YouTube can make subtitles on its own, but they are often wrong for Hindi and Urdu, and you cannot control how they look. If you want accurate subtitles, you can make them yourself and upload them with your video. That also lets you reuse the same captions on other platforms.
There are two different things people call subtitles, and it helps to know which you need.
Burned-in captions or a subtitle file
- Burned-in captions are part of the picture. They are always visible, you choose the style, and they work on every platform. This is what short videos use.
- A subtitle file (usually
.srt) is a separate text file with timings. YouTube shows it as an option the viewer can turn on, and translate. This is best for longer videos.
You can use both. Burned-in captions for style on Shorts and Reels, and a subtitle file on the long version for search and translation.
Steps
- Upload your video to CapsField.
- Choose the spoken language. Pick the one you actually speak: Hindi, Urdu, English or another.
- Choose the writing system. Native script gives Devanagari for Hindi or Urdu letters. Roman gives English letters.
- Run the transcription. Play the video and read along.
- Correct any wrong words. Names, brands and technical words need the most care.
- Check the timing so each line appears when it is spoken. Keep lines short, one or two lines at a time.
- Export. Download the video with the captions, or the subtitle file, depending on what you need.
Check the first minute twice
Mistakes at the start of a video are the ones people notice most. Read the first minute carefully, then skim the rest.
Upload subtitles to YouTube
- Open YouTube Studio and select the video.
- Go to Subtitles.
- Choose the language and click Add.
- Choose Upload file and select your subtitle file.
- Preview it, then publish.
Why subtitles help your channel
- Many people watch with the sound off, at work, at school or on a bus.
- Subtitles help viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- People who speak a different language can follow along with your translated subtitles.
- Text gives search engines more to understand about your video.
Tips for better subtitles
- Keep each line short and break it where you would pause.
- Do not show more than two lines at once.
- Use the same spelling for names and brands throughout.
- Write numbers and units the same way every time.
- Watch the whole video once with the sound off before you publish.
Start now
You can try subtitles on your first video for free. Create an account, pick the language, and export in a few minutes.
