How to add subtitles to a YouTube video

For a regular YouTube video, a separate subtitle track is usually the most flexible choice. Viewers can turn it on or off, YouTube can use it with accessibility features, and you can correct the text without replacing the video. Styled, burned-in captions remain useful when on-screen text is part of the edit.

Step 1: Upload the finished video to ClipMint

Caption the final edit rather than an early cut. Upload the video and select its spoken language so the transcript and timing are generated against the exact version you intend to publish.

Step 2: Review text and timing

Correct names, technical vocabulary, punctuation, and any words affected by background noise. Check where captions begin and end, especially around pauses, speaker changes, and sections with overlapping dialogue.

Step 3: Download an SRT file

Export the subtitles as SRT. In YouTube Studio, open Subtitles, select the uploaded video, add the correct language, choose Upload file, and publish the timed track. YouTube also supports editing caption text and timestamps after upload.

Optional: export a video with styled subtitles

If the subtitles are part of the visual experience, choose a ClipMint preset and export a captioned MP4. This works well for tutorials, clips, social-first edits, or videos where highlighted words direct attention. You can still upload the SRT alongside it for accessibility.

Do not skip the final review

• Set the correct original video language in YouTube Studio.
• Review automatic captions instead of publishing them unchecked.
• Use SRT for broad compatibility and straightforward YouTube uploads.
• Keep line lengths readable and avoid covering important on-screen graphics.
• Update the subtitle track if the video is replaced or re-edited.