How to Add Text Captions and Subtitles in CapCut
Applies to
CapCut
Last updated
5 March 2026
Problem
You want to add captions or subtitles to your video in CapCut, but you are not sure how to place text on the timeline, control how long it stays on screen, or keep subtitles readable. Some users add text that is too small, appears off screen, or disappears too quickly.
Clear captions improve accessibility and help viewers follow along without sound.
Solution
Use CapCut’s text tool to add captions manually, adjust timing in the timeline, and apply consistent font and style settings so subtitles remain readable across the whole video.
Step-by-step instructions
Open your CapCut project
Open CapCut and select your project.
Make sure your timeline is visible.
Add a text caption
Tap Text in the editing toolbar.
Select Add text.
Type your caption or subtitle line.
Tap the check mark to add it to the timeline.
The text layer will appear above your video clips.
Position the caption on screen
Tap the text in the preview window.
Drag it to the desired location, usually lower centre for subtitles.
Avoid placing text too close to the edges, as platforms may crop the video.
Adjust how long the caption stays on screen
In the timeline, tap the text layer.
Drag the left edge to start earlier.
Drag the right edge to extend how long it remains visible.
Use timeline zoom for more precise timing.
Style the text for readability
Tap the text layer.
Select Font and choose a clear font.
Adjust Size so it is readable on mobile screens.
Use a contrasting Colour and consider adding:
Stroke or outline
Shadow
Background block
This improves visibility over busy video scenes.
Duplicate captions for consistent style
If you want the same style across the video:
Tap a caption layer in the timeline.
Duplicate it and change only the words.
This keeps styling consistent without redoing settings each time.
Preview the video and check readability
Play your video from start to finish.
Check that captions are not cut off and remain visible on different scenes.
Adjust placement or size if needed.
Optional methods or tools
- Use guides or safe margins in CapCut if available
- Create one caption style template and duplicate it
- Use https://www.capcut.com for easier caption editing on desktop
- Export a short test clip to check subtitle readability on your target platform
Best practices or tips
- Keep captions short and easy to read
- Use high contrast text with stroke or shadow
- Avoid placing captions too low where platform UI covers them
- Maintain consistent font and size throughout
- Preview captions on a phone screen before publishing
Adding text captions and subtitles in CapCut improves accessibility and viewer engagement, especially on platforms where videos are often watched without sound. Using consistent styling and good placement ensures your captions remain readable throughout the video.
By controlling timing directly in the timeline and using contrast tools like stroke and shadow, you can create clear subtitles that look professional. With a repeatable caption style, CapCut makes it easy to produce consistent subtitles across multiple videos.
