How to Add Subtitles to Youtube Videos Automatically OR Manually in 2022 (& CC Closed Captions)

Introduction

Welcome back to my channel, Jennifer Marie, where I teach you how to become a work-from-home freelancer and also how to be a YouTuber. In this article, we're going to explore how to add subtitles and captions to your YouTube videos, both automatically and manually. Adding closed captions or subtitles is essential as it helps extend the reach of your videos to a wider audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing and viewers who speak different languages.

Importance of Captions and Subtitles

By including closed captions or subtitles in your videos, you make your content accessible to more viewers. For instance, many users browsing YouTube may prefer watching videos with captions, leading to increased engagement and viewership. In my Sparkle English channel, for example, most videos have CC (closed captions), which I believe positively impacts their ranking and accessibility.

Adding Subtitles through YouTube Studio

To begin, navigate to YouTube Studio by visiting studio.youtube.com. On the left menu, click on "Subtitles" and select the video where you want to add subtitles. If you have already uploaded a video, YouTube often auto-generates a transcript that you can edit.

1. Edit Existing Captions: Click "Duplicate and Edit" to access the auto-generated transcripts. Review the captions and make necessary adjustments to punctuation and capitalization by playing the video and typing.
2. Edit Timings: After editing, click on "Edit Timing" to ensure the captions sync with the video properly. Once satisfied, click "Publish."

Adding Subtitles Right After Uploading

To add subtitles just after uploading a video:

1. Click on "Create," then "Upload Video." Drag and drop your video file.
2. Define the video's language under "Language and Captions."
3. Wait for the video to upload, then click “Add” beside "Add Subtitles."

You have the following options:

• Auto-Transcription: Wait for YouTube to generate subtitles and then edit them, as described above.
• Manual Input: Play the video and type subtitles as you listen. You can use keyboard shortcuts for efficiency or pause the video while typing.

Using Auto Sync Option

You can also create subtitles manually and use the auto-sync feature:

1. Type the spoken content you hear and click "Edit Timings."
2. YouTube will sync the captions automatically to the timeline.

Simply save the track as a draft or publish it immediately.

Uploading Subtitles Files

Alternatively, you can upload subtitle files like .srt or .sub:

1. Go to your video, click "Edit Video," then "Subtitles."
2. Add a language, then click "Upload File."
3. Choose whether your subtitles file has timing or not, and then upload the file.

Once this is done, you’ll see the CC icon on your video, confirming successful subtitle integration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding subtitles and closed captions to your YouTube videos can significantly enhance viewer engagement and accessibility. Make sure to implement these techniques to improve your video reach!

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Keywords

• Subtitles
• Closed Captions
• YouTube Studio
• Auto-Transcription
• Manual Input
• Auto Sync
• Subtitle File Uploads

FAQ

1. Why should I add subtitles to my YouTube videos?
Adding subtitles increases video accessibility for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, and it also helps those who speak different languages.

2. Can I edit auto-generated subtitles?
Yes, after YouTube generates subtitles, you can edit them to correct any errors in transcription.

3. How do I upload subtitle files?
You can upload subtitle files (.srt or .sub) by going to your video settings in YouTube Studio and selecting "Upload File" under the subtitles section.

4. What is the auto sync feature in YouTube subtitles?
Auto sync allows you to type out the spoken words while the video plays, and YouTube will automatically align your captions with the corresponding audio.

5. Are there keyboard shortcuts for adding subtitles?
Yes, YouTube provides various keyboard shortcuts to enhance your subtitle editing efficiency.