Adding Subtitles To Your Video: A Simple Tutorial
Make Your Video Content More Accessible and Engaging
Why You Should Add Subtitles to Your Video
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Reach a Wider Audience
Adding subtitles to your video makes it accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, as well as those who speak different languages. By providing subtitles, you are including these viewers in your audience and making your content more inclusive.
Comply with Accessibility Standards
In many countries, including the United States, there are accessibility laws that require websites and videos to be accessible to everyone, regardless of disabilities. Adding subtitles to your video is one way to comply with these standards and avoid potential legal issues.
Improved Engagement
Increase Viewer Retention
Research has shown that videos with subtitles have higher viewer retention rates than those without subtitles. Viewers are more likely to stay engaged and watch the entire video when subtitles are provided, even if they are not deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Improve Comprehension
Subtitles can also improve viewer comprehension, especially when dealing with complex topics or accents that may be difficult to understand. By providing subtitles, you are ensuring that your message is being communicated effectively to your audience.
Preparing Your Video for Subtitles
Transcription
Use Automated Transcription Tools
Automated transcription tools like Otter.ai, Trint, and Temi can save you time and effort by transcribing your video automatically. However, keep in mind that these tools are not perfect and may make mistakes, so it's important to proofread and edit the transcript for accuracy.
Transcribe Manually
If you want complete control over the accuracy of your transcript, you can transcribe your video manually. This involves listening to your video and typing out the dialogue word-for-word. While this method is more time-consuming, it can result in a more accurate transcript.
Consider Outsourcing
If you don't have the time or expertise to transcribe your video, consider outsourcing the task to a professional transcription service. This can ensure a high level of accuracy and save you time and effort.
Formatting
Use SRT Format
The most common format for subtitles is SubRip Text (SRT), which is supported by most video players and platforms. Make sure your transcript is formatted in SRT before adding it to your video.
Include Timecodes
Each subtitle should have a timecode indicating when it should appear and disappear on screen. Make sure your transcript includes accurate timecodes for each subtitle.
Keep Subtitles Short
Subtitles should be no longer than two lines of text and no more than 35 characters per line. This ensures that subtitles are easy to read and don't cover up too much of the video content.
Adding Subtitles with Video Editing Software
iMovie
Step 1: Open Your Video in iMovie
Open iMovie on your Mac and select the project you want to add subtitles to. Then, import your video file by clicking on the Import Media button and selecting the video from your files.
Step 2: Create a New Subtitle Track
Click on the Titles and Text button in the iMovie toolbar and select the Subtitles option. This will create a new subtitle track above your video track.
Step 3: Add Subtitles
Click on the subtitle track to select it, and then click on the Add Subtitle button. Type in the text for your subtitle and adjust the timing by dragging the subtitle to the appropriate place on the timeline.
Step 4: Customize Your Subtitles
You can customize the appearance of your subtitles by selecting the subtitle track and clicking on the Adjust button. From there, you can change the font, color, size, and position of your subtitles.
Step 5: Export Your Subtitled Video
Once you're happy with your subtitles, you can export your video by clicking on the Share button in the iMovie toolbar and selecting the appropriate export option. Your subtitled video is now ready to be uploaded and shared!
Adobe Premiere Pro
Step 1: Import Your Video into Premiere Pro
Open Premiere Pro and create a new project. Then, import your video file by clicking on the File menu and selecting Import. Choose your video file and click Import to load it into your project.
Step 2: Create a New Caption File
Click on the New Item button in the Project panel and select Captions. This will create a new caption file in your project.
Step 3: Add Captions
In the Captions panel, click on the Add Captions button and select the appropriate caption format. Then, type in the text for your caption and adjust the timing by dragging the caption to the appropriate place on the timeline.
Step 4: Customize Your Captions
You can customize the appearance of your captions by selecting the caption file and clicking on the Edit button. From there, you can change the font, color, size, and position of your captions.
Step 5: Export Your Subtitled Video
Once you're happy with your captions, you can export your video by clicking on the Export button in the Premiere Pro toolbar and selecting the appropriate export option. Your subtitled video is now ready to be uploaded and shared!
Final Cut Pro
Step 1: Import Your Video into Final Cut Pro
Open Final Cut Pro and create a new project. Then, import your video file by clicking on the File menu and selecting Import Media. Choose your video file and click Import to load it into your project.
Step 2: Create a New Caption File
Click on the Caption button in the Final Cut Pro toolbar and select the appropriate caption format. This will create a new caption file in your project.
Step 3: Add Captions
In the Caption Editor, click on the Add Caption button and type in the text for your caption. Adjust the timing by dragging the caption to the appropriate place on the timeline.
Step 4: Customize Your Captions
You can customize the appearance of your captions by selecting the caption file and clicking on the Inspector button. From there, you can change the font, color, size, and position of your captions.
Step 5: Export Your Subtitled Video
Once you're happy with your captions, you can export your video by clicking on the File menu and selecting Share. Choose the appropriate export option and settings, and your subtitled video is now ready to be uploaded and shared!
Adding Subtitles with Online Tools
Kapwing
Step 1: Upload your video
Go to Kapwing's website and upload the video you want to add subtitles to. You can also import your video from YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive.
Step 2: Create a new project
Once your video is uploaded, click the 'Start Editing' button to create a new project.
Step 3: Add subtitles
Click the 'Subtitles' button on the left-hand toolbar and select 'Add Subtitles'. You can either upload a subtitle file or use Kapwing's automatic subtitle generator.
Step 4: Customize your subtitles
Edit the style, font, size, color, and position of your subtitles to match your video content and branding.
Step 5: Export and download
Once you're happy with your subtitled video, click the 'Export Video' button and wait for Kapwing to process your video. Then, click the 'Download' button to save your subtitled video to your device.
Rev
Step 1: Upload your video
Go to Rev's website and upload the video you want to add subtitles to. You can also import your video from YouTube, Vimeo, or Dropbox.
Step 2: Place an order
Select the 'Captions' option and choose your desired turnaround time and caption style. Then, place your order and wait for Rev to transcribe and subtitle your video.
Step 3: Review and edit
Rev will send you a transcript and subtitle file for your video. Review and edit the subtitles as needed to ensure accuracy and readability.
Step 4: Download and use
Once you're satisfied with your subtitled video, download the subtitle file and use it in your video editing software or video hosting platform.
Amara
Step 1: Upload your video
Go to Amara's website and upload the video you want to add subtitles to. You can also import your video from YouTube, Vimeo, or Dailymotion.
Step 2: Create a new project
Once your video is uploaded, click the 'Create' button to create a new subtitle project.
Step 3: Add subtitles and translations
Click the 'Add a language' button and select the language you want to add subtitles or translations for. Then, add and edit your subtitles and translations using Amara's subtitle editor.
Step 4: Customize your subtitles
Customize the style, font, size, color, and position of your subtitles to match your video content and branding.
Step 5: Export and download
Once you're happy with your subtitled video, click the 'Export' button and wait for Amara to process your video. Then, click the 'Download' button to save your subtitled video to your device.
Customizing Your Subtitles
Styling
Font
Choose a font that is easy to read and matches the style of your video. Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica are popular choices for subtitles.
Color and Contrast
Select a color that stands out against your video's background. White or light yellow are common choices. Make sure the color has enough contrast with the background so that it is easy to read.
Size and Position
Adjust the size and position of your subtitles so that they are easy to read and do not cover important information in your video. Subtitles should be placed at the bottom of the screen and be large enough to read comfortably.
Timing
Accuracy
Ensure that your subtitles are accurately timed with the audio in your video. If they are out of sync, it can be distracting and make it difficult for viewers to follow along.
Pacing
Adjust the timing of your subtitles to match the pacing of your video. If your video has fast-paced action, your subtitles should be timed accordingly so that viewers can keep up.
Duration
Keep your subtitles on screen long enough for viewers to read them, but not so long that they linger after the dialogue has ended. As a general rule, subtitles should be on screen for 1-2 seconds at a time.
Best Practices for Video Subtitles
Length and Readability
Keep it Short and Sweet
Subtitles should be concise and easy to read, with a maximum of two lines per subtitle and no more than 42 characters per line. This ensures that the subtitles are easy to follow and don't distract from the video content.
Use Clear and Simple Language
Subtitles should use simple and easily understandable language, avoiding complex sentences, jargon, and technical terms. This makes the video accessible to a wider audience and helps to improve engagement and retention.
Consider the Viewing Environment
Subtitles should be designed for the viewing environment, taking into account factors such as screen size, font size, and lighting conditions. This ensures that the subtitles are legible and easy to read, even in challenging viewing conditions.
Proofreading
Why Proofreading is Important
Proofreading is crucial for accurate and effective subtitles, as even minor errors or typos can significantly impact the viewer experience. Poorly proofread subtitles can be distracting, confusing, or even misleading, and can detract from the overall quality of the video.
Tips for Effective Proofreading
To ensure accurate and effective subtitles, it's important to carefully proofread and edit the subtitles before finalizing them. This includes checking for spelling and grammar errors, verifying the accuracy of the transcription, and reviewing the subtitles for clarity and readability. It's also helpful to have a second person review the subtitles to catch any mistakes or errors that may have been missed.
Uploading and Sharing Your Subtitled Video
Uploading to Video Hosting Platforms
Choose the Right Platform
Before uploading your subtitled video, it's important to choose the right video hosting platform. Popular options like YouTube and Vimeo offer easy-to-use interfaces and large audiences, but each platform has its own unique features and limitations. Consider factors like video length, file size, and audience demographics to determine which platform is best suited for your video content.
Create a Compelling Title and Description
When uploading your subtitled video, be sure to create a compelling title and description that accurately reflects the content of your video. Use keywords and phrases that are relevant to your topic to improve search engine visibility, and include a call-to-action to encourage viewers to watch, like, and share your video.
Add Relevant Tags and Thumbnails
Tags and thumbnails can also help improve the visibility and engagement of your subtitled video. Choose tags that accurately reflect the content of your video, and select an eye-catching thumbnail that accurately represents your video content.
Sharing on Social Media
Choose the Right Social Media Platforms
When sharing your subtitled video on social media, it's important to choose the right platforms to reach your target audience. Consider factors like age, gender, interests, and geographic location to determine which social media platforms are best suited for your video content.
Optimize Your Posts for Each Platform
Each social media platform has its own unique features and limitations, so it's important to optimize your posts for each platform to maximize engagement and accessibility. Use eye-catching visuals and concise captions to grab viewers' attention on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, and include relevant hashtags to improve discoverability. On platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn, include longer captions and consider boosting your posts to reach a larger audience.
Encourage Engagement and Sharing
To maximize engagement and accessibility, encourage viewers to engage with your subtitled video on social media. Ask questions, respond to comments, and share related content to keep viewers engaged and invested in your video content. Encourage viewers to share your video with their own social media networks to reach a wider audience and increase the visibility of your video content.
Conclusion
The Benefits of Subtitled Video
Improved Accessibility and Inclusivity
By adding subtitles to your video, you make it accessible to a wider audience, including those with hearing impairments or who speak different languages. This can lead to increased engagement and positive brand perception.
Enhanced Engagement and Retention
Subtitles can improve viewer engagement and retention by making it easier for viewers to follow along with your content. This can result in more views, likes, and shares, as well as increased time spent watching your videos.
Better SEO and Search Rankings
Adding subtitles to your video can also improve your SEO and search rankings. With subtitles, search engines can better understand the content of your video, making it more likely to appear in search results.
Professional and Polished Look
Subtitles can also give your video a more professional and polished look. By customizing the style and appearance of your subtitles, you can match them to your brand or video content, creating a cohesive and visually appealing experience for your viewers.
