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TikTok guide

How to add captions to a TikTok

Add animated, word-by-word captions to your TikTok videos in the browser, then post a ready-to-go 9:16 MP4.

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Quick answer

To add captions to a TikTok, upload your vertical clip to AnimateCaptions, let it auto-transcribe the audio, pick an animated caption style, position the lines so they clear the TikTok UI, and export a 9:16 MP4 with the captions burned in. Then upload that video to TikTok as normal — the captions show for every viewer.

Step by step

How to caption a TikTok in 5 steps.

Raw clip to ready-to-post 9:16 MP4, all in the browser.

  1. 01

    Upload your TikTok clip

    Drag your .mp4 or .mov into the browser. Portrait 9:16 video is supported natively, up to 2 minutes and 500 MB on the free tier.

  2. 02

    Let it transcribe

    The audio is transcribed automatically with Deepgram Nova-3, turning your speech into timed captions — no manual typing.

  3. 03

    Pick a viral caption style

    Choose from 32+ animated presets, including the bold word-by-word highlight styles TikTok creators use to hold attention in the first few seconds.

  4. 04

    Edit and position

    Fix any transcript word with a click and drag each line where you want it — above the TikTok UI so captions never sit under the username or buttons.

  5. 05

    Export and post to TikTok

    Export a burned-in 9:16 MP4, then upload it in the TikTok app. The captions are baked into the video, so they show for every viewer.

Editor walkthrough

Edit every word before you export.

Live caption preview, click-to-correct transcript, per-line drag positioning, and 32+ animated styles to pick from.

Common questions

TikTok captions — FAQ.

Does TikTok add captions automatically?

TikTok has an auto-captions feature, but it offers basic text only — no animated word-by-word styles, limited fonts, and little position control. A dedicated tool like AnimateCaptions gives you animated styles and full control, then you upload the finished video.

Can I add captions to a TikTok for free?

Yes. AnimateCaptions auto-transcribes and exports captioned videos on a free tier with no credit card. Free exports carry a small watermark; paid plans from $7.99/month remove it.

What aspect ratio should I use for TikTok?

9:16 (vertical) is the native TikTok format. AnimateCaptions keeps your video in 9:16 and renders the captions to fit, so nothing gets cropped.

Will the captions sit under the TikTok buttons?

Not if you position them. You can drag each caption line up or down in the editor so it stays clear of the username, caption text, and action buttons on the right.

Are the captions burned in?

Yes. You get a standard MP4 with the captions rendered into the frames, so they appear for everyone watching — no separate subtitle file to upload.

How long can my TikTok video be?

Up to 2 minutes per clip on the free tier (.mp4 or .mov, up to 500 MB), which covers the large majority of TikTok posts.

Caption your next TikTok, free.

Upload a clip, pick a style, download a 9:16 MP4 ready to post. No editing app, no credit card.

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