Guide
How to add subtitles to YouTube
YouTube is the platform that rewards a real subtitle file. Upload SRT/VTT for toggleable captions, or burn in only when the embed needs it.
Last updated: 1 November 2026
TL;DR: Generate captions, review names and timing, download SRT, and upload it in YouTube Studio under Subtitles. Use a burned-in MP4 only for clips that must show captions everywhere.
1. Choose the format
| Goal | Format |
|---|---|
| Viewers can toggle captions | SRT/VTT upload |
| Searchable transcript on YouTube | SRT/VTT upload |
| Captions on every embed/player | Burned-in MP4 |
2. Review before upload
Fix names, brands, technical terms, numbers and sentence breaks. YouTube auto-captions can be a fallback, but a reviewed file is what viewers and search engines actually use. Check the first minute carefully; that is where most viewers start.
3. Upload in YouTube Studio
- Open the video in YouTube Studio.
- Go to Subtitles and choose the language.
- Upload the SRT/VTT file and review the cues in the editor.
- Publish the draft and check the video playback.
4. Shorts and long-form
Shorts can use the same caption file, but the reading time is shorter. Keep lines short, remove filler, and check the vertical safe zone if you also export a 9:16 version with burned-in text.
FAQ
Should I upload SRT or burn captions in on YouTube?
Upload SRT/VTT so viewers can toggle captions and YouTube can index the transcript. Burn in only if you need captions visible on embedded clips that ignore the track.
Does YouTube accept VTT?
Yes, YouTube supports SRT and VTT subtitle uploads. SRT is the safer default if the file is also going to an editor.
Why are my YouTube captions out of sync?
Usually because the video was trimmed after captioning, or the source frame rate changed. Re-time the captions against the final cut and re-upload.