How to Add Captions to YouTube Shorts

YouTube has long been the go-to destination for long-form online video. But in recent years, the service has been facing stiff competition from rivals like TikTok and Instagram Reels. In response, YouTube has launched YouTube Shorts and taken it a step further by announcing that creators will be able to keep 45% of the the ad revenue, distributed based on their share of total Shorts views. For comparison, the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) allows for 55% on longer form video.

The videos are currently limited to 60 seconds in length and are all vertical (9:16) format. YouTube Shorts is on the main YouTube site and mobile application (in the navigation bar) and similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels makes use of an algorithmic feed rather than an explicit following model.

How to Add Captions to YouTube Shorts

The most accurate, simple, and quickest way to add captions to YouTube Shorts is the Captions App. Captions uses the latest advancements in artificial intelligence to enable automatic captioning for YouTube Shorts. Once you have the app and you've created an account, follow the steps below to add captions to YouTube Shorts.

1. Import Your Video

Once you've recorded your video in Captions or another app, tap "Create" and then tap "Import". Select your desired video from your camera roll. Select the area of the video you want to import (in case you only want to import part of it). Tap "Continue" once you're ready and then "Proceed" once you've selected your desired language.

2. Save and Export Your Video

You're all set! You can tap "Save" and export your video in the desired format and size from here. From here you can also edit your video, choose from the hundreds of other caption styles, or use the creative tools like sounds, image overlays, GIFs, and more.

Do you want to add captions to YouTube Shorts?

Download the Captions App and get started on our free trial today!