If you are a professional TikTok content creator or just starting to use this app, you should know that adding captions to TikTok is essential to content creation. Add captions on TikTok can engage your audience with the content. If you are searching for how to add captions on TikTok, there are many ways, including using TikTok's built-in tools and third-party online AI tools.
In this article, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to add captions on TikTok using AI transcription tools. Additionally, valuable tips and recommendations are provided to ensure optimal results. So keep reading to explore more.

- On This Page
-
Why Add Captions on TikTok? It Matters!
-
How to Add Captions on TikTok Automatically (2 Methods)
Method 2: Manual Text Overlay
-
AI Accuracy: Transcribe Video to Text for TikTok Captions Free
How to Add Perfect TikTok Captions with Vidnoz AI
-
Useful Tips to Add Captions on TikTok
Why Add Captions on TikTok? It Matters!
It is a common myth that TikTok videos rely on audio and visuals. Adding captions on TikTok can also significantly enhance the viewing experience. Here's why adding captions on TikTok is crucial:
- Improve accessibility: Some people may struggle with understanding your voice or audio despite it being flawless on your side. Additionally, those with hearing impairments or who prefer watching videos on mute rely on captions to fully engage with your content. Auto subtitle generators make it easier for viewers with hearing impairments or for those watching on mute to still engage with the content.
- Boost watch time: Captions naturally keep viewers engaged longer and help increase overall video retention.
- Enhance SEO and discoverability: As said, adding captions on TikTok increases watch time by increasing accessibility and watch time. With higher watch time and user interaction, the algorithm will prioritize your content.
- Expand audience reach: International viewers may have trouble understanding your accent. Thus, adding captions on TikTok videos would help them understand you better.
How to Add Captions on TikTok Automatically (2 Methods)
TikTok offers built-in features for adding captions, but there are limitations. Here’s how to add subtitles on TikTok automatically.
Method 1: Auto-Captions
TikTok provides a TikTok auto-captions feature during video uploads in which the app automatically adds captions using your voice.
Steps to Add Auto Captions on TikTok:
-
Open the TikTok app and tap the '+' sign displayed right in the middle to upload or record a video.

-
Add the video you want to post.

-
Tap 'Captions' on the right panel.

-
TikTok will generate auto-captions based on the video’s audio.
-
Review and edit captions if needed.
-
Tap 'Next,' then post the video.
These are the only steps to follow if you are looking for instructions on how to add auto-captions on TikTok.
Drawbacks:
- TikTok auto captions may have inaccuracies.
- Limited editing options are available.
- The feature may encounter problems with background noise and fast speech, which can lead to subpar captions and reduced retention.
- Punctuation errors and improper sentence breaks may occur, which may require additional work on your side for manual correction.
Vidnoz AI - Create Free Engaging AI Video with Talking Avatar
- Easily create professional AI videos with realistic avatars.
- Text-to-speech lip sync voices of different languages.
- 2800+ video templates for multiple scenarios.
Method 2: Manual Text Overlay
There is another way if you are still looking for how to add captions to TikTok videos. This method is a manual text overlay. In this method, you manually add text, allowing you to control accuracy and placement.
Steps to Add Captions to TikTok Video Manually:
-
Open TikTok and upload or record a video by tapping the '+' sign displayed right in the middle.
-
Upload the video you are looking to post.

-
Tap 'Text' at the bottom.
-
Type the desired caption.

-
Adjust font, color, and placement.

-
Use the timeline feature to sync text with audio.
-
Tap 'Done' and post the video.
Drawbacks:
- Manually adding the caption is time-consuming.
- It requires manual synchronization.
- Difficult for longer videos with frequent speech.
- It may result in improper alignment if not carefully adjusted.
That's all about adding captions on TikTok using the app. However, there are certain drawbacks to each of the methods that may hinder your growth. Incorrect TikTok auto-captions may be inaccurate, leading to miscommunication and a lack of clarity in the content. On the other hand, manually adding captions is time-consuming and may result in improper alignment if not done carefully.
AI Accuracy: Transcribe Video to Text for TikTok Captions Free
AI-powered transcription tools improve caption accuracy compared to TikTok's built-in options. These transcription tools generate exact captions, whether your TikTok videos are with background music or multiple people talking.

Beyond plenty of top AI transcription tools, Vidnoz AI Audio Transcription stands as the best captioning tool. With its easy-to-use interfaces, anyone can add captions on TikTok with just a few clicks. What’s more, it’s a free transcription tool that you don’t need to worry about the cost you will make.
Vidnoz AI transcription tool offers the following features, which make it the number one tool to add TikTok captions to your content:
- High-accuracy speech recognition, leading to fewer or no incorrect captions.
- Supports multiple languages; you can choose them while uploading your video on Vidnoz.
- Reduces the time needed for manual editing and correction.
- Allows users to transcribe content in bulk for batch editing.
How to Add Perfect TikTok Captions with Vidnoz AI
-
Upload the TikTok video to Vidnoz AI by clicking on the 'Drop your audio or video file here.'
-
Choose the desired language by clicking on the 'Original language.'
-
Choose between 'text,' 'JSON,' or 'SRT' as the output file.

-
Click 'Transcribe Audio Now' and wait for the AI to generate captions.
-
Download the caption file and upload it to TikTok.
Vidnoz AI - Create Free Engaging AI Video with Talking Avatar
- Easily create professional AI videos with realistic avatars.
- Text-to-speech lip sync voices of different languages.
- 2800+ video templates for multiple scenarios.
Useful Tips to Add Captions on TikTok
- Choose the right font and color: Ensure the font and color align against the background, which helps with the readability.
- Keep the speech and captions concise: Avoid overwhelming the viewer by keeping the captions concise. You can use key sentences in captions instead of fully inserting the extended captions.
- Use emojis and symbols: Emojis and symbols spark interest and curiosity and lead to enhanced engagement.
- Ensure proper synchronization: Misaligned captions can confuse viewers, as said earlier.
- Test captions before posting: We suggest you review the full video to verify accuracy before directly posting it to the app.
- Use AI tools for consistency: AI caption generators like Vidnoz lead to captions that are more uniform and professional-looking.
- Consider adding translations: If your audience includes nonnative speakers, we suggest translating captions to a language spoken by the majority of nonnative viewers, as these captions can increase engagement.
The Bottom Line
We hope you are now well aware of how to add captions on TikTok improves accessibility, engagement, and discoverability. While TikTok auto-captions and manual text overlays are useful, they do have drawbacks, which we have discussed before.
Thus, AI transcription tools like Vidnoz AI offer higher accuracy and customization. Using AI tools, creators can ensure captions are precise, well-formatted, and engaging for their audience.