Captions and Subtitles

AI-Powered Transcription and Styling

Captions are no longer optional. They're essential for reach, accessibility, and engagement.

Why Captions Matter

Silent Viewing

85% of Facebook videos watched without sound. Captions are the only way to reach silent viewers.

Accessibility

Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers need captions. It's inclusive and often legally required.

Comprehension

Captions help viewers follow along, especially with accents, technical terms, or noisy environments.

SEO

Text in captions helps platforms understand and recommend your content.

Engagement

Captioned videos see higher watch time and completion rates.

AI Transcription Tools

Built-In Platform Tools

YouTube: Automatic captions, surprisingly accurate, free.

TikTok/Instagram: Auto-captions in app.

Limitation: Less control over styling.

Dedicated Tools

Descript: Excellent accuracy, edit video by editing text.

Kapwing: Web-based, quick captions.

Veed.io: Online editor with auto-captions.

Happy Scribe: High accuracy, multiple languages.

Rev: Human review option for perfect accuracy.

Editor Built-In

Premiere Pro: Speech-to-text feature.

CapCut: Auto-captions with templates.

DaVinci Resolve: Transcription features.

Caption Types

Closed Captions (CC)

Viewer can turn on/off. Best for accessibility.

Open Captions (Burned-In)

Permanently part of video. Always visible.

Best for: Social media (where CC often not available or ignored).

Subtitles

Typically translation to another language.

SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

Include non-dialogue audio descriptions [door slams], [music plays].

Caption Styling

Readability First

  • High contrast (white on black, or outlined text)
  • Large enough to read on mobile
  • Sans-serif fonts typically clearer
  • Not too many words on screen at once

Trendy Styles

Word-by-word highlight: Each word highlights as spoken. Engaging, popular.

Animated text: Words pop, bounce, or slide in.

Color coding: Different speakers get different colors.

Brand Consistency

Match your brand fonts and colors when possible.

Platform Norms

YouTube: Traditional bottom captions or animated overlays TikTok/Reels: Bold, animated, center or bottom

Creating Quality Captions

Review Auto-Transcriptions

AI makes mistakes. Always proofread, especially:

  • Names
  • Technical terms
  • Homophones
  • Numbers

Timing

Captions should appear and disappear with the speech. Not too early, not lingering.

Line Breaks

Break at natural pause points. Not mid-thought.

Speaker Identification

If multiple speakers, indicate who's talking.

Reading Speed

Captions shouldn't flash by too fast. 150-160 words per minute maximum.

AI Prompt: Caption Review

Review these captions for errors.

[Paste your caption transcript]

Look for:
1. Misspellings or wrong words
2. Incorrect punctuation
3. Timing issues (if timestamps included)
4. Readability concerns
5. Anything that sounds wrong when read

Translation and Localization

AI Translation

Tools can auto-translate captions to other languages.

Caution: Always have native speakers review. AI translations can miss nuance.

Subtitle Files

Standard formats: SRT, VTT

Can be uploaded separately to platforms.

Workflow

Option 1: Platform Auto-Captions

  1. Upload video
  2. Let platform generate captions
  3. Review and correct
  4. Publish

Best for: Quick, good-enough approach

Option 2: Burned-In Captions

  1. Transcribe with AI tool
  2. Style captions in editor
  3. Review for accuracy
  4. Export with captions embedded

Best for: Social media, full control

Option 3: Professional Captions

  1. Send to transcription service (human review)
  2. Receive accurate caption file
  3. Upload to platform or burn in

Best for: Important content requiring 100% accuracy

What's Next

Filling your videos with supporting content.

Next chapter: B-roll and stock footage.

AI Editing ToolsB-Roll and Stock Footage