How to Add Subtitles to YouTube Videos

How to Add Subtitles to YouTube Videos

Producers, editors, video creators, and producers know how tedious adding subtitles for YouTube videos can be. This is especially true if the videos are lengthy. Subtitles can make your videos more engaging and useful. Subtitles can make your videos more accessible to people who speak different languages and those with hearing impairments. Subtitles can be a great way to communicate your message in the best possible way.

This is the easiest way to add subtitles to YouTube videos. If you follow this process, you'll find it easy to do. This step-by-step guide to adding subtitles to YouTube videos on your desktop. You will find detailed instructions on transcribing YouTube videos at the end of this article.

Upload videos to YouTube with subtitles

YouTube Studio on mobile cannot add subtitles to videos. You will need to do this on your desktop.

1.    Log in to YouTube Studio by opening YouTube Studio. You can upload your video by clicking the Upload Videos icon. Various sections such as Details and Rights Management will guide you through the upload process. Video Elements will bring up the Add subtitles option. You will see three options: Upload, Auto Sync, and Type Manually.

2.    Upload File: You can choose the With Timing option if you have a file with the exact script used in the video. YouTube will automatically sync your subtitles to what you're saying in the video if you have text.

3.    Auto-Sync: Copy your captions, paste them, and YouTube will automatically sync them to your video.

4.    Type Manually: This option allows you to enter subtitles while watching the video manually.

5.    Once you are done, go back to the video and check the subtitles. Editing the timestamps can change the timing. You can then preview the final video and add subtitles. If you find any mistakes, edit the text again.

6.    Subtitles will now be added to your video. When it is published on YouTube, you'll be able to see subtitlesright below it. Your viewers can also choose to enable subtitles based on their preference.

Subtitles can be added to a YouTube video already uploaded.

1.    Click on the profile icon at the top right to log in to YouTube. Next, visit Your YouTube channel. Select Manage videos to open the video that you wish to add subtitles.

2.    Scroll down and click Subtitlesto the right.

3.    YouTube automatically transcribes your video and can be edited to add captions. This text is difficult to edit. Editing this text will take a lot of time. You'll need to break up the paragraphs and add full stops after each sentence. This text is almost useless. Select the Clear Text option by clicking on the three dots to the right of Edit Timings. There are two options: either manually enter subtitles or upload the file via the Upload option. You can choose any option that you wish.

4.    If you do not see the Subtitlesoption, you can choose from Upload, Automatic-Sync, or Type Manually. These options can be used by following Step 2 in the previous guide.

5.    Once you are done, go back to the video and check the subtitles. Editing the timestamps can change the timing. You can then preview the final video and add subtitles. If you find any mistakes, edit the text again.

6.    Subtitles will be added to your video. When it is published on YouTube, you'll be able to see subtitlesright below it. Your viewers can also choose to enable subtitles based on their preference.

How to transcribe your YouTube video

Bonus tip: You can add subtitles to YouTube videos without a script. To do this, convert the video to text. It is easiest to transcribe the video using either a website or an app.

There are many apps you can use for transcribing your videos. However, we prefer Otter, an online transcribing service that is easy to use and accurate in translating.

1.    If you're new to Otter, open it and create an account. Click on the Record button at the top right-hand corner. Now, open YouTube Studio again and play the video you wish to add subtitles. Now Otter will be transcribing your video live.

2.    Stop the recording once the entire video has been converted to text. Your text file will be found under My Discussions.

3.    Click on the text file to open it. The text can be exported or copied. Click on the three dots at the top to export the text. It is important to remember that even though you have the best app for transcribing the video, it is still necessary to proofread and correct any errors in the subtitles.

We hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Let us know your thoughts in the comments and what other topics you would like us to address.