Elevate Your Cinematography Skills: Editing and Sharing 360° Videos on YouTube

360 Video Editors: How to Upload 360 Video to YouTube

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

360 degree videos have become incredibly popular on the Internet. Not only do they give people a complete look at a scene, but they also allow for a lot of artistic freedom. Those who are using VR-capable devices can get an even more immersive experience. It is why many content creators want to learn about the best 360 video editor they can use on their computers.

Here is a look at the 5 best 360 video converter and editor programs that you can use on your Windows or Mac computer.

• Part 1: 5 Best 360 Video Editor for You
• Part 2: How to Upload 360 Degree Videos to YouTube

Part 1: 5 Best 360 Video Editor for You

1. Movavi

Movavi is an affordable 360 degree video editor that makes it easy for you to create, edit and share these videos online. You can even add filters, titles and transitions to your videos, while soundtrack addition is also possible.

You can use the preview window in the program to see how your video will look if it is published as is. Plus you can use the software with both Windows and Mac, depending on the version that you download.

Pros:

• Works with all mainstream video formats
• Features support for 4K videos
• Includes color adjustment and picture in picture, even in 360 videos
• Speed adjustment capabilities

2. Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro CC is seen by many as the leading product that you can get if you want to edit high quality videos, including 360 degree content.

Any type of video format will be compatible. You should have no issues editing different segments of the content that you are creating, as Premiere Pro CC is known for having very efficient workflow screens.

Pros:

• Tools to adjust color, audio and graphics
• Works seamlessly with other Adobe apps
• Possible to create and edit content on the go using smartphones

3. After Effects

If you are attempting to add many unique graphics and transitions to your videos, then you will want to use Adobe After Effects. Most would recommend that be combined with Premiere Pro to get the best experience.

After Effects is ideal for adding introductions, end credits, transitions and other effects to the content that you have produced. You can use it to take the videos that you have created to the next level.

Pros:

• Support for movie titles, introductions, transitions and end credits
• Possible to animate logos and characters
• Works with Adobe Premiere Pro

4. Final Cut Pro X

Mac users who want to use their laptop or desktop to edit 360 videos will be happy to know that it is supported in Final Cut Pro X. It is one of the fastest and most powerful programs to use on a Mac, as it is completely optimized for the operating system and hardware.

It is possible to edit and playback 360 videos using a VR headset. It allows creators to not only put in great videos and edit them, but also see how they look after various adjustments.

Pros:

• Advanced color grading options
• Full HDR and 4K support
• View files with VR headset
• Optimized for Macs
• Includes free trial

Cons:

• Little bit expensive

5. Molanis VR

Molanis VR is ideal for anyone who wants to create 360 video that will look incredible when viewed through VR glasses. It is one of the most flexible software options, as it is inexpensive and includes many great features.

IT is possible to trim, cut and fade, include text and images, add effects and make other changes to videos on the fly. The software is intuitive to use, which is great for beginners who have not edited much in the past.

Pros:

• Support for 4K videos
• Options to add text, images and effects to videos
• Can manage color, correct horizon and stabilize 360 videos
• Includes a tree trial

Cons:

• Not as many tutorials on how to use the software compared to bigger brands

Part 2: How to Upload 360 Degree Videos to YouTube

It is possible to add 360 degree videos onto YouTube . Using YouTube to promote such content is sensible, as it is one of the largest streaming video platforms in the world. These videos can be seen on any of the major browsers and on certain mobile devices. But they must be uploaded from a desktop.

YouTube 360 Video Specification

The first step of the process is to create a video that YouTube will approve as a 360 submission. Such a video should be either 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, or 60 frames per second. Do not go any higher or it will not be approved.

It is also a good idea to have videos that are between 7168x3584 and 8192x4096 in resolution. Any lower and the quality of the video will not be good enough to provide a pleasant viewing experience to the audience.

How to Upload to YouTube

Now that you have your video edited, you are a step closer to uploading it onto YouTube. But there are some steps that you must follow . These include downloading the 360 Video Metadata app on your Mac or Windows device.

Then you will choose the file, check the Spherical box and save it. Make sure that 3D top-bottom is not checked when you save the file. The file should be created in the folder where the original was located. Now you can upload that file to YouTube.

Read More to Get : YouTube Video Dimensions/Size: Guide for Upload Settings

Conclusion

If you want to upload 360 video to YouTube or some other platform, using a 360 video editor is the way to go. The best 360 video converter and editor program will let you take the raw footage that you have shot and turn it into a stunning video that anyone can enjoy.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

360 degree videos have become incredibly popular on the Internet. Not only do they give people a complete look at a scene, but they also allow for a lot of artistic freedom. Those who are using VR-capable devices can get an even more immersive experience. It is why many content creators want to learn about the best 360 video editor they can use on their computers.

Here is a look at the 5 best 360 video converter and editor programs that you can use on your Windows or Mac computer.

• Part 1: 5 Best 360 Video Editor for You
• Part 2: How to Upload 360 Degree Videos to YouTube

Part 1: 5 Best 360 Video Editor for You

1. Movavi

Movavi is an affordable 360 degree video editor that makes it easy for you to create, edit and share these videos online. You can even add filters, titles and transitions to your videos, while soundtrack addition is also possible.

You can use the preview window in the program to see how your video will look if it is published as is. Plus you can use the software with both Windows and Mac, depending on the version that you download.

Pros:

• Works with all mainstream video formats
• Features support for 4K videos
• Includes color adjustment and picture in picture, even in 360 videos
• Speed adjustment capabilities

2. Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro CC is seen by many as the leading product that you can get if you want to edit high quality videos, including 360 degree content.

Any type of video format will be compatible. You should have no issues editing different segments of the content that you are creating, as Premiere Pro CC is known for having very efficient workflow screens.

Pros:

• Tools to adjust color, audio and graphics
• Works seamlessly with other Adobe apps
• Possible to create and edit content on the go using smartphones

3. After Effects

If you are attempting to add many unique graphics and transitions to your videos, then you will want to use Adobe After Effects. Most would recommend that be combined with Premiere Pro to get the best experience.

After Effects is ideal for adding introductions, end credits, transitions and other effects to the content that you have produced. You can use it to take the videos that you have created to the next level.

Pros:

• Support for movie titles, introductions, transitions and end credits
• Possible to animate logos and characters
• Works with Adobe Premiere Pro

4. Final Cut Pro X

Mac users who want to use their laptop or desktop to edit 360 videos will be happy to know that it is supported in Final Cut Pro X. It is one of the fastest and most powerful programs to use on a Mac, as it is completely optimized for the operating system and hardware.

It is possible to edit and playback 360 videos using a VR headset. It allows creators to not only put in great videos and edit them, but also see how they look after various adjustments.

Pros:

• Advanced color grading options
• Full HDR and 4K support
• View files with VR headset
• Optimized for Macs
• Includes free trial

Cons:

• Little bit expensive

5. Molanis VR

Molanis VR is ideal for anyone who wants to create 360 video that will look incredible when viewed through VR glasses. It is one of the most flexible software options, as it is inexpensive and includes many great features.

IT is possible to trim, cut and fade, include text and images, add effects and make other changes to videos on the fly. The software is intuitive to use, which is great for beginners who have not edited much in the past.

Pros:

• Support for 4K videos
• Options to add text, images and effects to videos
• Can manage color, correct horizon and stabilize 360 videos
• Includes a tree trial

Cons:

• Not as many tutorials on how to use the software compared to bigger brands

Part 2: How to Upload 360 Degree Videos to YouTube

It is possible to add 360 degree videos onto YouTube . Using YouTube to promote such content is sensible, as it is one of the largest streaming video platforms in the world. These videos can be seen on any of the major browsers and on certain mobile devices. But they must be uploaded from a desktop.

YouTube 360 Video Specification

The first step of the process is to create a video that YouTube will approve as a 360 submission. Such a video should be either 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, or 60 frames per second. Do not go any higher or it will not be approved.

It is also a good idea to have videos that are between 7168x3584 and 8192x4096 in resolution. Any lower and the quality of the video will not be good enough to provide a pleasant viewing experience to the audience.

How to Upload to YouTube

Now that you have your video edited, you are a step closer to uploading it onto YouTube. But there are some steps that you must follow . These include downloading the 360 Video Metadata app on your Mac or Windows device.

Then you will choose the file, check the Spherical box and save it. Make sure that 3D top-bottom is not checked when you save the file. The file should be created in the folder where the original was located. Now you can upload that file to YouTube.

Read More to Get : YouTube Video Dimensions/Size: Guide for Upload Settings

Conclusion

If you want to upload 360 video to YouTube or some other platform, using a 360 video editor is the way to go. The best 360 video converter and editor program will let you take the raw footage that you have shot and turn it into a stunning video that anyone can enjoy.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

360 degree videos have become incredibly popular on the Internet. Not only do they give people a complete look at a scene, but they also allow for a lot of artistic freedom. Those who are using VR-capable devices can get an even more immersive experience. It is why many content creators want to learn about the best 360 video editor they can use on their computers.

Here is a look at the 5 best 360 video converter and editor programs that you can use on your Windows or Mac computer.

• Part 1: 5 Best 360 Video Editor for You
• Part 2: How to Upload 360 Degree Videos to YouTube

Part 1: 5 Best 360 Video Editor for You

1. Movavi

Movavi is an affordable 360 degree video editor that makes it easy for you to create, edit and share these videos online. You can even add filters, titles and transitions to your videos, while soundtrack addition is also possible.

You can use the preview window in the program to see how your video will look if it is published as is. Plus you can use the software with both Windows and Mac, depending on the version that you download.

Pros:

• Works with all mainstream video formats
• Features support for 4K videos
• Includes color adjustment and picture in picture, even in 360 videos
• Speed adjustment capabilities

2. Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro CC is seen by many as the leading product that you can get if you want to edit high quality videos, including 360 degree content.

Any type of video format will be compatible. You should have no issues editing different segments of the content that you are creating, as Premiere Pro CC is known for having very efficient workflow screens.

Pros:

• Tools to adjust color, audio and graphics
• Works seamlessly with other Adobe apps
• Possible to create and edit content on the go using smartphones

3. After Effects

If you are attempting to add many unique graphics and transitions to your videos, then you will want to use Adobe After Effects. Most would recommend that be combined with Premiere Pro to get the best experience.

After Effects is ideal for adding introductions, end credits, transitions and other effects to the content that you have produced. You can use it to take the videos that you have created to the next level.

Pros:

• Support for movie titles, introductions, transitions and end credits
• Possible to animate logos and characters
• Works with Adobe Premiere Pro

4. Final Cut Pro X

Mac users who want to use their laptop or desktop to edit 360 videos will be happy to know that it is supported in Final Cut Pro X. It is one of the fastest and most powerful programs to use on a Mac, as it is completely optimized for the operating system and hardware.

It is possible to edit and playback 360 videos using a VR headset. It allows creators to not only put in great videos and edit them, but also see how they look after various adjustments.

Pros:

• Advanced color grading options
• Full HDR and 4K support
• View files with VR headset
• Optimized for Macs
• Includes free trial

Cons:

• Little bit expensive

5. Molanis VR

Molanis VR is ideal for anyone who wants to create 360 video that will look incredible when viewed through VR glasses. It is one of the most flexible software options, as it is inexpensive and includes many great features.

IT is possible to trim, cut and fade, include text and images, add effects and make other changes to videos on the fly. The software is intuitive to use, which is great for beginners who have not edited much in the past.

Pros:

• Support for 4K videos
• Options to add text, images and effects to videos
• Can manage color, correct horizon and stabilize 360 videos
• Includes a tree trial

Cons:

• Not as many tutorials on how to use the software compared to bigger brands

Part 2: How to Upload 360 Degree Videos to YouTube

It is possible to add 360 degree videos onto YouTube . Using YouTube to promote such content is sensible, as it is one of the largest streaming video platforms in the world. These videos can be seen on any of the major browsers and on certain mobile devices. But they must be uploaded from a desktop.

YouTube 360 Video Specification

The first step of the process is to create a video that YouTube will approve as a 360 submission. Such a video should be either 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, or 60 frames per second. Do not go any higher or it will not be approved.

It is also a good idea to have videos that are between 7168x3584 and 8192x4096 in resolution. Any lower and the quality of the video will not be good enough to provide a pleasant viewing experience to the audience.

How to Upload to YouTube

Now that you have your video edited, you are a step closer to uploading it onto YouTube. But there are some steps that you must follow . These include downloading the 360 Video Metadata app on your Mac or Windows device.

Then you will choose the file, check the Spherical box and save it. Make sure that 3D top-bottom is not checked when you save the file. The file should be created in the folder where the original was located. Now you can upload that file to YouTube.

Read More to Get : YouTube Video Dimensions/Size: Guide for Upload Settings

Conclusion

If you want to upload 360 video to YouTube or some other platform, using a 360 video editor is the way to go. The best 360 video converter and editor program will let you take the raw footage that you have shot and turn it into a stunning video that anyone can enjoy.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

360 degree videos have become incredibly popular on the Internet. Not only do they give people a complete look at a scene, but they also allow for a lot of artistic freedom. Those who are using VR-capable devices can get an even more immersive experience. It is why many content creators want to learn about the best 360 video editor they can use on their computers.

Here is a look at the 5 best 360 video converter and editor programs that you can use on your Windows or Mac computer.

• Part 1: 5 Best 360 Video Editor for You
• Part 2: How to Upload 360 Degree Videos to YouTube

Part 1: 5 Best 360 Video Editor for You

1. Movavi

Movavi is an affordable 360 degree video editor that makes it easy for you to create, edit and share these videos online. You can even add filters, titles and transitions to your videos, while soundtrack addition is also possible.

You can use the preview window in the program to see how your video will look if it is published as is. Plus you can use the software with both Windows and Mac, depending on the version that you download.

Pros:

• Works with all mainstream video formats
• Features support for 4K videos
• Includes color adjustment and picture in picture, even in 360 videos
• Speed adjustment capabilities

2. Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro CC is seen by many as the leading product that you can get if you want to edit high quality videos, including 360 degree content.

Any type of video format will be compatible. You should have no issues editing different segments of the content that you are creating, as Premiere Pro CC is known for having very efficient workflow screens.

Pros:

• Tools to adjust color, audio and graphics
• Works seamlessly with other Adobe apps
• Possible to create and edit content on the go using smartphones

3. After Effects

If you are attempting to add many unique graphics and transitions to your videos, then you will want to use Adobe After Effects. Most would recommend that be combined with Premiere Pro to get the best experience.

After Effects is ideal for adding introductions, end credits, transitions and other effects to the content that you have produced. You can use it to take the videos that you have created to the next level.

Pros:

• Support for movie titles, introductions, transitions and end credits
• Possible to animate logos and characters
• Works with Adobe Premiere Pro

4. Final Cut Pro X

Mac users who want to use their laptop or desktop to edit 360 videos will be happy to know that it is supported in Final Cut Pro X. It is one of the fastest and most powerful programs to use on a Mac, as it is completely optimized for the operating system and hardware.

It is possible to edit and playback 360 videos using a VR headset. It allows creators to not only put in great videos and edit them, but also see how they look after various adjustments.

Pros:

• Advanced color grading options
• Full HDR and 4K support
• View files with VR headset
• Optimized for Macs
• Includes free trial

Cons:

• Little bit expensive

5. Molanis VR

Molanis VR is ideal for anyone who wants to create 360 video that will look incredible when viewed through VR glasses. It is one of the most flexible software options, as it is inexpensive and includes many great features.

IT is possible to trim, cut and fade, include text and images, add effects and make other changes to videos on the fly. The software is intuitive to use, which is great for beginners who have not edited much in the past.

Pros:

• Support for 4K videos
• Options to add text, images and effects to videos
• Can manage color, correct horizon and stabilize 360 videos
• Includes a tree trial

Cons:

• Not as many tutorials on how to use the software compared to bigger brands

Part 2: How to Upload 360 Degree Videos to YouTube

It is possible to add 360 degree videos onto YouTube . Using YouTube to promote such content is sensible, as it is one of the largest streaming video platforms in the world. These videos can be seen on any of the major browsers and on certain mobile devices. But they must be uploaded from a desktop.

YouTube 360 Video Specification

The first step of the process is to create a video that YouTube will approve as a 360 submission. Such a video should be either 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, or 60 frames per second. Do not go any higher or it will not be approved.

It is also a good idea to have videos that are between 7168x3584 and 8192x4096 in resolution. Any lower and the quality of the video will not be good enough to provide a pleasant viewing experience to the audience.

How to Upload to YouTube

Now that you have your video edited, you are a step closer to uploading it onto YouTube. But there are some steps that you must follow . These include downloading the 360 Video Metadata app on your Mac or Windows device.

Then you will choose the file, check the Spherical box and save it. Make sure that 3D top-bottom is not checked when you save the file. The file should be created in the folder where the original was located. Now you can upload that file to YouTube.

Read More to Get : YouTube Video Dimensions/Size: Guide for Upload Settings

Conclusion

If you want to upload 360 video to YouTube or some other platform, using a 360 video editor is the way to go. The best 360 video converter and editor program will let you take the raw footage that you have shot and turn it into a stunning video that anyone can enjoy.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Mastering Video Captioning on YouTube

How To Add Captions to YouTube Videos

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

By captioning your YouTube videos you help to make them accessible to more potential viewers. Subtitles are useful to viewers who have hearing impairments, whose first language is different from yours, or who are unable to watch your video with sound. Closed captioning can also be useful for you as a YouTuber because it helps with your SEO, or search engine optimization. Practicing better SEO can get your videos ranked higher in search results. Google and YouTube both index subtitles and transcripts much like they do your video’s description, unless you use automated captions.

This article will first explain how you can turn on subtitles for the videos you watch and then walk you through adding captions to your own videos.

How To Turn On Captions on YouTube

In order for you to be able to view subtitles for a YouTube video the uploader of the video will need to have added them, unless you change your account settings to display automatic captions.

To toggle subtitles on and off click on the Closed Captioning icon in the bottom right of your video player.

If the creator of the video has not added captions then you can enable automatic captions by going into your Account Settings and selecting Playback. Check the box next to Always Show Captions, and then check Show Automatic Captions by Speech Recognition. These captions may be flawed, but you will still be able to see the more accurate user submitted captions on videos that have them. The Always Show Captions feature may be useful not only to the hearing impaired, but to users who do not speak the same language as the video producer.

If you want to change the language of the subtitles click on the settings icon (the one that looks like a gear) next to the closed captioning icon and choose your language next to Subtitles/CC . If the language you want is not there select Auto-Translate and then pick a language. Google Translate will be used to generate subtitles in your chosen language.

Adding YouTube Captions in 4 Steps

1. Go to Video Manager in your Creator Studio and then look at your videos. Decide which one you want to add captions to.

2. Click on the drop-down menu next to the video you want to add captions to and choose Subtitles and CC.

3. Select Add New Subtitles or CC.

4. Choose whether to create your captions, upload a file that has them, transcribe your video, use automatic captioning, or use captioning software.

Create Subtitles or Closed Captions will allow you to create your subtitles on YouTube.

Upload A File allows you to upload a pre-made subtitle file from your computer. Supported file types include SubRip (.srt) and SubViewer (.sbv). You cannot use a word or PDF document for your subtitles.

Transcribe and Set Timings is where you can type a transcript of your video and set timings to sync it to your video. This differs from Create Subtitles or Closed Captions in that your transcript is all typed in to one text field.

Use Automatic Captioning will automatically use speech recognition technology to create captions. You can edit these auto-generated captions later if there are mistakes.

Use Captioning Software or Services is what you choose if you want to use a program or service to create the subtitles for your video.

The easiest way to add subtitles to your videos is to use Automatic Captioning. However, Automatic Captioning is imperfect and may result in your viewers getting a sloppy, skewed, interpretation of your video. Automatic captions are also not indexed by YouTube and Google the way subtitles you create or upload are. This means that they will not have any value to your SEO strategy. If you do not input your own captions or transcript you are missing out on an opportunity for better search engine rankings. Automatic Captions are great if you do not have time to input subtitles and need a temporary solution, though.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

By captioning your YouTube videos you help to make them accessible to more potential viewers. Subtitles are useful to viewers who have hearing impairments, whose first language is different from yours, or who are unable to watch your video with sound. Closed captioning can also be useful for you as a YouTuber because it helps with your SEO, or search engine optimization. Practicing better SEO can get your videos ranked higher in search results. Google and YouTube both index subtitles and transcripts much like they do your video’s description, unless you use automated captions.

This article will first explain how you can turn on subtitles for the videos you watch and then walk you through adding captions to your own videos.

How To Turn On Captions on YouTube

In order for you to be able to view subtitles for a YouTube video the uploader of the video will need to have added them, unless you change your account settings to display automatic captions.

To toggle subtitles on and off click on the Closed Captioning icon in the bottom right of your video player.

If the creator of the video has not added captions then you can enable automatic captions by going into your Account Settings and selecting Playback. Check the box next to Always Show Captions, and then check Show Automatic Captions by Speech Recognition. These captions may be flawed, but you will still be able to see the more accurate user submitted captions on videos that have them. The Always Show Captions feature may be useful not only to the hearing impaired, but to users who do not speak the same language as the video producer.

If you want to change the language of the subtitles click on the settings icon (the one that looks like a gear) next to the closed captioning icon and choose your language next to Subtitles/CC . If the language you want is not there select Auto-Translate and then pick a language. Google Translate will be used to generate subtitles in your chosen language.

Adding YouTube Captions in 4 Steps

1. Go to Video Manager in your Creator Studio and then look at your videos. Decide which one you want to add captions to.

2. Click on the drop-down menu next to the video you want to add captions to and choose Subtitles and CC.

3. Select Add New Subtitles or CC.

4. Choose whether to create your captions, upload a file that has them, transcribe your video, use automatic captioning, or use captioning software.

Create Subtitles or Closed Captions will allow you to create your subtitles on YouTube.

Upload A File allows you to upload a pre-made subtitle file from your computer. Supported file types include SubRip (.srt) and SubViewer (.sbv). You cannot use a word or PDF document for your subtitles.

Transcribe and Set Timings is where you can type a transcript of your video and set timings to sync it to your video. This differs from Create Subtitles or Closed Captions in that your transcript is all typed in to one text field.

Use Automatic Captioning will automatically use speech recognition technology to create captions. You can edit these auto-generated captions later if there are mistakes.

Use Captioning Software or Services is what you choose if you want to use a program or service to create the subtitles for your video.

The easiest way to add subtitles to your videos is to use Automatic Captioning. However, Automatic Captioning is imperfect and may result in your viewers getting a sloppy, skewed, interpretation of your video. Automatic captions are also not indexed by YouTube and Google the way subtitles you create or upload are. This means that they will not have any value to your SEO strategy. If you do not input your own captions or transcript you are missing out on an opportunity for better search engine rankings. Automatic Captions are great if you do not have time to input subtitles and need a temporary solution, though.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

By captioning your YouTube videos you help to make them accessible to more potential viewers. Subtitles are useful to viewers who have hearing impairments, whose first language is different from yours, or who are unable to watch your video with sound. Closed captioning can also be useful for you as a YouTuber because it helps with your SEO, or search engine optimization. Practicing better SEO can get your videos ranked higher in search results. Google and YouTube both index subtitles and transcripts much like they do your video’s description, unless you use automated captions.

This article will first explain how you can turn on subtitles for the videos you watch and then walk you through adding captions to your own videos.

How To Turn On Captions on YouTube

In order for you to be able to view subtitles for a YouTube video the uploader of the video will need to have added them, unless you change your account settings to display automatic captions.

To toggle subtitles on and off click on the Closed Captioning icon in the bottom right of your video player.

If the creator of the video has not added captions then you can enable automatic captions by going into your Account Settings and selecting Playback. Check the box next to Always Show Captions, and then check Show Automatic Captions by Speech Recognition. These captions may be flawed, but you will still be able to see the more accurate user submitted captions on videos that have them. The Always Show Captions feature may be useful not only to the hearing impaired, but to users who do not speak the same language as the video producer.

If you want to change the language of the subtitles click on the settings icon (the one that looks like a gear) next to the closed captioning icon and choose your language next to Subtitles/CC . If the language you want is not there select Auto-Translate and then pick a language. Google Translate will be used to generate subtitles in your chosen language.

Adding YouTube Captions in 4 Steps

1. Go to Video Manager in your Creator Studio and then look at your videos. Decide which one you want to add captions to.

2. Click on the drop-down menu next to the video you want to add captions to and choose Subtitles and CC.

3. Select Add New Subtitles or CC.

4. Choose whether to create your captions, upload a file that has them, transcribe your video, use automatic captioning, or use captioning software.

Create Subtitles or Closed Captions will allow you to create your subtitles on YouTube.

Upload A File allows you to upload a pre-made subtitle file from your computer. Supported file types include SubRip (.srt) and SubViewer (.sbv). You cannot use a word or PDF document for your subtitles.

Transcribe and Set Timings is where you can type a transcript of your video and set timings to sync it to your video. This differs from Create Subtitles or Closed Captions in that your transcript is all typed in to one text field.

Use Automatic Captioning will automatically use speech recognition technology to create captions. You can edit these auto-generated captions later if there are mistakes.

Use Captioning Software or Services is what you choose if you want to use a program or service to create the subtitles for your video.

The easiest way to add subtitles to your videos is to use Automatic Captioning. However, Automatic Captioning is imperfect and may result in your viewers getting a sloppy, skewed, interpretation of your video. Automatic captions are also not indexed by YouTube and Google the way subtitles you create or upload are. This means that they will not have any value to your SEO strategy. If you do not input your own captions or transcript you are missing out on an opportunity for better search engine rankings. Automatic Captions are great if you do not have time to input subtitles and need a temporary solution, though.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

By captioning your YouTube videos you help to make them accessible to more potential viewers. Subtitles are useful to viewers who have hearing impairments, whose first language is different from yours, or who are unable to watch your video with sound. Closed captioning can also be useful for you as a YouTuber because it helps with your SEO, or search engine optimization. Practicing better SEO can get your videos ranked higher in search results. Google and YouTube both index subtitles and transcripts much like they do your video’s description, unless you use automated captions.

This article will first explain how you can turn on subtitles for the videos you watch and then walk you through adding captions to your own videos.

How To Turn On Captions on YouTube

In order for you to be able to view subtitles for a YouTube video the uploader of the video will need to have added them, unless you change your account settings to display automatic captions.

To toggle subtitles on and off click on the Closed Captioning icon in the bottom right of your video player.

If the creator of the video has not added captions then you can enable automatic captions by going into your Account Settings and selecting Playback. Check the box next to Always Show Captions, and then check Show Automatic Captions by Speech Recognition. These captions may be flawed, but you will still be able to see the more accurate user submitted captions on videos that have them. The Always Show Captions feature may be useful not only to the hearing impaired, but to users who do not speak the same language as the video producer.

If you want to change the language of the subtitles click on the settings icon (the one that looks like a gear) next to the closed captioning icon and choose your language next to Subtitles/CC . If the language you want is not there select Auto-Translate and then pick a language. Google Translate will be used to generate subtitles in your chosen language.

Adding YouTube Captions in 4 Steps

1. Go to Video Manager in your Creator Studio and then look at your videos. Decide which one you want to add captions to.

2. Click on the drop-down menu next to the video you want to add captions to and choose Subtitles and CC.

3. Select Add New Subtitles or CC.

4. Choose whether to create your captions, upload a file that has them, transcribe your video, use automatic captioning, or use captioning software.

Create Subtitles or Closed Captions will allow you to create your subtitles on YouTube.

Upload A File allows you to upload a pre-made subtitle file from your computer. Supported file types include SubRip (.srt) and SubViewer (.sbv). You cannot use a word or PDF document for your subtitles.

Transcribe and Set Timings is where you can type a transcript of your video and set timings to sync it to your video. This differs from Create Subtitles or Closed Captions in that your transcript is all typed in to one text field.

Use Automatic Captioning will automatically use speech recognition technology to create captions. You can edit these auto-generated captions later if there are mistakes.

Use Captioning Software or Services is what you choose if you want to use a program or service to create the subtitles for your video.

The easiest way to add subtitles to your videos is to use Automatic Captioning. However, Automatic Captioning is imperfect and may result in your viewers getting a sloppy, skewed, interpretation of your video. Automatic captions are also not indexed by YouTube and Google the way subtitles you create or upload are. This means that they will not have any value to your SEO strategy. If you do not input your own captions or transcript you are missing out on an opportunity for better search engine rankings. Automatic Captions are great if you do not have time to input subtitles and need a temporary solution, though.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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