How to Create Subtitles for Videos - Featured

Beginner’s Guide: How to Create Subtitles for Videos

Although subtitles are an essential part of video localization, they are not always the same across different platforms. This is why it is important to understand the various formats and how they work. Most people think that adding these to a piece of content is relatively easy. However, in practice, it is actually quite a bit more complex. 

There are platforms that use automatic subtitles, which basically means that their transcription software will interpret what you are saying as transcribed. Unfortunately, this feature can be a bit inaccurate for people who do not have a neutral accent. 

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about, creating and implementing subtitles for your content videos. Whether you are a filmmaker, YouTuber, or vlogger, having a subtitle generator for your content can make a huge difference. 

It is generally recommended to make a subtitle file with the video in order to be submitted. Although the specific format that you choose depends on the intended use of the video, it is important to keep in mind that different platforms will have their own unique requirements.

What are Subtitles?

How to Create Subtitles for Videos - What is Subtitle

A translated version of a script or transcript from a film, television program, or video game is referred to as a “subtext.” It can be displayed at the bottom of any screen. Usually, translated audio is utilized when the original is available in another language, though some may still use the mother tongue. 

A caption or subtitle is a line of dialogue or text that appears at the screen’s bottom in various forms of media, such as TV programs and video games. They can be translations, transcriptions, or information that is designed to help hard-of-hearing or deaf individuals understand what is shown. 

A subtitle is a type of text translation that makes the audio sound like it is being said in another language. And it can be helpful for people who can’t understand the dialogue. Also known as captions, these text-based audio captions are designed to make the audio accessible to people who cannot hear it entirely.

Creating Subtitles for Videos: 3 Methods 

There are a lot of ways to create audio and video captions, and there are a lot of ways to create an efficient and effective subtitle. It can help you add them to different kinds of videos.

Most companies use various video content in their promotional and marketing campaigns. Creating and implementing subtitles can help improve the presentation of their videos and attract a wider audience. Learning more about the various formats of subtitles can help you develop effective and engaging videos.

Method #1: Create Subtitles Manually

How to Create Subtitles for Videos - Step 1 Manually Writing

Even though subtitle generator ASR and AI technology can accurately detect subtitles, nothing beats professional manmade subtitles to get the correct ones. 

If you are seeking high-quality and detailed videos, manually creating subtitles might be advantageous. Its disadvantages, however, include the high prices and the long delivery time compared to other services. 

Pros and Cons of Manually Creating Subs

A manual subtitling service is ideal if you like the most accurate and detailed translation. It involves the work of experienced and skilled individuals who will do everything in their power to create appealing and accurate captions. 

However, the process of manual subtitling this service is a little slower compared to the automatic method as it’s made by hand. But it still delivers up to 100% accuracy, and there is no need for you to go through our AI draft to resolve any errors. 

Professional subtitlers can ensure that your video content is suitable for a specific market. Just upload the required files, and a professional will do the rest.

Method #2: Use an AI Technology Subtitle Generator

How to Create Subtitles for Videos - Step 2 AI generation

With the help of AI and advanced speech recognition, the subtitle generator can create and manage subtitles for your videos in a simple and fast manner. 

This method of subtitling uses the Automated Subtitling System (ASR) to create a brief transcript of the audio. You can then go to our online text editor to adjust the settings. 

With an automatic subtitle solution, you can create and manage subtitles in different languages, and it is fast and user-friendly. You can also customize them using the company’s online text editor, which allows you to make any adjustments to them immediately.

Method #3: Become More Accessible Utilizing Translated Subtitles 

How to Create Subtitles for Videos - Translated Subtitle

Ever wanted subtitles for videos that were in another language? Having them added helps you reach a bigger audience globally. 

By having translated subtitles, your content will be more accessible to international audiences. They will also be able to interact with it in their native language, which will be more convenient for viewers.

With the help of a translated subtitle, you can easily translate your audio and video content into other languages. This can be a great way to reach a wider audience and avoid costly translation costs.

What is the Method of Using a Subtitle?

A video’s subtitles can be:

  • Rendered as separate text or graphics
  • Included in the video

Sometimes, at film festivals, they can be shown below the screen in a separate display, which saves the filmmaker the trouble of creating a copy for only one show. In some countries, closed captioning is also used for the hard-of-hearing and deaf. 

In addition to being used for opera, such as in “Aida,” other exceptional uses include using LED screens in front of the audience or in the stage area to supplement the story or in the sung lyrics in Italian, which can be translated into other languages. 

The word “subtitled,” which is followed by the title, is used to refer to the word used for the dialogue. In certain opera performances, such as those shown above the stage, the dialogue is shown in what is called a surtitle.

How to Make Subtitles Using an AI Sub Generator

It is important to add subtitles to your videos for various reasons, such as SEO compatibility, digital accessibility, and broader reach. Creating these can be a time-consuming process, that requires a lot of attention to detail. 

With these steps, you can easily add subtitles to your videos and enjoy the various advantages that come with them.

Step #1: Upload Your Selected Video File To Your Chosen Subtitle Generator Platform

After creating your video, you can easily upload it to the appropriate subtitle generator platform. You can do this either manually or through a link. After you have done this, you should select the right language for the audio and tap on the “automatic service” option. The AI will then create a first draft of your subtitles in just a few minutes.

Step #2: Edit Your Subtitles Within the Online text Editor

The online editor can also be used to make various adjustments to the generated subtitles. After you have finished editing the AI transcript, you can start preparing the subtitles by aligning and formatting them in the editor.

Step #3: Download the Subtitle File

After the editing process is over, you can download the file you want and use it for your subtitles. Before starting the process, it’s crucial to inform yourself about the most suitable file format for your case so that you can easily access it on your computer or laptop. Although the SRT format is the most common, other options like EBU-STL and VTT can be used.

Tips and Tricks on Creating a Good Subtitle

Different types of formats are available when creating and managing subtitles for videos. You can hire an agency to write captions, or use software that automatically subtitles videos.  

One of the most common types of formatting is the SRT file, which is an HTML document that contains important information and plain text. These files are used as separate documents for audio or video content.

  • Choose the Average Speed of Your Video Subtitle

Do not try to pause or fast-read the video to do so, as this will only distract the viewers from the main content. The subtitles should ideally go at a speed of around 160 to 180 characters a minute, which is the average speed of an adult. This can be less or more, depending on how many characters are involved.

  • Arrange Subtitles Properly 

In order to prevent blocking the view of the video, professionals advise against having more than 2 lines of subtitles. This would make it hard for viewers to simultaneously watch the scene and read the text. To facilitate reading, the two lines should be placed in a pyramid-like manner. The upper line should be shorter than the lower one.

  • Add the Additional Subtitle Sound Surround the Video Scene

Text descriptions can be added to the sounds that surround a scene in order to help people with hearing impairments understand what is happening around them. These can be put in brackets like people screaming. In addition, if the scene contains a foreign language, you can also include a translation in the captions to make it more viewer-friendly.

  • Review Your Subtitle

Manually reviewing and editing your subtitles can help create effective and accurate presentations. Apart from listening to the video and checking the time stamps, make sure that your audio and sentences are correct. Including correct and grammatically correct translations can help viewers understand the content.

  • Save Your Subtitle or Edit if Necessary

After you have written your subtitles, they can be saved, and you can upload them to different video platforms. You just have to make sure that the files are correct. 

Before you upload your video files and subtitles, make sure that the completed piece is accurate. If the timing or content of the subtitles is not correct, try to resolve the issue by using a software editing program or by reopening the file.

How to Utilize a Subtitle or When Should You Use Them 

Apart from being used in videos, subtitles can be utilized in various other applications and platforms. You can find a variety of platforms and programs that support these types of audio and video formats on the Internet.

Social Media Subtitling

Being able to include everyone on social media platforms is very important, as it allows you to interact with your followers and make your content more accessible. One of the most effective ways to do this is by adding subtitles to videos. This will aid people who are having difficulties in hearing to understand what’s happening in your video.

Learning Program Videos Subtitling

A learning platform is a type of software that can be used for various forms of education, such as e-learning. It can be used in combination with other platforms to create a complete learning experience. Having the necessary resources to provide effective and accessible educational content is very important to ensure that everyone can participate in the learning process.

Editing Software

There is a variety of editing software that you can use, and each of them has its pros and cons. One of the most convenient features of these is the ability to add subtitles right away. You can easily do this by clicking on the “Add Subtexts” button in the program that you want to use. 

Apart from using various platforms such as social media, learning programs, and editing software, you might also require subtitles for other services.

Benefits of Using Subtitle for a Video

Having the appropriate equipment and resources to improve the accessibility of your video presentation can also help make it more accessible. Proper audio and video equipment can help make your presentation more engaging. In addition, having the right subtitles can help your audience members easily understand the content.

Ensure that the audio and video content match by using a special type of subtitle. These are designed to reflect the audio and provide a more accurate and understandable explanation. For instance, if you’re presenting a video with an audio voiceover and graphics, the appropriate subtitles should match the information so that the audience can easily read it. 

In addition to being able to provide a variety of captions, audio, and video clips can also be included in the subtitles to help global viewers understand what is happening in the video. For instance, if your presentation is in English and you want to make sure that the audience members who are speaking other languages can understand what’s the message of your video.

Apart from this, even if you are presenting the video to native English speakers, because of 160 different English dialects, it will be hard for them to understand the audio. That is why subtitles not only help non-English speakers but as well as native English speakers as well.

The Verdict

The use of subtitles in videos has become an essential requirement for the content creator/video editor. Most people prefer watching a video with a subtitle despite the audio being clearly understandable. That is why video streaming services such as YouTube and Netflix are increasingly adding subtitles to more and more of their video content.

We hope that this guide has helped you in generating and adding subtitles to your videos. Need to know something? Let’s talk in the comment section below.