How to Add Subtitles in CapCut: Full Guide for Professional Creators

If you’re creating videos for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube, or even business presentations, subtitles can make or break your content’s success. Subtitles (also called captions) increase engagement, accessibility, and help with SEO on YouTube.

One of the easiest ways to add subtitles is by using CapCut, the free video editing app by ByteDance (the same company behind TikTok). In this guide, we’ll explore how to add subtitles in CapCut step by step covering auto captions, manual subtitles, custom fonts, placement, exporting options, and fixes for common errors.

Why Subtitles Matter in Video Editing

• Accessibility: Help viewers with hearing impairments.
• Engagement: 85% of videos on Facebook are watched without sound. Subtitles keep people hooked.
• SEO: Subtitles improve searchability on YouTube and Google.
• Multilingual Reach: Translate your videos and tap into new audiences.
• Branding: With custom fonts and colors, subtitles reflect your personal style.

Step 1: Adding Auto Subtitles in CapCut

CapCut offers an AI powered subtitle generator (auto captions) that automatically transcribes your speech into text.

How to do it:

1. Import your video into CapCut.
2. Go to Text > Auto Captions.
3. Choose language (supports English + multiple languages).
4. Let AI transcribe your video.
5. Review and edit misheard words.

Step 2: Adding Manual Subtitles in CapCut

Sometimes AI mishears words, especially with background noise or accents. That’s when manual subtitles are better.

How to add manual captions:

1. Click on Text > Add Text.
2. Type your subtitle line.
3. Adjust timing using the timeline.
4. Repeat for every dialogue section.

Best for short videos like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or precise content where accuracy is critical.

Also Read: How to Add Captions in CapCut

Step 3: Customizing Subtitles (Fonts, Colors, Animations)

CapCut offers a range of subtitle presets and styles to make your captions stand out.

• Fonts: Montserrat, Poppins, Anton, Handwritten.
• Colors: Branded colors or high contrast (yellow, white with black outline).
• Animations: Fade in/out, bounce, typewriter effect.
• Placement: Above safe zone so they don’t overlap TikTok/Instagram UI.

Step 4: Exporting Subtitles in CapCut

CapCut lets you export videos with embedded subtitles or download subtitle files separately.

Export options:

• MP4 with subtitles burned in
• SRT file (upload to YouTube or Facebook for SEO benefits)
• TXT/DOCX/CSV (for transcripts, blogs, or repurposing content)

Common Subtitle Issues & Fixes

Problem	Cause	Fix
Subtitles out of sync	AI mis timing	Adjust manually in timeline
Wrong words	Background noise	Edit transcription manually
Subtitles not showing	Export settings	Recheck Safe Zone + re export
Font too small	Mobile preview mismatch	Resize in style panel

CapCut vs Other Subtitle Tools (Comparison Table)

Feature	CapCut	SubtitleWhisper	Checksub
Price	Free	Paid	Paid
Auto Subtitles	✅	✅	✅
Manual Editing	✅	✅	✅
Export SRT	✅	✅	✅
Mobile Friendly	✅	❌	❌
Custom Fonts/Styles	✅	Limited	Limited

Pro Tips for Better Subtitles in CapCut

• Use branded fonts/colors to stand out.
• Keep line length short (max 32 characters per line).
• Place subtitles in the Safe Zone to avoid covering TikTok UI.
• Export an SRT file for SEO benefits on YouTube.
• Translate your subtitles for multilingual reach.

Read More: Where Does CapCut Save Videos on PC

Conclusion:

Adding subtitles in CapCut is simple but powerful. Whether you use auto captions or manual editing, subtitles make your videos more accessible, engaging, and SEO friendly. Don’t forget to customize fonts, export an SRT file, and check placement within the safe zone.

By mastering subtitles, you’ll not only create professional videos but also reach a wider global audience.

FAQs About How to Add Subtitles in CapCut