How to Easily Add Subtitles to Canva Videos

If you’re creating content for social media or YouTube, subtitles are essential for engaging your audience. While Canva is often used for designing thumbnails and static graphics, did you know it also has features to help you add subtitles to your videos?

Yes, Canva can serve as a powerful tool for adding customizable subtitles, which not only make your videos more engaging but also accessible to a wider audience.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to add subtitles to Canva videos step-by-step. Plus, we’ll explore some alternative options using other free tools like ZapCap that can autogenerate subtitles to save you time.

Step-by-Step Guide: Adding Subtitles to Canva Videos

Adding subtitles to your Canva videos is straightforward. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Set Up Your Canva Project

First, head to Canva’s website or mobile app. Click the “Create a Design” button and choose your video format, whether it’s for YouTube, Instagram Stories, or another platform. Be sure to select the appropriate canvas size for your video.

2. Upload Your Video

Next, upload your video file. Simply drag and drop it into your canvas or select it from your files. Canva supports common formats like MP4, so you’re good to go with most standard videos.

3. Add Your Subtitles

Once your video is in the timeline, head over to the “Text” option in the left menu and select “Add Heading” or “Add Subtitle.” You will need to manually type out your text to be subtitles.

Type in your text at the appropriate timestamp, then customize the font, size, and color to match your branding. You can even add animated text effects, such as bouncing or fading subtitles, to enhance viewer engagement.

4. Adjust and Edit Subtitles

To ensure that the subtitles appear at the right moments, you can drag them along the timeline or cut the video into sections. Splitting the video allows you to insert different subtitle segments and ensures your captions don’t linger too long. Simply click “Split” at the selected point in the timeline.

Canva Introduces Captions—But Is It Enough?

At the end of 2024, Canva has launched a new automatic captioning tool, making it easier to add subtitles to videos. This feature allows users to generate captions with one click, apply different styles, and integrate them seamlessly into their content. However, while Canva’s captions can enhance accessibility and engagement, they are not always accurate and still require manual adjustments. Users need to carefully review and edit the text to ensure proper timing and readability.

Despite being a convenient addition, Canva’s auto-captioning is far from a fully automated solution. Creators looking for precise, ready-to-use subtitles will still need to spend time refining their captions before finalizing their videos.

Elevate Your Canva Videos with Advanced Subtitling Tools

While Canva provides an excellent starting point for adding basic subtitles to videos, sometimes creators need more advanced customization and automation to keep up with the demands of modern content creation. This is where tools like ZapCap can truly elevate your videos to the next level.

Studies show that captions significantly improve viewer engagement. A study by Discovery Digital Networks demonstrated that captioned YouTube videos saw an increase in views by over 7% within the first two weeks of adding captions​.

With ZapCap, you don’t have to manually split your videos or type in every word. The AI handles it for you, saving you tons of time. Plus, you can access over 50 languages and add unique text animations, emojis, and much more.

Using ZapCap to Add Subtitles to Your Canva Videos

Here’s how you can seamlessly use ZapCap to enhance your Canva videos with superior subtitle options:

1. Head to ZapCap.ai and Sign Up

Create an account on ZapCap by signing up with your email. Once logged in, start a new project by uploading your exported Canva video file.

2. Let the AI Do the Work

After your video is uploaded, ZapCap’s AI gets to work. It automatically generates captions based on your audio. You can even specify languages and text styles, making it a quick and easy process. Customize the subtitles further by adding emojis, animations, or visual effects.

3. Export Your Final Video

Once satisfied, export your video with the new subtitles added and upload it directly to your social media platforms. ZapCap supports a variety of video formats, so your content will be ready for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or wherever you post.

Start Creating Dynamic Subtitles for Your Videos Today

Adding subtitles to Canva videos is just the beginning. With tools like ZapCap, you can streamline your workflow and create highly engaging, professional-quality content in no time. Subtitles are essential in today’s content-heavy world, and investing a little extra time in making them dynamic and visually appealing can go a long way toward boosting your video’s success.