How to Quickly Add Subtitles to MP4 File

To add subtitles to MP4 file, is it a must or a necessity ? With video content booming, from social media clips to personal vlogs, subtitles have become more important than ever. Whether you’re adding subtitles to an MP4 file for accessibility, to help viewers follow along in noisy environments, or for translations, it’s a crucial step in enhancing video content.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through different methods you can use to add subtitles to an MP4 file, whether you want to do it through media players, video editing software, or even online tools. Let’s dive into the simple ways you can make your MP4 subtitle journey easier.

Why Add Subtitles to MP4 File?

Subtitles help a wider audience connect with your video content. By adding subtitle to MP4 file, not only do you make the video more accessible for those with hearing impairments, but you also improve engagement for viewers who may not speak the same language as the video’s audio or are in noisy surroundings.

1. How to Add Subtitles to MP4 File Online (Free Options)

Don’t want to download software? No worries—there are plenty of online tools that make adding subtitles to MP4 online free and easy. Here are two of the best options.

ZapCap

ZapCap is an excellent tool to add subtitle to MP4 file subtitles and captions automatically through speech-to-text technology.

• Step 1: Upload your MP4 video to ZapCap.
• Step 2: ZapCap will automatically generate subtitles for you. You can then customize the fonts, colors, and even add emojis.
• Step 3: Download your video with embedded subtitles in a matter of minutes.

Kapwing

Kapwing is an online editor that lets you upload your video and add subtitles to MP4 file directly in the browser.

• Step 1: Head over to Kapwing’s website and upload your MP4 video.
• Step 2: You can manually input subtitles or upload an SRT file.
• Step 3: Customize your subtitles by adjusting the font, color, and position.This tool is ideal for those who want a quick and free solution to add subtitles to an MP4 without installing any software.

The standout feature here is that ZapCap supports over 48 languages, making it an excellent option for international creators.

2. How to Add Subtitles to MP4 File Using Media Players

Let’s start with the simplest method—adding subtitles to an MP4 using media players. If you’re looking for a quick way to add subtitles to MP4 without permanently embedding them, media players like VLC and Windows Media Player can do the trick.

Method 1: Using VLC Media Player

VLC is a popular media player that’s compatible with both Windows and Mac. However, VLC only allows you to add subtitle to MP4 files like SRT but won’t let you edit them.

• Step 1: Open VLC and head to the Subtitle option in the menu.
• Step 2: Click Add Subtitle and select your .srt subtitle file from your computer.
• Step 3: Now, your MP4 video will play with the selected subtitles.

This method is great if you already have your MP4 subtitle file ready to go, but it’s not ideal if you need to make custom edits to the text.

Method 2: Using Windows Media Player

Windows Media Player, another common option, is also a basic tool to add subtitles to MP4 file. However, much like VLC, it doesn’t allow customization of the subtitle file.

• Step 1: Open your MP4 video in Windows Media Player.
• Step 2: Click the subtitle button at the bottom right and select the subtitle file to attach it to your video.
• Step 3: Once done, the subtitles will appear automatically when the video plays.

3. Adding Subtitles to MP4 File Using Video Editing Software

If you want to customize and edit your subtitles for your MP4 file, video editing tools are your best bet. Let’s dive into two popular and free tools: CapCut and ClipChamp.

Method 1: Using CapCut

CapCut is an excellent free video editing tool that allows you to not only add subtitles to your MP4 file but also fully customize them. It’s user-friendly, making it a great option even for beginners.

• Step 1: Download CapCut and open it. Import your MP4 file by clicking on “Add Media” and selecting your video.
• Step 2: Once your video is uploaded, click on the “Text” option and select “Auto Captions” if you want CapCut to automatically generate subtitles. Alternatively, you can manually add your own text.
• Step 3: Customize the font, size, position, and color of your subtitles as needed. CapCut lets you tweak your subtitles to match the video’s style.
• Step 4: Once you’re happy with your subtitles, click “Export” to save the file.

Method 2: Using ClipChamp

ClipChamp is another easy-to-use tool that allows you to add subtitles to your MP4 videos with plenty of customization options.

• Step 1: Head over to ClipChamp’s website and create a free account. Once you’re in, upload your MP4 file.
• Step 2: Click on “Text” and choose the style of subtitles you want. You can manually add the text, or if you have an existing .SRT file, you can upload that too.
• Step 3: Customize the subtitle’s font, size, and positioning. Clipchamp also lets you choose from preset templates to make things easier.
• Step 4: Once everything looks good, hit the “Export” button and save your video.

Both CapCut and ClipChamp offer greater control over how your subtitles appear, letting you embed subtitles directly into your MP4 video and create a polished final product.

Final words

You have several options! Whether you use media players like VLC or online tools like ZapCap, adding subtitles to MP4 file is simple and can often be done for free. If you want more control over how your subtitles look, video editing software like Capcut or Clipchamp can help.

You can use media players for quick subtitle additions, video editing software for customization, or online tools for fast and free solutions. Now that you know how to add subtitles to your video, your MP4 videos will be more engaging and accessible than ever before.