5 Unexpected Benefits of Adding Captions to Your Videos

Creating a great video is only half the battle for video content creators. You will hustle your way to get an engaging script, stunning visuals, and maybe even some top-notch voiceovers. But something’s still missing. You’re getting views, but not as many as you’d hoped for. So what’s the secret to getting the most out of your video? Adding captions to your content can give you the extra push to expand your video’s reach, make it more accessible, and keep viewers engaged.

Before diving into the five reasons why captions are so effective, let me first break down what captions are and how they differ from subtitles.

What are Captions?

Captions provide on-screen text that mirrors the spoken dialogue and sound effects in real time as the video plays. They can either be open (always visible and embedded into the video) or closed (which can be turned on or off by the viewer). They are especially useful for viewers who are hard of hearing or watching without sound.

What’s the Difference Between Subtitles and Captions?

While both serve the purpose of making content more accessible, subtitles typically refer to translations of spoken dialogue into another language. On the other hand, captions go beyond dialogue to include sound effects and other audio cues. Both are essential, but they tend to be more inclusive since they cater to those with hearing impairments or those in sound-restricted environments.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get into the five reasons why adding captions to your videos is crucial for boosting reach, improving engagement, and making your content accessible to more people.

1. Increase Accessibility

Didi you know 430 million people worldwide live with disabling hearing loss. Without them, you’re potentially excluding a huge segment of the population from accessing your content. When you add text to videos, you ensure that your message is understood by all, regardless of hearing ability. In doing so, you also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, which can strengthen your brand’s reputation.

Moreover, they don’t just benefit those with hearing impairments. Viewers in noisy environments or those who prefer to watch without sound, like in public transport or at work, also benefit. They make sure your message still gets across, even without audio.

2. Improve Video Retention and Engagement

Did you know that viewers are more likely to finish watching a video when it has captions?Yes this is according to research by PLYMedia, 91% of videos with these text are watched to completion compared to 66% of videos without them. They keep viewers engaged by making it easier to follow along, even if distractions arise.

More engagement often translates into better metrics, such as higher watch times, shares, and reactions. Whether you’re adding closed captions to videos on Facebook or TikTok, this small tweak can make a significant difference in how well your content performs.

3. Captions Boost SEO and SERP Rankings

Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize, captions can enhance your video’s search engine performance. When you add text to videos, search engines like Google can crawl and index that text for keywords. This means that when you include relevant keywords (like “add text to video online” or “best app to add captions to videos”), your content is more likely to show up in search engine results pages (SERPs).

The bonus here? More organic traffic. Plus, if you’re adding text to videos on social platforms, they give your video a better chance of appearing in search results, boosting your visibility even further.

4. Captions Help Reach a Global Audience

English may be the most widely spoken language, but a significant portion of the world either doesn’t speak it well or at all. This is where captions (and subtitles) come into play. By adding text to videos in different languages, you can make your content more accessible to a global audience.

Let’s say you’ve got a killer marketing video. By simply adding them in multiple languages, you’re increasing your chances of engagement from international viewers, who might not otherwise understand the spoken content. It’s a cost-effective way to globalize your reach without needing to create multiple versions of the same video.

When viewers feel more connected to your video, they’re more likely to share it. They make it easier for your audience to understand and engage with your content, which in turn leads to more social shares. Studies show that subtitled and captioned videos have a 15% higher share rate compared to videos without them. On platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where videos often autoplay without sound, captions ensure your message is seen, not skipped.

They also encourage more comments, reactions, and clickthroughs, further boosting your video’s performance across social platforms. Want more people talking about your content? Captions could be the answer.

How to Add Captions to Your Videos

By now, you’re probably wondering how to add captions to your videos. The good news is, it’s easier than ever with the right tool like ZapCap.ai. With ZapCap you can add captions and B-rolls to your videos making them engaging and fun. We have numerous captions template that best fit for every needs of a content creator.

To add these text effect with ZapCap it is simpler than you may think.

Step 1: Create an account on ZapCap

Step 2: Upload your video

Step 3: Select your Font style from our list all for free!

That is it, if you want to add B-roll and zoom effect you can go ahead and add them to your video.

Now, get them on your content

If you haven’t started adding captions to your videos, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to increase your reach, engagement, and SEO performance. With a few simple tweaks, you can make your content more inclusive and give it the best chance to shine on the internet’s most competitive platforms. Whether you’re adding text to videos on your iPhone, using free apps, or generating captions online, the benefits are clear.