How to Add Subtitles on TikTok: A Comprehensive Guide

Using TikTok's built-in auto-caption feature

To auto-caption on TikTok, use the built-in auto-caption tool. Turn on captions and add subtitles on TikTok by tapping the "Captions" icon on the editing page after creating or uploading a video. Enable TikTok auto captions, review captions for accuracy, edit if necessary, then tap "Save" to apply subtitles to your video.

Enabling auto-captions on TikTok

To use TikTok's auto-caption tool and add subtitles to your videos:

• Access the editing page: After recording or uploading your video, go to the first editing page
• Tap the "Captions" icon: Look for the Captions button to turn on captions on the right side of the screen
• Consent to audio collection: Agree to the "collection and use of the audio" for TikTok auto captions
• Wait for processing: Auto-captions may take a moment or two to generate, depending on video length and phone power

Editing and customizing auto-captions

To ensure accuracy and improve the quality of your TikTok subtitles:

• Review generated captions: Check for any misspellings or incorrect words in the auto-captions on TikTok
• Edit captions: Tap the edit button or an individual caption line to make necessary changes to your TikTok subtitles
• Adjust caption style: Modify font, color, and background using TikTok's built-in auto-caption tool interface
• Save changes: Tap Save after making edits to apply the updated captions and subtitles

Managing auto-captions as a viewer

For those watching TikTok videos with auto-captions:

• Turn off captions: Tap a caption as it appears, then select Hide captions to remove subtitles
• Re-enable captions: Tap the small text box that appears after hiding captions to turn them back on and view subtitles

Additional auto-caption features

TikTok continues to improve its auto-caption functionality for adding subtitles:

• Default setting: Starting November 2022, TikTok auto captions will be the default setting on all uploaded videos
• Language support: Initially available for English language videos, with plans to extend auto-captions to other languages
• Accessibility focus: Auto-captions are part of TikTok's efforts to enhance inclusivity and break down language barriers when adding subtitles

Adding subtitles manually to TikTok videos

To add subtitles to a video on TikTok, record or upload your video, tap the "text" button, choose font style and color, then transcribe your video. Adjust timing by selecting the text box and clicking the clock icon. This process allows you to add captions to TikTok videos manually, enhancing accessibility and engagement.

Adding subtitles manually on TikTok

Steps to add captions to TikTok

• Open TikTok and create/upload video: Launch the TikTok app and either record a new video or upload an existing one to add subtitles
• Access text tool: After recording or uploading, tap the "text" button at the bottom of the TikTok screen to start adding subtitles
• Customize text appearance: Choose an aesthetic font style, text alignment, and color for your captions when adding subtitles to a video
• Add captions: Start transcribing your video, adding text for each spoken part to create subtitles on TikTok
• Position captions: Drag the text to where you want it to appear on the screen when adding subtitles
• Adjust timing: Select the text box and click the clock icon in the upper right corner to set when the text appears and disappears, crucial for adding subtitles on TikTok
• Preview and adjust: Tap the "play" button to preview the video and make any necessary adjustments to your TikTok subtitles
• Finalize: Repeat the process for all captions, then press "done" in the top right corner to complete adding subtitles to your TikTok video

Tips for effective captioning on TikTok

• Be creative: Manual captioning allows for more creativity when adding subtitles on TikTok, letting you place text on any side of the screen and follow the action in the video
• Highlight key words: Use manual captioning to emphasize particular words or sequences for visual effect when adding captions to TikTok
• Use Pascal Case hashtags: Capitalize the first letter of every word in hashtags to improve readability, especially for screen reader users when adding subtitles
• Add video descriptions: Include descriptions of on-screen actions in the caption or comment section for visually impaired users when adding captions to TikTok

Benefits of adding captions to TikTok

• Improved accessibility: Captions make content accessible to Deaf or Hard of Hearing viewers, language learners, and those who prefer to browse with sound off
• Increased engagement: Videos with captions see 61% more engagement compared to those without subtitles on TikTok
• Better discoverability: Captions allow audiences to find content by searching for specific words mentioned in videos with subtitles
• Enhanced comprehension: Captions support diverse audiences, including non-native speakers and those unfamiliar with accents when watching TikTok videos with subtitles
• SEO boost: Including relevant keywords in captions can help videos rank higher in search and on users' For You pages when you add subtitles to TikTok

Limitations and workarounds for adding subtitles on TikTok

• Post-publishing edits: TikTok doesn't allow editing captions after posting. To make changes, you must delete and repost the video, as you cannot add subtitles on TikTok after posting
• Character limit: TikTok recently increased the caption limit to 4,000 characters, allowing for more detailed captions when adding subtitles
• Auto-caption editing: While not manual, TikTok's auto-captions can be edited before posting, offering a quicker alternative to adding subtitles on TikTok
• Add subtitles on TikTok PC: While the article focuses on mobile, you can also add subtitles on TikTok PC by using the web version or third-party software before uploading

Advanced techniques for TikTok captions

To add captions on TikTok live, you can use TikTok's built-in AI speech-to-text feature to add subtitles on TikTok automatically during live streams. Add captions on TikTok live by enabling the automatic captioning option in your live stream settings. You can also add captions on TikTok in 2024 using automatic captions for pre-recorded videos or employ professional captioning services like Verbit for accurate, nuanced captions that enhance accessibility and engagement. Additionally, you can add caption on TikTok story to ensure all your TikTok content is captioned. These methods allow you to create a complete captioning strategy for your TikTok content, improving accessibility and viewer engagement across all formats.

Effective captioning techniques for TikTok in 2024

Automatic captioning

• Use TikTok's built-in auto-caption feature: TikTok offers an AI speech-to-text function that automatically generates captions for your videos, making it easy to add subtitles on TikTok automatically
• Edit auto-generated captions: Review and correct any errors in the auto-generated captions to ensure accuracy when you add captions on TikTok 2024
• Enable auto-captions for live streams: TikTok now allows creators to add captions on TikTok live broadcasts

Professional captioning services

• Employ professional captioning services: Use services like Verbit for highly accurate captions that capture nuances and context when learning how to add subtitles on TikTok
• Integrate professional captions: Upload professionally created caption files to your TikTok videos for enhanced quality and accessibility

Caption optimization techniques

• Utilize the 4,000-character caption limit: TikTok now allows longer captions, providing more opportunities to include relevant keywords and hashtags when you add captions on TikTok 2024
• Incorporate hashtags strategically: Use a mix of popular and niche hashtags (4-6 per post) to increase visibility and reach your target audience
• Add personality to captions: Craft engaging captions that provide context, spark conversations, and encourage viewer interaction
• Use emojis and mentions: Include emojis and @mentions in your captions to increase engagement and reach

Accessibility considerations

• Prioritize accessibility: Captions make your content accessible to a wider audience, including those with hearing difficulties and non-native speakers, which is crucial when you add subtitles on TikTok
• Use high-contrast text: Ensure your captions are easily readable by using text colors that contrast well with the video background
• Consider caption placement: Position captions to avoid covering important visual elements in your videos, including when you add caption on TikTok story

Caption performance tracking

• Monitor engagement metrics: Track impressions, clicks, likes, shares, and comments to assess the performance of your captioned content and improve how you add captions on TikTok 2024
• Analyze hashtag performance: Use TikTok's analytics tools to identify which hashtags drive the most engagement for your content

FAQ

How do I enable auto-captions on TikTok?

After recording or uploading a video, tap the 'Captions' icon on the editing page. Agree to audio collection, then wait for the auto-captions to generate.

Can I edit subtitles after posting a TikTok video?

No, TikTok doesn't allow editing captions after posting. To make changes, you must delete and repost the video.

What's the best way to add captions to TikTok live streams?

Use TikTok's built-in AI speech-to-text feature for live streams. Enable the automatic captioning option in your live stream settings.

Are there third-party tools for adding subtitles to TikTok videos?

Yes, professional captioning services like Verbit can be used to create accurate, nuanced captions for TikTok videos. These can be uploaded to your TikTok content.

How can I customize the appearance of TikTok captions?

Use TikTok's built-in editing tools to modify font, color, and background of captions. For manual captions, you can also adjust text placement and timing.