How To Add Subtitles To YouTube Videos as a Viewer/Creator

YouTube being one of the most popular platforms in the world, makes YouTube subtitles an essential part of video content creation. Since the viewership potential is immense, adding subtitles to YouTube videos in any language allows content creators to reach any audience around the world, or audiences to consume content in any language.

We have 2 main ways to add subtitles to YouTube videos, let’s start with YouTube’s in-app version.

How to Add Subtitles to YouTube, on YouTube

Before you start using this method, know that you need to have a transcript of the content ready at hand to turn it into subtitles. For this, you can use a YouTube transcript generator.

1. Head on to YouTube Studio, and click “Details” on any video.

2. Choose “Subtitles”.

3. Here, you can upload the transcript and turn it into subtitles, and translate them to any other language you wish.

There are also editing options and the option to write the transcript manually.

How to Add Subtitles to YouTube Videos with AI

Since no one has time to write a transcript manually, let’s show you the easiest and most effective way of adding subtitles to YouTube videos, in any language you wish.

1. Head onto a video translator. Paste the URL of the YouTube video or upload the video itself.

Sign in with your YouTube account to directly add subtitles to YouTube videos from your Maestra dashboard.

2. Choose the original language and target language if you want translated subtitles.

3. Edit the subtitles if you wish, then add them to the YouTube video, directly from the editor.

Why You Should Add Subtitles to YouTube Videos

Adding subtitles to your YouTube videos is more than just a nice-to-have feature—it’s a powerful tool that boosts accessibility, broadens your audience, and enhances viewer engagement. Here are some key reasons why subtitles are essential for every YouTube content creator.

1. Improving Accessibility for a Global Audience

Not everyone watching your video speaks the language you’re presenting in, and subtitles make your content accessible to a much broader, international audience. English-language videos with subtitles, for example, can attract non-native speakers and allow them to engage with your content more fully. Including subtitles in multiple languages is even better, as it opens your videos to a worldwide audience and increases the potential for views and subscriptions.

2. Enhancing Engagement for All Viewers

Many people watch videos in environments where sound isn’t an option, like on public transportation or in quiet spaces. Subtitles make it possible for viewers to follow along without relying on audio, increasing watch time and improving the viewer experience. Engaging these “silent viewers” with accurate subtitles can result in longer viewing durations, better audience retention, and higher engagement rates overall.

3. Boosting Video SEO and Discoverability

Subtitles are also a hidden SEO powerhouse. YouTube and Google index the text in subtitles, making your video more searchable and increasing the likelihood that it appears in relevant searches. By including keywords and phrases in your subtitles, you can improve your video’s ranking in both YouTube’s internal search results and in broader Google searches, ultimately leading to higher view counts and channel growth.

4. Supporting Accessibility for Hearing-Impaired Viewers

Subtitles are essential for those with hearing impairments, enabling them to experience your content without needing to hear the audio. By adding subtitles, you make your videos inclusive and accessible to a segment of viewers who may otherwise be excluded. This not only widens your audience but also showcases your commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, which many viewers appreciate.

5. Increasing Comprehension and Retention of Information

Subtitles help viewers retain more information by reinforcing what’s being said with written text. This is especially beneficial for educational or informational content, as it helps viewers better understand complex topics and increases knowledge retention. Viewers are more likely to revisit your content and share it with others when they can absorb the material more effectively.

6. Enhancing User Experience on Social Media Platforms

Many YouTube videos are also shared on social media platforms where videos autoplay without sound. Subtitles ensure that even those who stumble upon your content through social media can follow along and engage with the video. By accommodating both silent and casual viewers, subtitles make your content more appealing and shareable across platforms, boosting reach and engagement.

Final Thoughts: Adding Subtitles Is Worth the Investment

Adding subtitles to your YouTube videos is an investment that pays off in accessibility, reach, and engagement. It allows you to connect with a diverse audience, boost your search rankings, and provide a better overall user experience. Whether you’re creating educational content, entertainment, or vlogs, subtitles are a must-have feature to grow and retain your audience on YouTube.

FAQ

1. How do I get subtitles for a YouTube video?

YouTube often auto-generates subtitles, which can be accessed by clicking the “CC” icon on the video player. If the subtitles aren’t accurate or need customization, using a tool like Maestra can help you generate precise subtitles that you can directly upload to YouTube by connecting your account through Maestra’s subtitle editor.

2. Can I add subtitles to a YouTube video that is not mine?

Generally, only the video owner can add or edit subtitles directly on YouTube. However, if you need subtitles for another video, Maestra allows you to generate subtitles by uploading the video file or its URL. You can also download the subtitles for your personal use or reference.

3. How to get English subtitles on YouTube if not available?

You can turn video transcripts to subtitles on YouTube, but it takes manual work. If English subtitles aren’t available, you can use Maestra’s subtitle generator to create them. Simply upload the video link to Maestra, and it will generate English subtitles for you. Once generated, these subtitles can be downloaded or uploaded to your YouTube video if you have permission to edit it.

4. How do I translate a YouTube video to English without CC?

If there’s no “CC” option on the video, you can use Maestra’s translation tool. By uploading the video to Maestra, it can generate the original subtitles and then translate them to English. You can download these translated subtitles for reference or personal use.

5. How to download subtitles to a YouTube video that is not yours?

While YouTube doesn’t offer direct downloading for subtitles on videos you don’t own, Maestra can help. By pasting the video URL in Maestra’s platform, you can generate accurate subtitles and download them for the video. This is ideal for educational or reference purposes.