Best Tools to Add Subtitles to Your MKV Videos

Adding subtitles to a video not only makes your content accessible to a wider audience but also enhances the user experience. For this, you need a perfect...

Adding subtitles to a video not only makes your content accessible to a wider audience but also enhances the user experience. For this, you need a perfect blend of the right tools and know-how, especially when working with MKV video files. So let's dive into the world of adding subtitles to MKV and explore the array of tools that make this task seamless, with a particular emphasis on the capabilities of Speechify.

What is An MKV Video File?

MKV, short for Matroska Video, is a flexible and open-source file format that can hold an unlimited number of video, audio, and subtitle tracks in a single file. This attribute makes it a preferred choice for multimedia content.

Difference Between MKV and Other Video Formats

While MKV's open-source nature and unlimited track capacity are notable features, what sets it apart from AVI, MOV, WMV, MPEG, and other formats is its remarkable support for high-definition video and audio. Unlike AVI and WMV which were developed by Microsoft or MOV which came from Apple, MKV is platform-independent, working on Windows, MacOS, Linux, and more. It provides high quality, compatibility, and flexibility in multimedia data management, giving it an edge over many other formats.

Why Should You Add Subtitles in MKV Video Files?

Increase Accessibility

Subtitles are a godsend for people who are hard of hearing or deaf. They also make it possible for individuals who speak a foreign language to follow your video content.

Boost Comprehension

Subtitles enhance understanding, particularly in videos with heavy accents or when the audio quality isn't top-notch.

Improve SEO

Search engines can't watch videos, but they can index the text in your subtitles, improving your video's searchability.

Expand Reach

Subtitles make your video content global. With subtitles, language is no longer a barrier, allowing your content to reach an international audience.

Increase Engagement

People are more likely to watch your video longer and engage with your content if it has subtitles.

Best Tools for Adding Subtitles to Your MKV Videos

Adding subtitles to MKV videos requires the right tools, and thankfully, there are numerous options available for users on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Adobe Premiere Pro

A titan in the field of video editing, Adobe Premiere Pro offers an abundance of features. You can create animated subtitles, use speech-to-text captions for auto subtitle generation, and have professional-grade editing tools at your fingertips. Not to mention, there's color matching and access to Adobe Stock for various creative assets.

CapCut

An ideal tool for beginners, CapCut is a free app equipped with an AI-powered voice-to-text feature. This application makes creating srt subtitle files a breeze, enabling you to add subtitles to your MKV movie or any video content swiftly.

Speechify AI Video Editor

The convenience of adding subtitles and cloning voices using AI is what Speechify AI Video Editor brings to the table. It's a tool designed to cater to users of all expertise levels, simplifying tasks like importing MKV files and editing subtitles.

Wondershare UniConverter

A multi-faceted tool, Wondershare UniConverter allows you to add subtitles to MP4, MKV, AVI, M2TS, and other media file formats. It can extract subtitles in .srt, .ssa, and .ass formats, supports multiple audio tracks and subtitles, and allows you to freely switch on/off subtitles.

Advanced Tips and Tricks: Hardcoding, Muxing, and More

Knowing the basics of adding subtitles is essential, but mastering advanced techniques like hardcoding and muxing can empower you to do more with your video content. Hardcoding refers to permanently embedding subtitles into the video, while muxing is about merging video, audio, and subtitle tracks without changing the original files. Being acquainted with these terms, along with subtitle tracks and IDX format, can amplify your video editing capabilities.

Conclusion

Adding subtitles to your MKV files doesn't have to be a daunting task. With tools like Speechify's AI Video Editor, you can seamlessly create and add subtitles, enhancing your content's accessibility and reach. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, familiarizing yourself with different video formats, subtitled files, and editing tools is the first step towards making your videos more engaging and user-friendly. Remember, in a world that's increasingly digital, subtitles aren't just an add-on but a necessity.

FAQs

How do I add subtitles to an MKV file?

You can add subtitles to an MKV file using tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, CapCut, Speechify AI Video Editor, and Wondershare UniConverter. These tools allow you to import your MKV file, add your subtitle file (typically an SRT file), and then export the video with the subtitles included.

How to add subtitles to MKV permanently using VLC?

VLC media player allows you to permanently add subtitles to your MKV files through a process known as hardcoding. You can do this by loading your video and subtitle file into VLC, setting the desired output format, and clicking the convert button.

Can MKV include subtitles?

Yes, MKV files can include both soft subtitles (which can be turned on and off) and hardcoded subtitles (permanently embedded in the video).

How do I force subtitles to play in MKV?

In most video players, you can force subtitles to play in MKV files by selecting the desired subtitle track from the video player's settings or controls.

What is a VOB file?

VOB (Video Object) is a file format used for storing DVD video data, including video, audio, subtitle, and menu information.

How do I add subtitles to MKV files on Windows?

On Windows, you can use tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Wondershare UniConverter, or an online tool such as Opensubtitles to add subtitles to your MKV files.

How to get subtitles for MKV?

You can either create your own subtitles using a subtitle editor or download them from a website like OpenSubtitles. You then add the subtitle file to your MKV video using a video editing tool or player.

Can I add subtitles to an MKV movie on Android or iPhone?

Yes, there are apps available on both Android and iPhone platforms, such as CapCut, that allow you to add subtitles to MKV movies directly from your mobile device.

What video converter should I use to convert MKV videos?

There are several video converters available for converting MKV videos to other formats. Among the popular ones are Wondershare UniConverter and Adobe Premiere Pro. These tools support a wide array of output formats and offer advanced editing features as well.

How to add SRT to an MKV video?

You can add an SRT (SubRip Subtitle) file to an MKV video using tools like Speechify AI Video Editor or Wondershare UniConverter. Simply import the MKV video into the tool, then add the SRT file. In most tools, this is done by clicking a "Files" button or "Add Subtitle File" option and selecting the appropriate SRT file.

Can I convert videos online for free?

Yes, there are numerous online tools that allow you to convert videos for free. However, these tools might have limitations like file size restrictions, fewer output format options, or watermarked results.

What is MKVToolNix and how can I use it?

MKVToolNix is a free collection of tools (including mkvmerge, mkvinfo, mkvextract, mkvpropedit, and mmg) that allows you to manipulate Matroska (MKV) files in several ways. You can use it to edit MKV files, such as adding and removing subtitles, changing metadata, and more. You can find tutorials online to understand its usage better.

How to convert MKV to another format?

You can convert MKV to another format using a video converter like Adobe Premiere Pro or Wondershare UniConverter. Simply import your MKV file, select the desired output format, and click on the "Convert" button.

What does 'hardcode subtitles' mean and how to do it?

Hardcoding subtitles means permanently embedding the subtitles into the video itself, making them a part of the video. This can be done using tools like VLC Media Player or Wondershare UniConverter. It involves loading your video and subtitle file into the tool, setting the desired output format, and clicking the convert button.

How to import MKV files into a video editor?

Importing MKV files into a video editor typically involves clicking a "Files" button or similar, then navigating to the location of your MKV file and selecting it. For example, in Adobe Premiere Pro, you'd go to File > Import, then choose your MKV file.

What are external subtitles and how to use them?

External subtitles are subtitle files that aren't embedded in the video file. They typically come in formats like SRT or ASS. To use them, you'd open your video in a video player or editor that supports subtitles, then load the subtitle file. The exact process varies by program, but it often involves clicking an "Add Subtitle File" option and selecting the correct file.

Can I add subtitles to an online MKV video?

Yes, you can add subtitles to an online MKV video. You'd first need to download the video using a tool that can download MKV videos, then add your subtitles using a video editing tool. Note that you should always respect copyright laws when downloading online videos.

What subtitle formats can I add to MKV videos?

MKV videos support multiple subtitle formats, including but not limited to SRT, ASS, and SSA. The specific formats supported can vary depending on the tool you're using to add the subtitles.