YouTube videos · Shorts
How to add captions to YouTube videos
YouTube generates captions on its own, and for a clean recording they're often good enough. Two things they don't do: they don't tell you which words they were unsure about, and they don't give you styled, burned-in captions for a Short.
Generate here, clear the flagged words, then either upload the SRT to YouTube or export a video with the captions burned in.
Upload a subtitle file, or burn the captions in
| You want | Do this |
|---|---|
| Captions viewers can turn off | Export SRT, then YouTube Studio → Subtitles → Upload file |
| Captions always visible (Shorts, silent autoplay) | Export the burned-in MP4 |
| A transcript for the description | Export TXT |
Choose the output that matches how people will watch. An SRT gives viewers control; a burned-in MP4 keeps the caption design visible everywhere.
Shorts use the vertical canvas
Choose 9:16, keep the captions inside the visible safe-area guide, and use the same correction and style controls available on the desktop canvas.
Day 0 limits
Questions
Should I upload an SRT or burn the captions in?
SRT if viewers should be able to turn them off. Burned-in for Shorts and for feeds that autoplay muted.
How long can the video be?
10 minutes per video on the free plan and 30 on Pro. Adding paid time gives you more usage, but does not raise the per-video limit.
Is it free?
Generating and editing are free. Free exports are 720p with a small watermark; SRT files need Pro ($9/month).
Start with a local video
Open the subtitle generator, run the browser checks, then enter the sample editor without leaving the page.
Upload your video