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Automatic subtitles

Free automatic subtitle generator for video.

Upload a video, let speech recognition write and time the subtitles, fix any mistakes, and export.

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Quick answer

An automatic subtitle generator uses speech recognition to transcribe a video's audio and time each word. In AnimateCaptions, upload an MP4 or MOV (up to 2 minutes on the free tier), the audio is transcribed with word-level timing by Deepgram Nova-3, you correct any words, choose a subtitle style, and export an MP4 with the subtitles burned in. Free exports include a small watermark.

Key takeaways

  • Automatic subtitles are generated from the audio with word-level timestamps — no manual typing or timing.
  • Accuracy is highest on clear speech; always review names, numbers, and jargon.
  • AnimateCaptions supports 41 spoken languages plus auto-detect, transcribed in the source language.
  • Output is an MP4 with burned-in subtitles; SRT/VTT export is not available.

How an automatic subtitle generator works

A speech-to-text model converts audio into words with start and end times. The tool groups words into readable lines (chunking), then renders them over the video at the right moments.

Free video subtitle generator: limits

AnimateCaptions' free tier covers videos up to 2 minutes and 500 MB, 3 uploads and 10 renders per month, 1080p export, and a small watermark. No credit card is required.

Auto subtitle video: getting accurate results

Use the clearest audio track available, reduce background music under speech, choose the spoken language instead of auto-detect when you know it, and proofread the transcript before export.

Automatic vs manual subtitles

Manual subtitling gives full control but takes several times the video's length to type and time. Automatic generation takes about a minute for a short clip, and correction usually takes a few minutes.

Automatic vs manual subtitling

FeatureAutomatic subtitlesManual subtitles
Time for a 1-minute clipAbout 1 minute plus reviewTypically 10+ minutes typing and timing
Word-level timingGenerated automaticallySet by hand
AccuracyHigh on clear speech; needs reviewAs accurate as the person typing
Animated stylesPossible because every word is timedLabor-intensive
Step by step

From source video to captioned MP4.

  1. 1

    Upload your video

    Choose an MP4 or MOV file in the browser. The spoken audio is transcribed automatically with word-level timing.

  2. 2

    Review and correct the words

    Read the transcript against the preview and fix names, brands, numbers, or specialist terms before they reach your audience.

  3. 3

    Choose and customize a caption style

    Start from one of 32+ animated presets, then adjust the font, colors, outline, background, emphasis, and position for the video.

  4. 4

    Export a burned-in MP4

    Render the captions into the video and download a finished file whose text stays consistent across social platforms and devices.

Editor walkthrough

Edit and preview before you export.

Correct words, customize the style, reposition individual lines, and preview the burned-in result.

Related guides

Continue with a specific workflow.

How to auto-caption a videoFix incorrect auto-captionsBest subtitle generator
Common questions

Frequently asked questions.

Is there a free automatic subtitle generator?

Yes. AnimateCaptions' free tier generates subtitles automatically for videos up to 2 minutes; exports include a small watermark. YouTube Studio also generates automatic captions for videos uploaded to YouTube.

How accurate are automatic subtitles?

On clear speech, modern engines get most words right. Accuracy drops with music, overlapping speakers, heavy accents, or specialist terms, so review before export.

Can it translate subtitles?

No. Subtitles are written in the language spoken in the video.

What video files can I upload?

AnimateCaptions accepts MP4 and MOV files up to 500 MB. It is designed for short-form clips up to two minutes long.

Can I correct the transcript before exporting?

Yes. You can click incorrect words in the browser editor, correct names or terminology, hide unwanted segments, and preview the result before export.

Are the captions permanently added to the video?

Yes. The export is an MP4 with open captions rendered into the video frames. They remain visible when the file is posted or shared.

Is AnimateCaptions free?

There is a free tier with no credit card required. Free exports include a small AnimateCaptions watermark; paid plans remove it.

Add accurate animated captions to your next clip.

Upload, correct, style, position, and export in one browser workflow.

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