How To Create Subtitles in 2024

The Complete Guide to Creating Effective Subtitles and Captions

Subtitles and captions were first made to help viewers with hearing loss, but today, nearly everyone benefits from them. In fact, 80% of people who use captions are not deaf or hard-of-hearing (Ofcom, 2006). Subtitles support viewers who want to watch silently, provide extra information, and offer translations for foreign dialogue. This guide explains what makes a good subtitle, how to create them, and why they matter.

What Makes a Good Subtitle?

• Easy to read—clear font, proper size, and good contrast
• Shows at the right time—synchronized with the audio
• Stays on screen long enough to read
• Does not block important visuals or faces
• Includes not only spoken words but also important sounds and context

Types of Subtitles/Captions

Modern video uses two main types of subtitle files:

• Open Caption (Burned-in Subtitles):
  • Permanently embedded in the video; cannot be turned off
  • Useful for social media platforms with autoplay and muted videos
• Closed Captions:
  • Viewer can turn these on or off
  • Standard on streaming sites and TV
  • Supports multiple languages and accessibility features

How to Create Subtitles

Adding subtitles to your video can be simple, but quality matters to ensure your viewers stay engaged. Here are the main ways to create subtitles:

1. Using Subtitle Software

• Install specialized programs to type out dialogue and match it with timecodes
• Most subtitle editors support SRT or VTT formats
• Manual process; can take between 6-10 hours for one hour of video (BBC, 2021)

2. Outsourcing Subtitle Creation

• Hire a freelancer or a trusted transcription company
• Saves you time and ensures professional results
• Consider companies specializing in subtitling services

3. Creating Subtitle Files by Hand

• Write .srt or .vtt files using plain text editors
• Each entry includes a timestamp and the subtitle text
• Free, but requires careful formatting and syncing
• Google Drive supports uploading your subtitle files for free viewing

Best Practices for Creating Subtitles

1. Use Quality Headphones:
   • Ensures you catch all dialogue and sound effects
2. Break Up Sentences:
   • Limit each subtitle to two lines
   • Keep each line under 40 characters
   • Each subtitle should last 1 to 8 seconds
3. Proper Punctuation and Spelling:
   • Use standard grammar
   • Reflect the speaker’s style but ensure clarity
4. Set an Appropriate Reading Speed:
   • Follow 160-189 words per minute so everyone can keep up (BBC, 2021)
5. Don’t Block Important Visuals:
   • Place subtitles at the bottom, avoiding key action areas
6. Include Sound Descriptions:
   • Add context like [music], [laughter], or [explosion] for non-verbal cues
7. Sync with Audio and Video:
   • Show captions only as words are spoken
   • Edit for fast talkers: remove filler words, but keep the main meaning

Where Are Subtitles Used Today?

• Academic videos: E-learning material and lectures use subtitles for clarity and accessibility
• Social media: Most people watch videos on mute in public or noisy spaces; captions increase engagement (Verizon, 2019)
• Business content: Ads and company videos with subtitles get higher view rates and better brand recall

Why Are Subtitles and Captions Important?

• Assist with poor audio: Background noise or low volume does not block communication
• Clarify complex content: Technical terms or strong accents become easier to understand
• Expand audience: Makes content accessible to people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, or non-native speakers
• Boost SEO: Search engines can crawl transcripted text, increasing rankings and video reach
• Repurpose content: Subtitles double as transcripts for blog posts or documentation

How to Get Started with Subtitles

• Use automated transcription tools for fast subtitles
• Opt for proofreading services to ensure accuracy
• Try a specialized AI transcription subscription for ongoing needs
• Order professional subtitles directly via GoTranscript’s captioning service

Conclusion

Adding subtitles and captions makes your videos accessible, clear, and easy to share. Following the best practices above gives your audience a better experience, helps your content reach more people, and improves SEO. GoTranscript offers full solutions, from accurate transcription and subtitle creation to translation services and dedicated captioning support. Make your videos inclusive and engaging for everyone—get started today!