I filmed this video to show how to add subtitles to your YouTube videos, whether you’re uploading them manually, auto-generating, or adding translations.

Subtitles help with accessibility, retention, and SEO. And if you’re publishing educational or international content, subtitles are essential.

In this tutorial, I walk through:

  1. Opening YouTube Studio > Subtitles
  2. Using auto-transcription (and correcting errors)
  3. Uploading your own .srt or .txt file
  4. Adding translated captions in other languages
  5. Publishing and previewing subtitles on the video

I also give tips on formatting and timing if you’re uploading from another tool like Descript or Kapwing.

Do you subtitle every video, or only when needed?