By the end of this guide you will have a video with accurate subtitles: either burned into the picture for social platforms or exported as a separate SRT file you can upload alongside it. To add subtitles to a video automatically, you use an AI video tool that transcribes the speech, puts the text on a timeline and lets you correct and style it before you export.
The AI does the slow part, typing and timing. You still need to read every line, because names, jargon and accents are where automatic subtitles slip. This guide compares seven tools from our Video category and shows the steps that apply whichever you choose.
Key takeaways
- Upload the video, generate the subtitles, proofread them line by line, style them for the platform, then export burned-in video or an SRT file.
- The main decision is the kind of editor: a social-video app (Captions, CapCut, VEED), a text-based editor (Descript), a rough-cut tool (Gling), a subtitle-focused mobile app (Captiono), or a transcription service for editors (Simon Says).
- Free plans exist, but they cap credits, minutes or export quality, so check the limits against your video.
- Automatic subtitles are a draft. Proofread before you publish, especially for names, numbers and accents.
What you need before you start
- The video file. An MP4 or similar export, with clear audio.
- An account or app. Most tools offer a free tier or a trial.
- A destination. Decide whether you need burned-in subtitles, an SRT file, or both. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok often suit burned-in text; YouTube accepts a separate file.
- Time. Under an hour for a short video, including proofreading.
- Difficulty. Easy.
- Rights. Only caption footage you own or have permission to use, and get consent if you record other people's speech.
Which kind of AI tool fits this job
Pick by where the video will end up and how you like to edit.
Social video editors. Captions is a video creation app whose free tier covers basic editing such as captions. It lists captions in 100+ languages with customizable templates, though the Free plan includes one caption template. CapCut is a video editor for web, PC and mobile whose Pro plan lists auto captions. VEED runs in the browser and adds automatic subtitles with styling options, and exports in vertical, square or wide ratios.
A text-based editor. Descript transcribes your recording and lets you edit the video by editing the text. It suits you if you also want to cut filler words or remove mistakes while you fix the subtitles.
A rough-cut tool. Gling removes silences, filler words and bad takes from talking-head recordings and can export subtitles as an SRT file. Its output also goes to Premiere, Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve as XML.
A subtitle-first app. Captiono generates and translates subtitles for Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, with custom fonts, colours and saved templates, and runs on Android, iPhone and desktop.
A transcription service for editors. Simon Says produces transcripts with speaker identification and word-level timecodes, a Visual Subtitle Editor, and exports to subtitle formats such as SRT and WebVTT and to editing tools like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro.
Step 1: Prepare the video and decide on the output
Good audio means better subtitles, so check it before you upload.
- Export your finished video as MP4 or another common format.
- Make sure the voice is clear and the music is not louder than speech.
- Decide whether you need burned-in subtitles, an SRT file, or both.
- Write down names, brands and jargon that appear in the video.
Check it worked by playing a short section and confirming that you can understand every word.
Step 2: Choose a tool that fits the job
Match the tool to your platform, length and budget.
- For a quick vertical clip, try a social editor such as Captions, CapCut or VEED.
- For a long talking-head video you also want to tidy, consider Descript or Gling.
- For separate subtitle files and professional editing tools, look at Simon Says.
- Check the plan limits in the table below. Gling's Free plan, for instance, processes one hour of media per month with watermarked MP4 exports.
Check it worked by confirming that the free tier or trial lets you test your actual video.
Step 3: Upload the video and generate subtitles
Now let the AI transcribe the speech and place it on the timeline.
- Create a new project and upload your video.
- Choose the spoken language, or use automatic detection if the tool offers it.
- Run the auto captions or subtitle generation.
- Wait for the text to appear on the timeline.
Check it worked by seeing text synced to the speech when you play the first minute.
Step 4: Proofread every line
This is where most of your time goes, and it is worth it.
- Play the video and read the subtitles as they appear.
- Correct names, brands and numbers first, using your list.
- Fix punctuation, and split lines so each caption is easy to read.
- Adjust timing where a caption appears too early or stays too long. Simon Says has a Visual Subtitle Editor for timing and layout.
- If the tool regenerates subtitles after edits, as Captiono does, check the result again.
Check it worked by watching the whole video once more with the sound on and finding no wrong words.
Step 5: Style the subtitles for your platform
Readable subtitles are large, high-contrast and sit clear of faces and interface elements.
- Pick a font, colour and size. Captiono lets you set font, colour, size, shadow and position, and save templates.
- Use a caption template in Captions, or restyle the subtitles in VEED.
- Keep lines short enough to read in one glance.
- Check the safe areas for vertical video, where the platform's buttons may cover text.
Check it worked by previewing the video at phone size.
Step 6: Translate if you need other languages
Subtitles can reach a wider audience if you translate them, but translations need a check too.
- Use the tool's translation feature. Captiono translates subtitles, Descript lists translating captions, and Simon Says translates transcripts.
- Ask a speaker of the language to review the result, especially for names and idioms.
- Export each language as its own SRT file, or as a separate version of the video.
Check it worked by having one fluent reader skim the translation.
Step 7: Export and test on the destination
Finish by exporting in the format you need and testing it where viewers will see it.
- For burned-in subtitles, export the video at the resolution you need.
- For a separate file, export SRT. Gling, Captiono and Simon Says list SRT export.
- Upload to the platform and watch it on a phone.
- Keep the project file so you can fix a typo later.
Check it worked by playing the uploaded video and seeing subtitles in sync.
Tools for this job compared
| Tool | Good fit for | Pricing | Stated limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Captions | Social video with captions, on web, iOS and Android | Freemium, paid from $4.99/mo (checked 24 Oct 2026) | Free plan has 60-200 lifetime credits and one caption template; Lite is Android only |
| VEED | Browser editing with automatic subtitles | Freemium | Subtitle fair-use limit of 50 hours per month on paid plans; credits do not carry over |
| CapCut | Short-form editing on web, desktop and mobile | Freemium | Prices vary by region, device and promotion; Standard leaves out advanced AI |
| Descript | Editing video by editing the transcript | Freemium, paid from $16/mo (checked 24 Oct 2026) | Free plan has 60 media minutes a month and 100 one-time AI credits; unused minutes do not roll over |
| Captiono | Styled subtitles on Android, iPhone and desktop | Pricing unknown | Videos over 10 minutes get SRT output only; uploads capped at 60 minutes; no published pricing |
| Simon Says | Transcripts and subtitles for professional editors | Freemium, paid from $20/mo (checked 24 Oct 2026) | Transcription, translation and burn-in are separate charges; $2 minimum per transaction |
| Gling | Cutting silences and filler words, with SRT export | Freemium | Free plan processes 1 hour a month with watermarked MP4; unused hours do not carry over |
Prices and plan limits change, so confirm the current terms on each vendor's site before you subscribe.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Publishing the first draft. Speech recognition stumbles on names, accents and background noise. Fix it by watching the video with the subtitles on before you export.
- Uploading noisy audio. Poor sound leads to wrong words. Fix it by cleaning the audio first, or by using a tool with noise removal such as Captiono.
- Forgetting the platform's layout. Buttons and captions can cover your text on vertical video. Fix it by previewing at phone size and moving the text up or down.
- Missing the free plan's limits. Watermarks, credit caps and length limits can surprise you at export. Fix it by checking the plan against your video before you start.
- Trusting automatic translation. Machine translation can mishandle idioms and names. Fix it by asking a fluent reader to review each language.
How we put this together
This is an evidence-based guide built from each tool's listing in our directory, which is compiled from the vendor's own site and pricing page. It is not a review based on using the tools. We don't rank tools, and nobody paid to be included. Some outbound links may be affiliate links; see our disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free way to add subtitles to a video automatically?
Yes, within limits. Captions' free tier covers captions as part of basic editing, Descript's Free plan has 60 media minutes a month, and Gling's Free plan processes one hour of media per month with watermarked exports. CapCut's free plan includes basic editing tools, but auto captions are listed on Pro.
How accurate are automatic subtitles?
They give a good draft, but not a perfect one. Accuracy depends on audio quality, accents and specialist words. Always proofread every line and fix names and numbers before publishing.
Which tool is good for adding subtitles on a phone?
Captions lists web, iOS and Android, Captiono runs on Android, iPhone and desktop, and CapCut works on mobile as well as web and desktop. VEED has iOS and Android apps on one account. Check the current app features before relying on them.
Should I burn subtitles in or use an SRT file?
Burned-in subtitles are part of the picture and show everywhere, which suits short social videos. An SRT file lets viewers turn captions on and off and is easier to translate and edit later. Many creators export both.
How long does it take to add subtitles automatically?
Generating the text is quick, but the tools do not publish a standard time. Proofreading takes most of the effort. As a rough editorial estimate, a short video fits in under an hour including proofreading and styling.
Compare more options in our Video category.
