In short: To add subtitles to a video, create an SRT file and then upload or import it. In Speechma Pro’s Speech to Text, upload the video’s audio, set Timestamps to Per sentence, press Transcribe and click SRT. On YouTube, open YouTube Studio, choose Subtitles, pick the video, click Add language, then Add under Subtitles, Upload file, With timing, and save. In CapCut desktop, use Captions then Add Captions then Import file. In VLC, give the SRT the same name as the video.
Step 1: make the SRT file with Speechma Pro
- Export your video’s audioSpeech to Text reads audio files, so save the sound of your final cut as MP3, WAV or M4A. Use the finished edit so the times match.
- Upload and set the languageIn Speech to Text, upload the file (5 seconds to 5 minutes) and choose the spoken language. There are 43 to choose from.
- Turn on sentence timestampsSet Timestamps to Per sentence. Each sentence becomes one caption with a start and end time.
- Transcribe and save the SRTPress Transcribe, then press the SRT button on the result. Open the file in a text editor to fix any names or typos.
Step 2: add the subtitles on YouTube
- Open YouTube StudioSign in and select Subtitles in the left menu.
- Pick your videoClick the video you want to caption.
- Add the languageClick Add language and choose the language of your subtitles.
- Upload the fileUnder Subtitles, click Add, then Upload file. Choose With timing (your SRT already has times), continue, pick the file and click Save.
Adding the SRT in other apps
| App | How to add the SRT | Note |
|---|---|---|
| CapCut desktop | Captions in the top menu, then Add Captions, then Import file and choose the .srt | Captions arrive as editable text blocks on the timeline |
| CapCut web | Open the captions tab on the left, then Upload caption file | The web editor accepts .srt files |
| CapCut mobile | No direct import | CapCut says to import on desktop or web and open the project on mobile through cloud sync |
| Premiere Pro | Import the .srt with File > Import, then add it to your sequence | Adobe supports SRT caption files from third-party transcription services |
| VLC media player | Give the SRT the exact same name as the video and keep both in the same folder | VLC loads it automatically; turn it on or off in the Subtitle menu |
Steps come from each company’s help pages (October 2026). Menus can change between app versions.
Burned-in captions or closed captions?
There are two ways subtitles can appear on a video, and the choice matters:
- Closed captions are a separate file (your SRT) that the viewer can switch on or off. YouTube and VLC use them. They are easy to fix later: edit the SRT and upload it again. You can also add several languages to one video.
- Burned-in (open) captions are drawn into the picture during export. Everyone sees them, on every app, even where caption files are not supported. You create them in an editor like CapCut or Premiere Pro by importing the SRT, styling the text, and exporting the video.
A simple rule: use closed captions for YouTube and long videos, and burned-in captions for short social clips, where many people watch with the sound off and the app may not show a separate caption file.
Subtitle tips that viewers notice
- Proofread names and numbers. These are the most common slips. Fix them in the SRT before you upload.
- Keep the times intact. When editing the SRT, change only the words, not the numbers or the arrow lines.
- Save as plain UTF-8 text. YouTube supports basic SRT files in plain UTF-8, without styling.
- Use clear audio. Loud music under speech lowers accuracy. Our Vocal Isolator can pull the voice out first.
- Offer another language. AI Dubbing translates your video into a new language. Export the audio of the dubbed video and run it through Speech to Text with timestamps to get an SRT in that language for YouTube.
Captions help more people watch
Subtitles make your video usable for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, for viewers in noisy places, and for anyone watching on mute. They also give viewers who speak another language a way in. Making the SRT takes a few minutes with our Subtitle generator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add subtitles to a YouTube video?
In YouTube Studio, select Subtitles, pick the video, click Add language, then Add under Subtitles. Choose Upload file, select With timing, pick your SRT file and click Save.
How can I make an SRT file?
Upload your video’s audio to Speechma Pro’s Speech to Text, set Timestamps to Per sentence, press Transcribe, then click the SRT button on the result. It is included in Speechma Pro.
Can I import an SRT into CapCut on my phone?
Not directly. CapCut’s help says to import the SRT on CapCut desktop or web, then open the project on mobile through cloud sync.
What is the difference between subtitles and closed captions?
Subtitles usually show only the spoken words, often for viewers who do not speak the language. Closed captions are meant for viewers who cannot hear the audio and can be turned on or off. In everyday use, both often mean a timed text file like SRT.
How do I burn subtitles into a video?
Import the SRT into a video editor such as CapCut or Premiere Pro, style the captions, and export the video. The text becomes part of the picture.
Can I get subtitles in another language?
Yes, in two steps. Dub the video with AI Dubbing, then export its audio and transcribe it with Speech to Text (timestamps on) to get an SRT in the new language, ready to upload as a second language.
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