How to Add Captions to TikTok Videos (Step-by-Step)

TikTok's algorithm favors captioned videos. Internal data shows captioned content gets significantly more engagement — more watch time, more shares, and better reach. Here's how to add captions to your TikTok videos the right way.

Why TikTok Captions Matter

• 85% of TikTok videos are watched without sound. Captions are the only way these viewers understand your content.
• TikTok's algorithm reads captions. Text in your video helps TikTok categorize and recommend your content to the right audience.
• Accessibility drives reach. Captioned videos are accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, expanding your potential audience.

Method 1: TikTok's Built-in Captions

TikTok offers auto-captions, but they come with limitations:

1. Open TikTok and record or upload your video
2. Tap "Captions" in the editing toolbar
3. Wait for auto-transcription
4. Review and edit any errors

Limitations: Basic styling only, no custom fonts or colors, limited accuracy on fast speech, and no word-level timing control.

Method 2: AI-Powered Captions with CanvaSub

For professional-quality captions with full customization:

1. Upload your video to CanvaSub (MP4, MOV, or WebM)
2. Transcribe with AI — 95%+ accuracy with word-level timestamps
3. Choose a style — Karaoke, bold, minimal, gradient, and more
4. Customize — Adjust fonts, colors, size, and positioning
5. Export in 9:16 — Optimized for TikTok's vertical format
6. Upload to TikTok — The captions are burned into the video

Tips for TikTok Captions

Keep text large

TikTok is mobile-first. Your captions need to be readable on a 6-inch screen. Use at least 40px font size for body text.

Position carefully

Avoid placing captions too low (TikTok's UI covers the bottom) or too high (the username overlay). The center-bottom third of the screen is the sweet spot.

Match your energy

Fast-paced content deserves dynamic captions (karaoke highlight). Calm, storytelling content works better with minimal, static captions.

Use color strategically

High-contrast text on a semi-transparent background is the most universally readable combination. White text with a dark outline works on almost any video.

Edit the transcript

AI transcription is good, but not perfect. Always review your captions before posting. Fix names, slang, and technical terms that the AI might miss.

The TikTok Caption Formula

The creators with the highest engagement rates on TikTok consistently do three things with their captions:

1. Hook in the first 2 seconds — Make the opening text bold and compelling
2. Keep segments short — 3-7 words per caption segment for easy reading
3. End with a CTA — "Follow for more" or "Link in bio" as the final caption

Get Started

CanvaSub handles transcription, styling, and export in one workflow. Upload a video, and you'll have TikTok-ready captioned content in minutes.

Start captioning for free