How to Add Subtitles to YouTube Videos

A file-to-export workflow for YouTube: generate, correct, position and download readable video subtitles.

1. Bring your source video

Upload your original video file and generate a timed subtitle draft. YouTube URL import needs a separate download setup, so use the original file for this workflow.

2. Correct the transcript

Listen for names, dates and numbers. Correct each caption, then play the surrounding sentence. Use split and merge when a thought has been divided awkwardly, and check start/end times against the speech.

3. Check the frame

Keep the original frame for a full video, or preview a vertical crop for a Short. Do not crop out the subject to make room for a caption.

4. Export and check

For a Short, use a burned-in MP4 when visual styling matters. For a longer video, Pro and Max include SRT/VTT downloads for a switchable caption track. Add the file through the destination platform's subtitle workflow and review it in the player.

Bring your next video.

Start captioning free