VLC Subtitles: 3 Quick Steps to Add Captions to VLC Media Player Videos

How to Add Subtitles and Captions in VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a popular, free, and open-source tool developed by the VideoLAN Organization. Many people use VLC because it works on almost every system, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It can play nearly any video or audio file, disc, or stream, making it a top choice for both basic and advanced users.

Why Use Subtitles and Captions in VLC?

Subtitles and captions help improve the viewing experience for a wide range of users. Here's why adding them to your videos is important:

• Improved Dialogue Clarity: Sound effects in movies can sometimes overpower spoken words, making dialogue hard to follow (study, 2021).
• Accessibility: Over 5% of the world’s population has some form of hearing loss (WHO, 2023).
• Language Learning: Subtitles can help people learn a new language when watching foreign films or educational videos.
• Convenience: Some viewers prefer subtitles to better keep up with fast-paced dialogue.

Whether you need accurate subtitles or just want to enhance your video experience, VLC makes it easy to add and manage subtitle files.

Step 1: Download Subtitles for VLC

First, you need a subtitle file for your video. Most video files do not include subtitles, so you may need to download them from the internet. Use safe and trusted subtitle websites and always scan downloaded files for malware. Simply search for your video’s title plus “subtitles.” For more secure searches, visit websites reviewed by experts (reference, 2024).

Common Subtitle File Formats Supported by VLC

• .srt (SubRip)
• .ass (Advanced SubStation Alpha)
• .ssa (SubStation Alpha)
• .sub / .idx (VobSub)
• .txt (ML2/VPlayer)
• .usf (Universal Subtitle Format)
• .dks, .aqt, .pjs, .jss, .psb, .mpl, .ttxt, .smi (other less common formats)

The most common format is .srt, as it is widely supported and easy to edit.

Step 2: Prepare and Rename Subtitle Files

Once you've downloaded the subtitle file:

1. Move the subtitle file to the same folder as the video.
2. Rename the subtitle file to match the video's name. For example, if the video is movie.mp4, rename the subtitle file to movie.srt.

This helps VLC automatically find and load the subtitles when you play the video.

Step 3: Add Subtitles to Videos in VLC

Follow these quick steps to display subtitles in VLC Media Player:

1. Open VLC and play your video file.
2. Go to the Subtitles menu at the top, or right-click the video window.
3. Select Subtitles Track and choose the available subtitle file. On some systems, this is called Subtitle Track.
4. If you don't see any subtitles, select Add Subtitle File... and browse to your downloaded file.
5. Click Open. Subtitles should now appear at the bottom of your video.

Tip:

• If the subtitles do not line up properly with the video, you can use VLC’s synchronization feature. Go to Tools > Track Synchronization to adjust the timing.

Alternative Ways to Add Subtitles in VLC

If VLC does not automatically detect the subtitle file, you can:

• Open the Subtitles menu and select Add Subtitle File...
• Browse to the location of the subtitle file and open it.
• The chosen subtitle file will appear during playback.

How to Remove or Disable Subtitles in VLC

If you want to watch your video without subtitles:

1. Go to the Subtitles menu.
2. Hover over Sub Track or Subtitle Track to view all subtitle options.
3. Select Disable to remove subtitles from the screen.

How to Get Accurate Subtitles and Captions

For accurate and professional subtitles, use a reliable transcription service. This is especially helpful for:

• Business presentations
• Educational materials
• Films and documentaries
• Webinars and online courses

Other useful tools for subtitles and captions include:

• Automated transcription for fast turnaround
• AI transcription subscription for ongoing needs
• Closed caption services to aid accessibility
• Subtitling services for global audiences
• Transcription proofreading services for error-free captions
• Text translation services for multilingual subtitles
• Audio translation service for other languages

How Much Do Captioning and Subtitling Services Cost?

• See transcription pricing for affordable options.
• Compare captioning services pricing for your project needs.

Order Your Subtitles or Captions Today

Ready to make your videos accessible? Order transcription or order captions to get started.

Conclusion

Adding subtitles or captions to your videos in VLC Media Player is quick and simple. Subtitles can help everyone enjoy and understand video content better, especially if dialogue is hard to hear or viewers need language support.

If you want professional, high-quality subtitles, GoTranscript has you covered with services for transcription, captioning, translation, and more. Make your content accessible and increase your audience engagement today!