How to Add Subtitles to a Video Not Originally Intended for Them: A Comprehensive Guide

Subtitles are a crucial tool for enhancing accessibility, engagement, and reach. Whether you're sharing your content globally or catering to viewers with hearing impairments, adding subtitles can markedly improve your video’s performance. This guide will walk you through the steps of adding subtitles to a video that wasn’t originally intended to have them, including where to get help and the tools you can use.

Seeking Assistance from Video Creators

If the video you want to add subtitles to belongs to someone else, reaching out to the creator can be the first step. Many creators are willing to grant you permission, especially if you offer to help with the subtitle process. Here’s how to approach the request:

Provide the YouTube link to the video. Explain the benefits of adding subtitles, such as improved accessibility and engagement. Offer to cover the costs of professional subtitle services or translation. Share your plan to distribute the video widely, increasing visibility and reach.

If the creator agrees, they might even provide you with additional support in the process. You can then use tools like Vidby to create high-quality subtitles, which can be reviewed, translated, and edited by specialists.

Steps to Create Subtitles Using Vidby

Once you have the YouTube link and the creator’s approval, here’s how to create subtitles using Vidby:

Fill Out the Order Form: Go to the Vidby website and fill out the order form. Choose one or more languages from over 150 languages and dialects, specify the length of the video, and select the quality level—either AI generation or additional review by a specialist. Create the Subtitles: Use the automatic subtitling feature in Vidby to generate subtitles from the audio. The AI will create and sync the subtitles automatically, eliminating the need for manual timing adjustments. Review and Customize: Review the generated subtitles for accuracy. You can also customize the subtitle styles to fit your video’s aesthetic. Export the Subtitles: Download the subtitles in .srt format and send them to the video’s creator. They can then upload the subtitles through their YouTube Studio.

Adding Subtitles for Personal Use

For personal use, consider using an extension like Substital for automatic subtitle management:

Install the Extension: Find the Substital extension in the Chrome Web Store and add it to your browser. Play the Video: Open YouTube and play the video you want to add subtitles to. Add and Synchronize Subtitles: In the menu that appears, choose the Subtitles option, and then select Adjust subtitle synchronization to change the size, color, and display. You can also find ready-made subtitles on sites like OpenSubtitles or Subscene and add them to your video manually.

Adding Subtitles for Public Use

For public use, especially when sharing someone else’s video content, you can save the video to your YouTube account and directly upload the pre-created and translated subtitles or create them manually right on the platform.

Alternatively, if there is no voice in your video, you can manually type and add subtitles to your video. For a more efficient process, Edimakor offers a solution where you can record your voice, automatically transcribe the audio into text, and add it as subtitles to your video. This process saves time and hassle, ensuring accurate and synchronized subtitles.

By following these steps and utilizing the tools mentioned, you can successfully add subtitles to a video that wasn’t originally intended to have them, thereby enhancing your content’s reach and accessibility.