How To Put Captions On TikTok Videos

Introduction.

TikTok has taken over as one of the most popular platforms for sharing fun, creative, and engaging videos.

But if you want to reach more people and make your content stand out, adding captions to your videos is a must.

Captions make your content accessible to everyone, including people watching without sound or those who are deaf or hard of hearing. They also keep people engaged longer, which can boost your views and likes.

If you’ve ever wondered how to add captions to your TikTok videos, don’t worry—it’s easier than you might think. I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know.

Why are Captions So Important?

Captions can make a huge difference in how your video performs. Studies show that 80% of people are more likely to watch an entire video when captions are included.

Since many TikTok users scroll through videos with their sound off, captions make sure your message still gets across.

Here’s why captions matter:

Accessibility: Captions let everyone, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, enjoy your content.
Sound-Off Viewing: Many people watch TikTok in public places without headphones. Captions ensure they understand your video without turning up the volume.
Boosts Engagement: Captions help people stay engaged, which can increase watch time and help your video get picked up by the TikTok algorithm.
Clarity: If your audio isn’t clear or your accent is hard to understand, captions make sure your audience gets your message.

Adding Captions to TikTok Videos

There are two main ways to add captions to your TikTok videos: using TikTok’s built-in tools or creating them yourself with a third-party app. I’ll guide you through both.

1. Using TikTok’s Auto-Caption Feature

TikTok has a built-in tool that generates captions automatically. It’s fast and easy to use:

Record or Upload Your Video: Open TikTok and either record a video or upload one from your device.
Tap the “Text” Button: After recording, you’ll see a toolbar at the bottom of the screen. Tap the “Captions” option.
Generate Captions: TikTok will analyze your audio and create captions. This takes just a few seconds.
Edit as Needed: TikTok’s auto-captions aren’t always perfect. Double-check for errors and fix them by tapping on the text.
Adjust Style: You can customize the font, color, and placement of your captions to match your video’s vibe.
Save and Post: Once everything looks good, hit post!

2. Adding Captions Manually with TikTok’s Text Tool

If you want more control or your video doesn’t have spoken audio, you can add captions manually:

Tap “Text” on the Editing Screen: After recording, tap the “Text” button on the bottom toolbar.
Type Your Captions: Add the text you want displayed. You can type out full sentences, highlight key phrases, or include extra context.
Style Your Text: Choose the font, size, and color of your text. You can even add animations if you want the text to pop!
Set Timing: Drag the captions to where they should appear in your video timeline. Make sure the text syncs with the audio.

3. Using Third-Party Apps for Captions

If you want more advanced options, apps like CapCut, Clideo, or VEED offer additional tools for creating captions. Here’s how you can use one:

Download the App: Search for CapCut or your preferred app in the App Store or Google Play.
Import Your Video: Upload your TikTok video to the app.
Add Captions: Use the app’s tools to either generate captions automatically or add them manually.
Edit and Style: Most apps let you choose from a variety of fonts, colors, and animations.
Export and Upload to TikTok: Save the edited video and upload it to TikTok as usual.

Pro Tips for Better Captions

Keep It Simple: Use short sentences that are easy to read. Avoid overly fancy fonts or colors that make text hard to see.
Place Captions Wisely: Don’t block important parts of your video with text. Test how it looks on the screen before posting.
Sync With the Video: Make sure captions match the timing of your audio. It’s frustrating when text lags behind or shows up too early.
Highlight Keywords: Emphasize important words or phrases to grab attention.

FAQs

Do I Need to Use Captions on Every Video?

While it’s not required, using captions consistently can improve your video’s performance and accessibility. They’re especially useful for storytelling or instructional videos.

Can I Add Captions After Posting a TikTok?

Unfortunately, TikTok doesn’t let you edit videos after posting. If you missed adding captions, you’ll need to re-upload the video.

Are TikTok Auto-Captions Accurate?

TikTok’s auto-captions are pretty good, but they’re not perfect. Accents, background noise, or fast speech can cause errors, so always double-check.

How Do I Make My Captions More Engaging?

Use fun fonts, bright colors, or animations that match your video’s energy. You can also add emojis or symbols to make them pop.

Conclusion

Adding captions to your TikTok videos might feel like a small step, but it can make a big impact. Captions not only make your videos accessible to a wider audience but also improve engagement and help your content perform better on the platform.

Now that you know how to put captions on your TikTok videos, how will you use them to make your content stand out?