Add Closed Captions to Video Quickly and Easily

Why Add Closed Captions to Videos?

Closed captions make videos more inclusive and accessible. They help:

• People with hearing impairments understand your content
• Non-native speakers follow along more easily
• Viewers in loud or silent environments enjoy your videos

One in five Americans speaks English as a second language (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). Adding closed captions or subtitles lets you reach more people, even if your target audience is local.

How to Add Captions and Subtitles to Major Platforms

Let’s explore step-by-step guides for adding captions and subtitles to top social and video-sharing platforms.

How to Add Closed Captions to YouTube Videos

YouTube is the leading video platform worldwide. Adding accurate closed captions to your videos can help boost your views and expand your audience. Step-by-step process:

• Click your profile in the top right, then select “YouTube Studio.”
• In the left menu, choose “Content” and pick the video you want to edit.
• Hover over the video and click “Details.”
• Click the “Subtitles” tab in the top bar.
• Upload a subtitle file or use the auto-generate captions feature.

Automatic captions save time, but studies show that automated YouTube captions can be inaccurate or confusing (Ofcom, 2022). Always review and correct them or use professional transcription proofreading for better results.

How to Add Captions and Subtitles to TikTok Videos

TikTok is a fast-growing platform, especially among young viewers (Statista, 2023). Captions benefit users who scroll with the sound off or speak other languages. To add subtitles on TikTok:

1. Record your video, then tap the red checkmark.
2. Tap “Captions” on the right side.
3. Enable Auto Captions when prompted by TikTok.
4. Review and edit captions for accuracy before posting.

Note: TikTok only supports auto-generated captions within the app. Manual upload of caption files isn't available yet.

How to Add Captions and Subtitles to Instagram Videos

Instagram lets you add automated captions for videos, IGTV, and Reels to improve accessibility. How to enable captions on Instagram:

• Create your video post or IGTV content.
• Edit visuals as needed, then tap "Next."
• Tap “Advanced Settings.”
• Find “Accessibility,” then toggle “Show Captions” on.
• Post your video with captions by pressing "Share."

Currently, Instagram auto-generates captions. Manual edits to these captions are not possible, but the feature is improving.

How to Add Captions and Subtitles to Snapchat Videos

Snapchat connects millions of users through short videos. Adding captions helps more people enjoy your content. How to add captions:

1. Record a video, then tap the double speech mark icon on the right.
2. Wait a few moments for automatic captions to appear.
3. Edit any errors by moving or changing words as needed.
4. Tap “Send to” to share your video with captions.

Snapchat offers some flexibility to fix mistakes, making your content easier to understand.

How to Add Captions and Subtitles to Facebook Videos

Including captions on Facebook can boost video engagement. Facebook reports that video subtitles increase average view time by 12% (Facebook, 2022). Steps to add captions:

1. Open your video and click the three dots to access “Edit video.”
2. In the “Subtitles & Captions (CC)” section, click “Auto-Generate.”
3. Edit captions using the pencil icon, then click “Save Draft.”

For the best results, manually review auto-captions or consider uploading professional caption files.

How to Add Captions and Subtitles to LinkedIn Videos

LinkedIn supports subtitles to make professional content accessible. How to add captions on LinkedIn:

1. Upload your video from your computer or mobile device.
2. Click “Edit” in the video preview.
3. Choose “Select Caption” and upload your SRT file.
4. Add any messages or hashtags, then click “Post.”
5. Wait for LinkedIn to process your video and add visible subtitles.

Using professionally translated subtitles lets you reach a global business audience.

How to Add Captions and Subtitles to Vimeo Videos

Vimeo offers a range of subtitle file support, including SRT, VTT, and more. How to add captions on Vimeo:

1. Access your video manager and open a video.
2. Click the “CC” button on the video player.
3. Open “Settings,” then click “+” next to “My uploads.”
4. Select the language and file type, then upload your caption file.
5. Make sure the toggle is set to “on” for captions to display.

You can edit, remove, or download subtitle files as needed.

Best Practices for Adding Captions and Subtitles

To ensure a positive viewing experience:

• Write clear and simple captions
• Sync text closely with spoken words
• Avoid distracting fonts or backgrounds
• Always proofread or use professional editing

Quality captions help viewers understand your message without confusion.

Professional Help for Captions and Subtitles

Creating accurate captions can be challenging and time-consuming. Automated tools often lack accuracy, leading to errors or missing information. For the highest caption quality, consider using a professional transcription service like GoTranscript. With GoTranscript, you get:

• Expert captioning and closed caption services
• Fast automated transcription with human proofreading
• Custom subtitling services for all major video platforms
• Translation and audio translation to other languages
• Transparent transcription pricing and captioning rates
• Easy online ordering for transcriptions and captions

Enhance your videos’ accessibility and reach by choosing GoTranscript’s trusted solutions. Visit GoTranscript today to learn more or to get started.