.
2. Open YouTube Studio and choose the video you want to add subtitles to.
3. In the editor tab, click Add Subtitles.
4. You can either upload a pre-existing SRT file (a standard file format for subtitles with timestamps) or you can manually transcribe the video. YouTube also provides an automatic captions feature, but this might need some editing for accuracy.
5. Once you're done, save the changes.

Facebook videos

1. Upload your video to Facebook.
2. Once uploaded, go to the Video Library within Creator Studio.
3. Click on the three-dot icon next to the video you want to add subtitles to and then click Edit Video.
4. In the left column, click on Subtitles and Captions (CC).
5. Choose the language of your subtitles.
6. Now you can either upload a SubRip (.srt) file or create new subtitles manually by clicking Auto-Generate, Write, or Upload.
7. If you choose to upload an SRT file, click Upload and then Choose File to select your subtitle file. The format should be "filename.en_US.srt" (Replace “en_US” with your language's code if it's different).
8. Click Save.

Adobe Premiere Pro

1. Import your video file into Premiere Pro.
2. Use the Captions option in the Window menu.
3. Click Add Caption and start typing in the text box at the designated time.
4. After completing the transcription, you can export the caption files (SRT files), which can be used in different video editing software.

iMovie (Mac, iPhone, and iOS devices)

1. Import your video file into iMovie.
2. Drag the video to your timeline.
3. Click the Titles button and choose a caption template.
4. Drag the template above the clip in your timeline and start typing the subtitles in the text box.
5. Repeat this for all dialogues in your video.

VEED

VEED is an online video editing tool that supports subtitles addition.

1. Upload your video to VEED.
2. Click on Subtitles and then Auto Transcribe.
3. Choose the video's language and let VEED autogenerate subtitles.
4. Manually correct any errors in the transcription.
5. Click Export to download the video with subtitles or just the SRT file.

Google Drive

Google Drive itself doesn't have a built-in feature to add subtitles to videos. However, you can use third-party video players that support subtitles, like VLC player, to watch your videos with subtitles. Here's how to do it:

1. First, you need a subtitle file (.srt) for your video.
2. Upload both the video file and the .srt file to Google Drive.
3. Download both files to your computer.
4. Open the video with a video player like VLC.
5. In VLC, click Subtitle on the menu bar and then click Add Subtitle File.
6. Select the subtitle file you downloaded from Google Drive. The subtitles will now appear on your video.

Note on adding subtitles on mobile devices (Android)

While apps like Adobe Premiere Rush can be used to add subtitles on Android, the process can be somewhat time-consuming and complex. An easier approach would be to edit videos on a computer or use online services that auto transcribe and add subtitles to your video.

Customizing your video subtitles for the best viewer experience

Nowadays, creating captivating video content goes beyond just the visuals and audio. Subtitles have become a vital element for reaching a broader audience and ensuring inclusivity. Luckily, with modern tools and editing options, you can easily transcribe and customize your subtitles to perfection.

Transcribing and Styling Subtitles

Transcribing your audio files into text is the first step to creating subtitles for your video. Many platforms and software now offer auto subtitle features, where you can upload your video, and the tool will automatically generate subtitles for you. However, it's essential to review and edit these auto-generated subtitles to ensure accuracy.

Once you have the transcribed text, you can experiment with various subtitle templates. Adjust the font style, color, and size to find the perfect look that complements your video's tone and atmosphere. Styling your subtitles creatively enhances viewer engagement and reinforces your brand's identity.

Perfecting Subtitle Positioning

While styling is crucial, subtitle positioning is equally important. You want your subtitles to be visible and legible without obstructing critical on-screen elements. Consider the composition of your shots and choose a position that doesn't distract from the video's content.

For example, if your video has breathtaking landscapes, you might opt for subtitles at the bottom of the screen, where they won't interfere with the scenery. On the other hand, for dialog-heavy scenes, positioning subtitles closer to the characters can enhance the viewing experience.

Enhancing Subtitle Readability

Sometimes, videos may have visually busy or complex scenes, making it challenging for subtitles to stand out. To ensure readability without compromising the viewing experience, you can add a subtle background behind the text. This background can be semi-transparent, allowing the subtitles to pop without overshadowing the visuals.

Timing and Duration

When it comes to timing your subtitles, it's crucial to strike a balance. Subtitles should remain on-screen long enough for viewers to read comfortably, without rushing through the content. Too short durations can make it difficult for viewers to follow along, causing frustration and detachment.

On the other hand, excessively long durations might lead to lagging behind the dialogue or important on-screen actions. Hence, editing tools that enable you to fine-tune the timing of your subtitles are essential for delivering a seamless viewing experience.

Multilingual Inclusion with Different Languages

To expand your video's global reach, offering subtitles in different languages is a game-changer. Catering to a multilingual audience opens up new possibilities and fosters a diverse and engaged viewership.When you have your primary subtitles in one language, consider using translation services or working with professional translators to create accurate subtitles in other languages. This way, you can ensure that your content remains accessible and relatable to audiences around the world.

Translate audio with Speechify Dubbing Studio

Adding subtitles in different languages is a great way to expand your audience, but you can reach even more people by translating audio from your video content. Speechify Dubbing Studio makes translation easy by automatically translating speech into different languages with a just a single click. The natural-sounding AI voices will save you time and money from hiring voice actors to dub your video content, and you’ll be able to customize the voices to your liking.

Try out Speechify Dubbing Studio today.

FAQs

1. Why should I add subtitles to my videos? 

Adding subtitles to your videos offers several benefits, including enhanced accessibility for viewers with hearing impairments, a wider reach among international audiences, improved comprehension for all viewers, better search engine optimization (SEO), and increased engagement on social media platforms. Subtitles also demonstrate inclusivity and a commitment to reaching diverse audiences, making your content more appealing to a broader range of viewers.

2. Which subtitling service is right for me: automatic or human-made subtitles? 

The choice between automatic and human-made subtitles depends on your specific needs and preferences. Automatic subtitles are quick and convenient, making them suitable for basic subtitling needs and content with a large volume. On the other hand, human-made subtitles offer superior accuracy, customization options, and cultural sensitivity. If you seek a professional and polished end product, human-made subtitles, especially translated versions, are the ideal choice to break language barriers and reach a global audience effectively.

3. How can Speechify enhance my videos beyond subtitles?