TikTok provides built-in captioning tools, including auto-generated captions and manual text editing.
However, it might not always be the most polished and professional approach.
In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to add captions and subtitles to your TikTok videos.
Yes, TikTok has an auto-caption feature that automatically converts spoken words into text. This built-in tool makes it easier for viewers to follow along.
Enabling auto captions is a simple process. Once you upload or record a video, TikTok can automatically generate subtitles based on your audio. These captions appear on-screen in sync with your speech.
However, auto captions are not always perfect. Since the feature relies on AI transcription, there may be occasional errors, especially if your speech is unclear or there is background noise. Thankfully, TikTok allows you to review and edit captions before posting to ensure accuracy.
Initially, auto captions were available in languages such as English, Portuguese, German, Indonesian, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, and Turkish. TikTok has plans to support additional languages in the future.
TikTok’s built-in feature generates subtitles automatically. Follow these steps to enable and edit auto captions for your videos.
Open the TikTok app and start by recording a new video or uploading an existing one from your gallery. Make sure your audio is clear, as TikTok’s speech recognition works best with minimal background noise.
Once you finish recording or uploading, tap the checkmark to move to the editing screen. On the right side of the screen, look for the "Captions" option. Tap it to enable automatic transcription.
TikTok will automatically transcribe the spoken words in your video. The process takes just a few seconds. After the captions appear, review them carefully. AI-generated captions can sometimes have errors, especially with slang, accents, or fast speech.
Tap on the captions to edit them. You can correct any mistakes, adjust timing, and remove unnecessary words. Ensuring accuracy is important because incorrect captions can confuse viewers or misrepresent your message.
Once you’re satisfied with the captions, tap “Done” to save your changes. Proceed with adding any additional edits, effects, or filters to your video. When everything looks good, hit “Post” to share your video with your audience.
Start by recording a new video or uploading an existing one. Ensure your audio is clear to make the captioning process easier.
On the editing screen, tap the “Text” button (Aa) to open the text editor. This tool lets you manually enter captions word by word.
Manually type the captions that match your spoken words. Keep sentences short and easy to read. Consider breaking longer sentences into multiple text boxes to ensure readability.
Position the text on the screen where it won’t obstruct key visual elements. Then, tap on the text and select “Set Duration.” Use the timeline to match the caption timing with the spoken words.
Choose a font, size, color, and background that complements your video’s style. Ensure your captions are easy to read by using contrasting colors.
Before posting, play your video to check if the captions are accurate and well-timed. Make any necessary adjustments, then proceed with posting your video.
If you prefer to show videos without captions, TikTok allows you to disable them easily.
In the settings menu over your TikTok profile, look for the ‘Accessibility’ option. Tap it to access the toggle switch for captions.
For a more efficient and professional approach to subtitling, consider using an AI-powered subtitle editor like Checksub. This platform simplifies the process of creating subtitles for your videos, providing more advanced options than TikTok’s built-in features.
Log into Checksub and upload your video. The platform supports various formats, allowing you to work with different types of content. Select the original language of your video and choose additional languages if you need translations.
Checksub automatically transcribes the audio using AI-powered speech recognition. The process takes only a few minutes, depending on the video length. Once the transcription is complete, review and edit the subtitles to ensure accuracy.
Checksub allows you to style your subtitles by adjusting the font, color, size, and effects. Once satisfied, you can export them in different formats like SRT or directly embed them into your video. This makes it easy to share a polished, professional-looking video with captions that enhance accessibility and engagement.
You want to generate quality Tiktok subtitles ? Try Checksub for free.
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