Free alternatives for subtitles

If you were a regular user of CapCut to add subtitles to your videos, you're bound to get an unpleasant surprise: the automatic subtitling option is no longer free of charge. This has left many content creators looking for alternatives to continue creating engaging videos without having to pay for this feature.

But don't worry! Although CapCut was a popular choice, there are other free applications that allow you to generate subtitles quickly and easily, without breaking your budget. 

In this post by Geotelecomwe will tell you about the best free alternatives that you can use on your cell phone to add subtitles to your videos, both in Android as in iOS.

Free alternatives to Capcut

VN Video Editor

Advantages:

• Possibility of adding subtitles and fine-tuning their duration.
• No watermark in the free version.
• It offers multi-layer editing, which allows a great deal of subtitle customization.

Disadvantages:

• Some users report that there may be performance issues on low-end Android devices.
• The number of functions can be intimidating for beginners.

How to set automatic subtitles in VN editor?

1. Within the application, press + , select new project and choose your video from the gallery.

2. In the lower menu select "AutoCaptions". 

3. Choose the language, you have 2 versions. Tiny (Less accurate) or Base (More accurate). Press convert (make sure the phrases are correct, you can correct them).

4. You can edit the text, add animations and effects.

1. You have a multi-layer option to organize all the details of the video.
   
   Remember: delete the final black clip that says VN by default.

Canva: Video Editing and Subtitling in an All-in-One Platform

Advantages:

• It offers a manual subtitles which allows you to easily customize the style, color, size and position of the text.
• Extensive library of templates, images, music and graphics to make videos more attractive.
• It is a platform multifunctionalwhich means you can create all kinds of graphic and multimedia content, not just videos.
• The free version allows you to export videos without watermark, even after adding subtitles.
• Available in web and app versions, allowing you to edit videos from any device, at any time.

Disadvantages:

• No automatic subtitle function in the free version, so you will have to add and synchronize subtitles manually.
• While the application is powerful, it may not be advanced enough for users who need more complex or detailed video editing.
• Some premium templates, effects and graphic elements require a Canva Pro subscription.

How to set automatic subtitles in Canva?

For this you need an App like "Subtitles".

• Upload your video to your project
• Go to "Apps" in the bottom menu (if you do it from the App, otherwise in the side menu).

• Search for "animated subtitles" and press start.

• Export the video
• Choose the option you like best (animated)

• Edit colors, font, size and position and click on generate.

• Check the subtitles
• Click on generate and you will have the video to add to your project. Replace the previous one and you will be able to export your video.
  
  

Clipchamp: Powerful Video Editor with Online Subtitle Feature

Advantages:

• Intuitive, easy-to-use interface, ideal for beginners and content creators.
• Integrated tool for generate subtitles automatically with voice recognition technology, which saves time in manual transcription.
• Accessibility from any device with internet connection thanks to its web version.
• Good option for users of WindowsThe company offers a native app that integrates all the functionalities.

Disadvantages:

• Although the free version is very complete, the export in resolutions higher than 1080p is locked and requires subscription.
• Automatic subtitle creation is not always perfect, especially in videos with background noise or multiple speakers.
• The mobile version is not available, so you will have to use it from the browser or on a computer, which might not be so convenient for those who prefer to edit from the mobile.

How to set automatic subtitles in Clipchamp?

• Open the program in Windows (microsoft clip champ)
• Create a new video, Import media and select your video. 

• Once you have the video in the timeline, in the right menu select subtitles (at the top).

• Edit subtitle settings (Language)

• Review the transcript
• By selecting the text you can edit your transcription, fade in and fade out at the same time.
  
  Remember: There is no mobile application so you will need a computer.
  

Instagram: Automatic Captions Integrated into Stories and Reels

Advantages:

• Easy to useYou don't need external applications; simply activate the subtitle option when recording and sharing your content.
• Automatic synchronizationSubtitles are generated in real time and are synchronized with the audio of the video.
• Allows you to customize the subtitle styleadjusting the color and basic formatting.

Disadvantages:

• Limitations on customizationSubtitle Editor: Although you can change some aspects of the subtitle style, you don't have the level of customization offered by other video editing applications.
• The accuracy of automatic subtitles may be affected if there is background noise or the audio is not clear.
• Only available for videos within the platform (Reels and Stories), it does not allow exporting videos with subtitles for other uses.
• Not suitable for advanced editions or more complex projects; it is a quick and simple solution for social media content.

How to set automatic captions on Instagram?

• Open the App to upload a Reel
• In the lower menu select "CC

Choose the typography you like the most. You can change color and background.

• You can select "next" or "edit video".
• If you choose to edit video you will have access to multi-layer editing.
  
  REMINDER: You will not be able to edit the automatic text, so make sure you can be heard so that the application translates it correctly.

TikTok: Automatic Subtitles for Global Content Creators

Advantages:

• Easy to activateWhen uploading or editing a video, you can enable the automatic captioning option from the editing section, allowing creators to focus on creativity without technical complications.
• Quick editing of subtitlesAlthough they are generated automatically, you can edit subtitles manually to correct errors or improve the accuracy of the text.

Disadvantages:

• Limited customization optionsYou cannot change the style, color or size of the subtitles as in other specialized video editing applications.
• Only within the platform: As on Instagram, automatic captions are only available for videos on TikTok. You cannot export videos with captions for use on other platforms.
• Not suitable for advanced editionsCreators looking for deep customization or more complex tools for subtitling may find this feature basic.

How to set automatic subtitles in TikTok?

1. Open the app and select create video. Select your video
2. In the side menu scroll down to the subtitles option.

3. Choose language and edit the generated automatic subtitles (style, typography, color...).

4. Save the changes and... you've got it! Upload it directly or save it to your gallery.

Tip: Create paragraphs in the text editing to make each sentence shorter in the final video.

As you can see, the world does not end because Capcut does not generate subtitles for free. The applications themselves are aware of the importance of subtitles in videos and have taken action. 

Download your favoriteTry out its features, and start creating videos with subtitles to increase the interest of your audience.

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