How to Add Subtitles in CapCut: Step-by-Step Guide for Online & Mobile

Adding subtitles to your videos is a game-changer for boosting accessibility, engagement, and reach, and CapCut makes it easier than ever to do so.

Whether you’re a content creator crafting viral social media clips or a professional enhancing videos for a global audience, CapCut’s intuitive online and mobile tools offer both manual and AI-powered subtitling options to suit your needs.

From generating auto-captions in seconds to customizing text with creative flair, this guide walks you through every step of the process, shares expert tips, and explores alternatives like SubtitleWhisper to elevate your video content.

Can You Add Subtitles in CapCut?

Yes! CapCut allows you to add subtitles to your videos, making it a versatile tool for creators of all levels.

Whether you’re a novice enhancing your social media clips or a seasoned editor aiming to reach a wider, more inclusive audience, CapCut’s subtitling features are designed to be both accessible and powerful.

CapCut offers two primary methods to add subtitles:

1. Manually: Craft your own subtitles by typing the dialogue, positioning it precisely, and customizing the style to align with your video’s aesthetic.

This method provides full creative control, ideal for projects where accuracy and a unique look are essential.

2. Automatically: Use CapCut’s AI-powered auto-captioning tool to generate subtitles by analyzing your video’s audio.

This time-saving feature produces a quick draft that you can edit for accuracy, perfect for longer videos or tight deadlines.

With these options, CapCut makes subtitling straightforward, helping you boost engagement and accessibility with ease.

The following sections will guide you through the process step-by-step.

How to Add Captions Manually on CapCut Online (PC)

Manually adding subtitles in CapCut’s online editor gives you full creative control to craft custom text that perfectly complements your video.

With an intuitive interface, you can easily add, style, and position subtitles.

Follow these steps to create professional subtitles using CapCut on your PC.

Step 1. Create a Project and Upload Your Video

Visit CapCut’s online editor and sign in or create a free account.

From the main dashboard, select Create New Project. Click the Upload button to import your video from your computer, or connect to cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox to add your file.

Drag the video to the timeline to start editing.

Step 2. Add a Subtitle Preset

In the left sidebar, click the Text tool. Scroll to the Captions section in the central panel, where you’ll find a variety of preset subtitle styles.

Browse the options, then drag your preferred preset to the timeline, positioning it where you want the subtitle to appear in the video.

Step 3. Customize and Edit Subtitles

Click the subtitle track in the timeline to edit its content. In the editing panel, type your desired text and adjust the font, size, color, or effects (e.g., shadows or outlines) to match your video’s aesthetic.

To control how long the subtitle appears, drag the edges of the track to extend or shorten its duration.

Repeat this process to add multiple subtitles as needed.

Step 4. Position and Finalize

Fine-tune the subtitle’s placement by dragging it to the desired spot on the video preview. Use the editing tools to ensure readability and visual balance.

Preview the video to check timing and alignment with the audio, making adjustments as necessary.

Step 5. Export the Video

Once your subtitles are complete, click Export in the top-right corner. Choose your preferred resolution and format in the export settings, then click Export again to render and download your video with the manually added subtitles.

This method allows you to tailor subtitles with precision, enhancing your video’s impact.

How to Add Subtitles Manually in CapCut Mobile App (iOS/Android)

CapCut’s mobile app for iOS and Android makes it easy to add custom subtitles to your videos on the go, offering flexibility and creative control.

Below is a step-by-step guide to manually create and style subtitles using the CapCut mobile app, perfect for enhancing your content anytime, anywhere.

Step 1. Start a New Project and Import Your Video

Open the CapCut app on your iOS or Android device and tap the New Project button on the home screen. Select your video from your device’s gallery by tapping Add, then confirm to load it into the project timeline for editing.

Step 2. Add Manual Subtitles

Tap the Text icon in the bottom toolbar to access text options. Choose Add Text to create a new subtitle.

Type your desired subtitle text directly into the text box that appears on the screen.

This manual approach lets you craft precise captions tailored to your video’s dialogue or message.

Step 3. Customize Subtitle Style and Timing

With the subtitle selected, use the bottom toolbar to adjust its appearance. Modify the font, size, color, or add effects like outlines or shadows to enhance readability.

To set the subtitle’s duration and timing, drag the sliders on the timeline to align it with the corresponding audio or visuals.

Repeat this process to add additional subtitles as needed.

Step 4. Position and Preview

Drag the subtitle on the video preview to position it where it looks best, ensuring it doesn’t obscure key visuals. Preview the video by playing it to verify that the subtitles are timed correctly and visually balanced.

Make any necessary adjustments to text, style, or placement for a polished look.

Step 5. Export or Share Your Video

Once satisfied, tap the Export button in the top-right corner. Adjust settings like resolution, aspect ratio, or quality as needed. Non-premium users have a limited number of free exports per month without a watermark.

Tap Done to save the video to your device or share it directly to social media platforms via the app’s sharing options.

This manual subtitling process in CapCut’s mobile app gives you the freedom to create professional captions with ease.

How to Add Captions Automatically on CapCut Online (PC)

CapCut’s online editor makes adding subtitles to your videos a breeze, thanks to its AI-powered auto-captioning feature.

You can also import custom subtitle files (e.g., SRT) for greater flexibility.

Below is a streamlined guide to automatically generate and customize subtitles using CapCut’s web-based platform on your PC.

Step 1. Start a New Project and Import Your Video

Access CapCut’s online editor via its official website and log in.

Click “Create New Project” from the main interface. In the media panel, select “Import” to upload your video file from your computer.

Once uploaded, drag the video to the timeline to begin editing.

Step 2. Generate Subtitles Automatically

Navigate to the Text tab in the top toolbar and select “Auto Captions” from the options. Choose the language that matches your video’s audio from the dropdown menu to ensure accurate transcription.

Click “Create” and wait as CapCut’s AI analyzes the audio, generates subtitles, and places them on the timeline, syncing them with the video.

Step 3. Customize and Format Subtitles

Select a subtitle segment in the timeline to adjust its appearance. In the right-hand panel, tweak the font style, size, color, or add effects like shadows or backgrounds.

To apply changes uniformly, check the “Apply to All” box.

Preview the video to ensure the subtitles are readable and well-timed, making manual edits to the text if needed for accuracy.

Step 4. Export Your Video with Subtitles

Once satisfied, click “Export” in the top-right corner. Adjust output settings like resolution or file format in the export window to suit your needs.

Click “Export” again to render and download your video with embedded subtitles, ready for sharing or posting.

This process leverages CapCut’s intuitive online tools to create professional subtitles quickly.

How to Add Subtitles Automatically in CapCut Mobile App (iOS/Android)

CapCut’s mobile app for iOS and Android offers a fast and efficient way to add subtitles automatically, leveraging AI to transcribe your video’s audio on the go.

This feature is perfect for creators who need quick, professional captions.

Follow these steps to generate and customize auto-subtitles using the CapCut mobile app.

Step 1. Create a New Project and Import Video

Launch the CapCut app and tap the New Project button on the home screen. Select your video from your device’s gallery by tapping Add, then confirm to place it in the project timeline, ready for editing.

Step 2. Generate Auto-Subtitles

Tap the Text icon in the bottom toolbar, then select Auto Captions. Choose the language that matches your video’s audio from the dropdown menu (or use auto-detect for convenience).

Tap Generate to let CapCut’s AI analyze the audio and create subtitles, which will automatically appear on the timeline, synced with the video.

Step 3. Edit and Style Subtitles

Review the auto-generated subtitles by tapping them on the screen to edit any inaccuracies or refine the text. Customize their appearance using the bottom toolbar options, adjust the font, color, size, or apply effects like shadows.

To modify timing, drag the timeline sliders to ensure subtitles align with the audio.

Note that some premium templates may be locked for non-premium users.

Step 4. Preview and Finalize

Play the video to check subtitle accuracy, timing, and readability. Adjust placement by dragging subtitles on the preview screen to avoid obstructing key visuals. Make any final tweaks to ensure the captions enhance the video’s impact and accessibility.

Step 5. Export or Share Your Video

When satisfied, tap the Export button in the top-right corner. Choose your preferred settings for resolution, aspect ratio, or quality. Non-premium users are limited to a few free exports per month without a watermark.

Tap Done to save the video to your device or share it directly to social media platforms using the app’s sharing options.

Keep in mind that non-premium users have a monthly limit of five free auto-caption uses across CapCut’s platforms.

This process makes automatic subtitling quick and accessible, but for advanced features, consider tools like Subtitlewhisper, explored later in this guide.

Top Tips for Perfect CapCut Captions

Creating professional and engaging subtitles in CapCut can elevate your videos, but the process requires attention to detail to ensure clarity and impact.

These expert tips will help you optimize your subtitles for accessibility, aesthetics, and viewer engagement, making your content stand out.

1. Preview on Multiple Devices

Before finalizing, preview your video on both mobile and desktop devices to ensure subtitles are legible and well-timed across different screen sizes.

This step helps catch formatting issues, such as text being cut off or appearing too small, ensuring a seamless experience for all viewers.

2. Enhance Complex Sections with Custom Text

For sections where auto-captions struggle (e.g., rapid dialogue or overlapping voices), add custom text layers.

Navigate to the “Text” button in the top toolbar, select Add Text, and input your subtitles manually.

This allows you to fine-tune challenging segments or incorporate animated text for a dynamic effect.

3. Perfect Audio-Subtitle Synchronization

Accurate timing is crucial for viewer comprehension.

CapCut’s auto-generated subtitles may occasionally misalign with the audio, cutting off words or appearing out of sync.

Review each subtitle and adjust its timing by dragging the timeline bars in the editing interface to match the spoken dialogue or sound effects precisely.

4. Prioritize Readable Fonts and Colors

Choose fonts that are large, bold, and easy to read, even on smaller mobile screens.

Opt for high-contrast colors (e.g., white text with a black outline) to ensure visibility against busy or colorful video backgrounds.

For emphasis, use bold or vibrant text to highlight key phrases, drawing viewers’ attention to critical moments.

5. Ensure Consistent Styling Across All Subtitles

To maintain a cohesive look, apply your chosen font, color, or effect to all subtitle blocks.

In CapCut, select the “Apply to All” option (found in the text editing menu) when adjusting styles.

This saves time and ensures uniformity, giving your video a polished, professional appearance.

By applying these tips, you’ll create subtitles that are visually appealing, accessible, and perfectly synced, enhancing the overall impact of your CapCut videos.

Resolving CapCut Subtitle Errors

CapCut’s subtitle tools are intuitive, but occasional glitches can disrupt your editing process.

Below are practical solutions to the most common subtitle challenges, helping you keep your project on track with minimal hassle.

1. Fix Misaligned Subtitles

If subtitles don’t sync with the audio, adjust their timing in CapCut’s timeline at the bottom of the editing screen.

Select the subtitle block and drag its start and end points to align with the dialogue.

Zoom in on the timeline for precise adjustments and preview to confirm accuracy.

2. Improve Auto-Generated Subtitle Accuracy

For auto-captions with errors or missing words, ensure the correct language is selected in the settings, matching the video’s audio.

Use clear audio with minimal background noise. CapCut’s noise reduction tool can help enhance quality.

After captions are generated, tap the text to manually edit any inaccuracies for a polished result.

3. Ensure Subtitle Style Changes Apply

When font, color, or size changes don’t appear, verify that you’ve selected the target subtitle block or group.

Apply edits in the text editor and use the Apply to All option for consistent styling across multiple captions.

If styles still don’t update, confirm they aren’t premium-only features and try restarting the app.

4. Troubleshoot Auto-Caption Failures

If the auto-caption tool doesn’t work, check your internet connection, as this feature requires online access.

Non-premium users should ensure they haven’t exceeded CapCut’s five free auto-caption uses per month across platforms.

Updating to the latest app version or restarting CapCut can also resolve persistent issues.

5. Speed Up Slow or Failed Exports

Slow or failed exports with subtitles often stem from large video files or high-resolution settings.

Reduce the export resolution or file size in CapCut’s export settings.

Free up device storage and close background apps to boost performance.

If problems persist, export the video without subtitles first, then re-add them in a new project.

These solutions will help you navigate common subtitle challenges in CapCut, ensuring a smooth editing experience.

For additional options, consider tools like SubtitleWhisper, explored in the next session of this guide.

Alternatives for Captioning on CapCut: Subtitlewhisper

Although CapCut provides a comprehensive set of editing features, it does come with a price tag and may initially pose a challenge for newcomers to navigate.

If you seek a platform with a more user-friendly interface or prefer to handle recording, editing, and captioning all in one location, Subtitlewhisper emerges as an excellent alternative.

Powered by OpenAI’s Whisper technology, Subtitlewhisper helps users effortlessly transcribe video content with an accuracy rate of up to 98.5%.

This tool supports over 50 languages, making it ideal for creators and viewers worldwide who want quick, reliable transcriptions. (Try Subtitlewhisper for free!)

Here’s how to add subtitles to your video using Subtitlewhisper:

1. Upload your video.
   Start by uploading the video you want to transcribe or paste its YouTube link.

2. Transcribe your video with one click.
   Click the “Generate subtitles now” button, and the AI will create an accurate transcript for your video.
   

3. Edit your transcript.
   Once the auto-transcription is complete, review and edit the transcript using Subtitlewhisper’s online editor. Each subtitle is time-stamped and editable like a text document, making adjustments simple.
   

4. Download your transcription (optional).
   Finally, download the transcript in formats like .srt, .txt, .docx, or .csv.
   

What sets Subtitlewhisper apart from other subtitling methods is its simplicity. With its intuitive interface, you can upload and transcribe videos in just a few clicks, saving time while ensuring high-quality results.

Whether you’re working on your own videos or someone else’s, Subtitlewhisper streamlines the process, letting you focus on content rather than technical details. Try Subtitlewhisper for free today!

How to Add Subtitles in CapCut: Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating CapCut’s subtitle features can spark a few questions.

Below, we’ve compiled the most common queries to help you master subtitling with ease.

1. Are Auto-Captions Free in CapCut?

Yes, CapCut’s auto-caption feature is free, but non-premium users are limited to five free uses per month across the mobile app, desktop app, and online editor.

Upgrading to a Pro account removes this cap, allowing unlimited auto-caption generations.

2. How Do I Add Subtitles to a Video in CapCut?

To add subtitles, import your video into CapCut and choose between the two methods:

• Manual: Go to the Text tool, select Add Text, type your subtitles, and adjust their timing on the timeline to sync with the audio.

• Automatic: Select Text > Auto Captions, choose the video’s language, and let CapCut generate subtitles. Edit the text for accuracy afterwards.

3. How Can I Create One-Word or Dynamic Captions in CapCut?

For one-word captions, use the Text tool to manually add short text and sync it with the timeline.

To make captions dynamic, select them in the timeline, then apply effects from the Animation or Templates tabs in the right toolbar.

Experiment with motion or styles to enhance visual appeal.

4. How Do I Make Auto-Captions All Caps in CapCut?

To capitalize auto-generated subtitles, select the caption block in the timeline, navigate to the Text tab in the right toolbar, and click the all-caps icon (double T) under the Case option.

This applies uppercase formatting to all selected captions.

5. Why Isn’t the Auto-Caption Feature Working?

If auto-captions fail, check:

• Your internet connection, as the feature requires online access.
• The selected language matches the video’s audio.
• Audio clarity, reduce background noise using CapCut’s tools.
• Your free usage limit (five per month for non-premium users).
• App version, update CapCut to the latest release to fix bugs.

6. How Do I Add Subtitles to an Existing Video on iPhone or Android?

On mobile, open CapCut, start a new project, and import your video.

Use the Text tool to add manual subtitles or select Auto Captions to generate them.

Adjust timing and style via the timeline and text editor, then preview to ensure accuracy before exporting.

These answers should resolve common concerns and streamline your subtitling process in CapCut.