How to Add Subtitles and Captions in Videos

You have created a fantastic video, but your viewers are not engaging as much as you’d like. Maybe it’s too noisy where they are watching, or language barriers hold them back. Whatever the issue, subtitles, and captions can be the solution.

However, if you don’t know how to add subtitles and captions to your video, we will tell you how to use them effortlessly, make your video engaging for everyone. 

So, let’s get started!

Captions Vs. Subtitles – What’s The Difference?

Captions and subtitles are essential features in enhancing video accessibility. Although both convey texts on the screen similarly, they serve distinct purposes by grabbing the attention of target audiences.

Captions

Captions are text that appears on-screen during a video. 

• They provide a text representation of the dialogue and descriptions of important non-verbal sounds and music cues.
• Captions are crucial for accessibility, helping viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing and those watching in noisy or quiet environments. 

There are two types of Caption available: 

1. Open Captions (which always appear onscreen) 
2. Closed Captions (CC, which can be turned on or off as needed).

Subtitles

While captions are helpful for the deaf and hard of hearing, subtitles are designed for people who can hear but struggle with understanding the language used in the video.

• It is typically used to translate foreign-language movies or videos into the language preferred by the viewer.
• Its primary concern is breaking down language barriers.
• There are only ‘closed’ captions, which can be switched on and off as needed.

Knowing the differences between the two can help you determine which is suitable for your video and viewers.

How To Add Subtitles and Captions To A Video?

Want to make your videos better for everyone? Adding subtitles and captions helps more people understand and enjoy your content. Follow the below steps to add text to your videos so everyone gets the message.

1. Choose the Right Tool

First, choose one trending tool or program to help you add captions and subtitles. Many user-friendly options are available, such as Wavel AI.

2. Create or Upload Your Transcript

If you already have the video transcribed, the tool allows you to import that particular transcript. However, many tools have auto-generated captions, and they can produce captions from your video’s audio.

3. Sync with the Video

Sync with the video facility must ensure the captions or subtitles synchronize with the dialogue or sounds. Most tools have a simple drag-and-drop timeline where you can adjust the timing.

4. Style and Customize

There is also the option to customize the captions/subtitles, which is a plus point for users. You can edit the fonts, sizes, and colors to enhance the readability and quality of the video.

5. Export or Embed

Finally, you can export your video with the captions or subtitles incorporated or save the new file in different formats. It can be an MP4, FLV, SRT file, or any other acceptable format that can be directly uploaded to YouTube or any other website like them.

Benefits Of Adding Subtitles and Captions to Your Videos

Adding captions and subtitles to your videos is like upgrading your content! They open up an array of benefits you might not have considered.

1. Reach a Broader Audience

Adding subtitles and captions can allow you to reach a broader audience. Many people like to watch videos, turning the sound off, like when they are sneaking a peek at work or in a noisy environment.

Also, many people can’t understand the video language and want to see it with subtitles or captions. In this case if you have this facility in your video, then it’s like boom!

2. Improve Accessibility

People with hearing impairments can’t understand your video content. Like speech-to-text technology helps them gain information independently, you can also add captions to your video. This allows them to fully enjoy the video without missing anything.

3. Enhancing Learning Experience

Subtitles and captions also play a pivotal role in education. They make spoken content more accessible for students to understand and retain information. For non-native speakers, subtitles bridge language gaps, and captions support students with hearing impairments.

4. For Social Media Use

Subtitles are essential in educational videos because they improve the learning experience. They help students grasp complex concepts, reinforce important information, and boost comprehension. 

How To Add Captions To Video Content On YouTube

According to Discovery Digital Networks, YouTube videos with captions are more viewed than those without. Moreover, this option makes your video more accessible to a broader audience. If you don’t know the process, follow the below steps:

1. Upload Your Video:
   • First, upload your video to YouTube. If it’s already on the platform, just go to your YouTube Studio.
2. Access YouTube Studio:
   • Click on your profile in the top right corner.
   • Select YouTube Studio from the dropdown menu.
3. Select Your Video:
   • Then, go to the Content section on the left sidebar.
   • Find the video you want to add captions to and click on it.
4. Open Subtitles Section:
   • Click on the Subtitles tab.
   • If you don’t see this tab, you may need to enable it under the Settings.
5. Add Captions:
   • Click Add Language and select your language.
   • Choose Add under the Subtitles section.
   • You can either upload a subtitle file (.srt or .vtt) or use YouTube auto-generated captions.
6. Edit and Sync:
   • Review and edit the auto-generated captions for accuracy if needed.
7. Publish:
   • Once everything is set, click Publish to make them live.

Add Captions and Subtitles to A Video with Wavel AI

Adding subtitles and captions to your videos with Wavel AI is relatively easy and effective. You can transcribe the audio in a few steps:

1. Log In to Wavel AI: To begin the process, go to Wavel AI studio and sign up to create an account. Then, you directly come to the dashboard.

2. Go to the Subtitle Option: Then go to the ‘Subtitle’ option from the dashboard.
3. Upload Your Video: Next, click the ‘Upload’ button to upload the video where you want to add subtitles or captions. Wavel AI supports various video formats, making it easy to get started.

4. Add Multiple Languages: Select the languages you need, as Wavel AI allows you to add subtitles in multiple languages (100 plus) options to reach a broader audience.
5. Generate subtitle/Caption: Click ‘Generate’ to add subtitles or captions to your video. It’s an automated process.
6. Customize Outputs: You can also customize your subtitles by choosing the font, size, and color. This helps ensure the subtitles blend well with your video content.
7. Download Subtitled Video: After everything is done, you can download your video with embedded subtitles or export the file separately for different platforms.

Enhance Engagement with Easy Subtitles and Captions

Now, we have learned how adding subtitles and captions to a video can be a game-changer in expanding our reach and boosting engagement. 

By following the steps mentioned above, you can easily make your content reach a broader audience, break down language barriers, and keep viewers hooked from start to end.

So, are you ready to take your videos to the next level? Try Wavel AI today, and easily add subtitles and captions that perfectly sync with your content. 

FAQs