As a content creator, it's important to understand the significance of captions and subtitles. Adding closed captions and subtitles to videos helps more people enjoy your content. It makes your content easier to understand and encourages more people to watch and engage with it. Adding captions and subtitles is a smart move whether you're sharing your videos online or elsewhere. If you add closed captions to video you are already helping those who have trouble hearing or understanding the language. So, how do you put them in your videos?
This guide will explore using iMovie and MP4 to add closed captions to your videos. So get ready and learn the fastest, easiest, and most effective ways!
In this article
What is the Difference Between Closed Captions and Subtitles?
Closed captions and subtitles help people understand videos better, but they're used differently. Closed captions are for people who can't hear well. They show not just what's said but also sounds like music and effects. They're added after a video is done and are made for those who need help hearing. They are typically added after the release of a film or TV show and are created based on the final audio mix.
On the other hand, subtitles are used for those who can hear the audio but may not understand the language spoken. Subtitles include only dialogue and are developed for audiences who need language translation. Subtitles are made before a video is released, especially for viewers who speak different languages.
Closed captions are more inclusive and comprehensive. Captions aim to assist viewers with hearing difficulties, while subtitles translate dialogue for those who speak different languages. If you want a fast and easy way to add closed captions to a video, an exceptional tool can do that.
Fast and Easy Way to Add Closed Captions
If you aim for a faster and easiest way to add closed captions, Wondershare DemoCreator is here. With this online version, you do not need to spend time downloading the tool. Wondershare DemoCreator offers advanced features like AI subtitles and AI auto-captioning. These features are useful if you want too add captions to video. In this way, you can enhance the accessibility and convenience of your video content. With the AI subtitles feature, users can automatically generate subtitles using AI. This means that spoken words are transcribed into text accurately and efficiently. The AI auto caption also automatically adds captions to videos based on the spoken content. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Key Features
- DemoCreator's auto caption tool uses advanced AI for accurate and fast transcription with just one click.
- It supports over 90 languages for transcription and translation. This includes English, German, Chinese, Indian, and Spanish.
- Choose from trending text styles and personalize them with your colors and fonts.
- The AI technology quickly converts spoken words into text for easy subtitle generation.
If you are looking for another way to add captions to a video, the good news is you can! Just get your Mac and make sure you have iMovie.
How to Add Closed Captions to Your Video in iMovie on Mac?
iMovie is a video editing tool for Mac computers, but it doesn't automatically add subtitles to your videos. Although it has a feature for adding titles, it doesn't do subtitles automatically. You must type them in yourself, which can take much time, especially for longer videos. Plus, iMovie doesn't let you bring in subtitle files made elsewhere, like SRT files. So, if you want subtitles in your iMovie project, you'll need to add them manually, which might be a bit of work.
If you want to know how to add captions to video using iMovie on Mac, here's how:
Step 1. First, you need to open iMovie on your Mac.
Step 2. Next, create a new project where you can add your video and subtitles. To do this, go to the Project menu and select Create New, then choose Movie.
Step 3. Now, add the video you want to subtitle. Click on Import Media and select the video clips you want to use.
Step 4. Your video will show up in the top left corner. Move it to the timeline where you want it. Just click on the video clip (it'll have a small picture) and drag it down to the timeline.
Step 5. Adding captions in iMovie is simple. Click on the Titles button and choose the style you like from options like Reveal, Zoom, Lower, and Focus.
Step 6. Once you've picked a style, drag the Title box to the timeline. Decide when you want your subtitles to show up. Each box will sit above the video clip with a timestamp. You'll need to add more boxes for all your captions. Then, type your subtitles directly into each box.
Step 7. After typing your subtitles and checking they're right, you can make them look better. Click on a Title box, and you'll see font options. Choose the size, style, alignment, and color that matches your style.
Step 8. Finally, save your video. Click File at the top, then Share, and select File again. A box will pop up; click Next, give your video a name, and hit Save. Easy!
Adding closed captions to video is easy with iMovie. All you need to have is patience when adding subtitles. Moreover, if you want to add closed captions to MP4, there’s a way.
How to Add Closed Captioning to MP4 manually?
To manually add subtitles to an MP4 file, you must create your subtitles using a format like SRT. This includes sequence numbers, timestamps, and subtitle text. Here's how to add an SRT subtitle file to an MP4 video using VLC Media Player:
Step 1. Open VLC Media Player and click "Media" in the menu bar.
Step 2. Select "Open File" and choose your MP4 video.
Step 3. Once the video starts playing, go to the menu bar again and click "Subtitle."
Step 4. From the dropdown menu, choose "Add Subtitle File".
Step 5. Locate the SRT file you've created and select it to add the subtitles to your video.
Conclusion
This guide has provided the easiest methods to add closed captions to your videos using iMovie and MP4 formats. Remember, closed captions are crucial in making your content accessible to a wider audience. Additionally, consider using Wondershare DemoCreator for efficient editing of subtitle files. With these tools and techniques, you can create inclusive and engaging videos that resonate with all viewers.
FAQ
-
What is the purpose of captioning?
Captioning helps people understand videos by showing words and sounds as text on the screen. It's especially helpful for those who can't hear well and people in noisy places or where they can't turn up the sound. -
How does closed captioning help people?
Closed captioning helps in different ways. For people who can't hear well, it lets them read what's being said in the video. It's also good for people learning a new language and those who find it easier to read. Plus, it helps those watching in loud places or with no sound. -
Who benefits from closed captioning?
Many people benefit from closed captioning. It's really useful for those who can't hear, as it lets them follow along with what's happening. It's also helpful for people learning a new language and those with trouble paying attention. And if you're in a noisy place or can't play the sound, closed captioning helps you still understand the video.
