Add and Edit Video Subtitles on iPhone and iPad

Start with the right recording and language

Saving a video does not automatically generate captions. Open Subtitles in the player when you are ready. For an existing video, use Settings > Tools > Automatic subtitles to import from Photos or Files, then work with the imported recording.

Select the language that matches the speech and finish any model download while connected. Transcription is processed locally on the device. Availability depends on supported speech languages; do not assume every language has a transcription model.

Correct meaning before appearance

When script-based timing is offered as a fallback, it estimates timing from the script. It is not recognized speech and needs careful checking against the recording.

• Play the video while reading the captions, especially names, numbers and specialist terms.
• Use Edit to correct text and inspect short or awkward segments.
• Split, merge, add or remove segments where needed; check the timing after each change.
• If no useful speech can be recognized, review the source audio and language before trying again.

Preview readability on a small screen

Choose a style, then inspect long lines, punctuation and the position relative to your face or demonstration. The preview and video export share the same caption renderer. Still review the exported file before publishing, particularly when the destination adds interface overlays.

For translated captions, check the wording and synchronization with someone who understands the language when possible. Automatic translation does not replace review of educational terminology.

Choose the export that fits the destination

SRT carries text and timing, not the full visual styling of a burned-in video. Video export can use 720p, 1080p or 4K where the source allows; it does not upscale beyond the original resolution. Allow enough storage and wait for export to finish before sharing.