Captions, subtitles and the file you share
People often use “captions” and “subtitles” interchangeably. It helps to separate what the text contains from how that text is delivered.
What the text contains
Subtitles commonly represent spoken dialogue, sometimes translated into another language. Captions also communicate meaningful non-speech audio and speaker information when it is needed to understand the video.
For example, “[doorbell rings]” can explain why someone leaves the frame. A speaker's name can clarify a conversation when the camera is pointed elsewhere. Automatic transcription may not supply either detail.
The W3C captions guide describes the information needed in captions. Terminology varies by region and platform, so inspect what a tool produces instead of relying only on the feature name.
How the text is delivered
| Delivery | What the viewer gets | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Embedded or open captions | Text that is part of the video picture | Placement, size and contrast are fixed in the export |
| Closed caption track | Text the player can display separately | The destination must support the track and its format |
| Separate subtitle file | Timed text in a file such as SRT or VTT | It must be uploaded or paired with the right video |
A video with embedded captions travels as one file. Its captions remain visible, but the viewer cannot change their styling or switch them off. A separate track can offer those controls when the player supports them.
Choose for the destination
For a short social video, embedded text can preserve the appearance of your edit. For a course, website or longer video, a separate caption track may be part of the publishing workflow.
Tap Captions's beta focuses on captions embedded in a video and on-device voiceover. If a destination requires a separate subtitle file, choose a workflow that provides it and validate the file with the final video.
Review content and presentation together
Correct the spoken words, add useful sound descriptions and check timing. Then review readability on the target screen. No output format makes uncorrected automatic text complete by itself.
Continue with adding subtitles on iPhone or making captions readable.