Add subtitles to YouTube videos
On YouTube, subtitles don’t have to be burned into the picture: it takes a subtitle file viewers can turn on and off. Shycut writes that file from your video, on your device.
Drop your video here
Choose your videoMP4, MOV, WebM or MKV. It opens right here, on your device.
- Nothing uploaded
- No sign-up
- No watermark
Subtitles viewers can switch on and off
- Write them on your device
- Shycut transcribes the speech in this browser tab, with each word timed; nothing is uploaded to make them.
- Check every line
- Fix names and terms in the Captions tab before saving: the file is only as good as its words.
- Download the SRT, upload it to YouTube
- Save the .srt from the Captions tab, then choose Upload file in YouTube Studio’s subtitles, or add it while the video uploads.
What Google says
| What | Figure | Their words |
|---|---|---|
| File to use | SubRip (.srt), a basic format YouTube suggests | If you’re new to creating caption files, you may want to use SubRip (.srt) or SubViewer (.sbv). Google |
| When | While uploading, or any time after | You can also add subtitles and captions during the upload process. Google |
| Automatic captions | Only in the video’s default language | Automatic captions will be in the video’s default language only. Google |
A file instead of words in the picture
YouTube suggests SubRip (.srt) for anyone new to caption files, and takes it while the video uploads or at any time after. Viewers can switch the subtitles on and off.
YouTube’s automatic captions only come in the video’s default language. A file you write and check yourself carries the right names and terms; Shycut times every word and lets you correct each line before you download it.
How to do it in Shycut
Open your video
The button opens it set up for YouTube, with the frame left as filmed.
Correct the words
Captions tab: the speech is written down on your device as it opens, word by word, kept off the picture and ready to correct.
Download the SRT
Save the subtitle file and the video; upload both to YouTube.
Where these facts come from
Questions
What subtitle format does YouTube take?
Several; for anyone new to caption files YouTube suggests SubRip (.srt) or SubViewer (.sbv). Shycut writes SRT.
Can I add subtitles after the video is published?
Yes. YouTube takes them during the upload or later, from YouTube Studio’s subtitles page.
Is my video uploaded to write the subtitles?
No. Shycut transcribes it in your browser; only you upload anything, and only to YouTube.
Your video stays with you.
Open Shycut, drop the video in and export. Free, with no account, and your video never leaves your device.
Choose your video