How to add subtitles to any video for free
Published 22 October 2026 · Make an SRT subtitle file from any video's speech, then add it anywhere.
Subtitles make videos easier to follow with the sound off and help them reach more people. You don't need to type them out: you can turn a video's speech into a ready-made SRT subtitle file for free, and even translate it.
1. Make the subtitle file
- Open Audio to Text.
- Upload your video (MP4, MOV, WEBM and more, up to 60 MB), or paste a link to a public TikTok, Instagram or Facebook video.
- Choose the spoken language (or leave Auto-detect) and press Transcribe.
- Check the text, especially names and numbers, then press Download .srt.
An SRT file is plain text: each line has a number, a start and end time, and the words. Almost every video app understands it.
2. Translate it (optional)
Under Translate subtitles to, pick a language such as Hindi, Bengali or Spanish and press Translate. Each line keeps its timing, so the translated subtitles stay in sync. Download the .srt again to get the translated file.
3. Add the subtitles to your video
- YouTube: in YouTube Studio, open the video, go to Subtitles, add a language, choose Upload file → With timing and select the .srt.
- CapCut (computer): in the Captions panel, use Import captions and choose the .srt file.
- Premiere Pro: import the .srt like any other file and drag it onto the timeline as a captions track.
- DaVinci Resolve: import the .srt into the Media Pool and drag it onto a subtitle track.
- VLC: while the video plays, choose Subtitle → Add Subtitle File.
Tips for better subtitles
- Clear speech without loud background music gives the most accurate result.
- Picking the spoken language instead of Auto-detect helps with short clips.
- Proofread before publishing: automatic transcripts can mishear names, numbers and brand names.