How-to guides · Updated 14 Nov 2026

How to add captions to a video

Short answer

You can caption a video in three ways: let an editor generate captions, upload a subtitle file that viewers can switch on, or burn captions into the picture. Burned-in captions look the same everywhere but cannot be turned off. SkilledCut skills render burned-in word-by-word captions.

What are the three methods?

Method	Switchable	Best for
Editor auto-captions	Depends on export	Quick social edits
Subtitle file (for example SRT)	Yes	Long videos, accessibility, search
Burned-in captions	No	Short vertical video

How do skills caption?

Explainer and Bold burn captions into the video as part of their look. Proofread them first; see how to proofread AI captions.

Which should you pick?

For short vertical posts, burned-in is common. For long or accessibility-critical videos, provide a subtitle file as well.

Frequently asked questions

What is a subtitle file?

A text file with timing, such as SRT, uploaded alongside a video.

Are burned-in captions accessible?

They help sighted viewers but cannot be turned off or read by screen readers.

Do all platforms accept SRT?

Many do. Check each.

Is automatic captioning free?

It varies by tool. Many editors include automatic captions in a free tier with limits, so check each tool's current plan.

Can I do both?

Yes. You can burn captions into the video and upload a separate subtitle file, which gives you both a consistent look and an option for viewers.

Skills mentioned on this page

Explainer
Turns a talking clip into a clear lesson with gold word-by-word captions and points on screen.
Buy · ₹399 See Explainer
Bold
A 10-second reel where giant words slam in behind you and captions pop word by word.
Buy · ₹399 See Bold

All 4 skills for ₹999 · one-time, no subscription, no account needed

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