Subtitles are no longer just an option in video editing; they are a necessity. Whether you are creating social media content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or even full-length YouTube videos, subtitles increase reach and engagement.
Viewers today often watch videos with the sound off, and without subtitles, your message can get lost. This is where InShot, one of the most popular mobile editing apps, becomes a game-changer.
With its intuitive interface and powerful features, adding subtitles in InShot is simple, fast, and effective.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to add subtitles in InShot, step by step.
You will learn different subtitle styles, tips for making them more engaging, exporting tricks, and how subtitles can boost your video performance in 2025. By the end of this article, you will not only know the “how” but also the “why” behind effective subtitle editing.
Why Subtitles Matter in 2025
Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s establish why subtitles are so critical today:
- Silent Watching Trend: Studies show that up to 80% of social media users watch videos without sound, especially in public places.
- Accessibility: Subtitles make your videos inclusive for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.
- Global Reach: With subtitles, language barriers can be reduced. Viewers who may not understand your accent can still follow along easily.
- Retention Boost: Subtitles keep viewers engaged for longer, reducing drop-off rates.
- SEO & Discoverability: Platforms like YouTube index subtitles, which helps improve your ranking in search results.
Now that you understand the importance, let’s get into the practical side: adding subtitles in InShot.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Subtitles in InShot
Step 1: Open Your Video in InShot
Launch the InShot app on your mobile device and tap on “Video”. Select the video you want to add subtitles to. Once loaded, you’ll see the editing timeline and options menu at the bottom of your screen.
Step 2: Go to the Text Tool
Tap on the “Text” button in the editing bar. This is the feature you’ll use to create subtitles. A text box will appear on your screen where you can start typing your subtitle.
Step 3: Type Your Subtitle
Enter the words you want displayed. For best readability, keep subtitles short — usually one or two lines maximum. Avoid long sentences; break them into smaller chunks that match the speech flow in your video.
Step 4: Adjust Placement
Drag the text box to the bottom center of your video screen. This is the most common subtitle placement because it doesn’t block important visuals. You can also place subtitles at the top if your video has lower-thirds graphics or important visuals at the bottom.
Step 5: Sync with Timeline
At the bottom of the screen, use the timeline bar to adjust when your subtitle appears and disappears. Simply drag the edges of the text layer to align it with the spoken words. Accurate syncing is key for smooth viewing.
Step 6: Style Your Subtitles
InShot allows you to customize fonts, colors, and backgrounds. For clear subtitles:
- Use bold, sans-serif fonts for easy readability.
- Choose white text with a black outline or shadow for maximum contrast.
- Keep font size large enough for mobile screens but not too big to distract from visuals.
Step 7: Add Background Box (Optional)
If your video background is bright or busy, subtitles can blend in and become hard to read. Use the “background box” option in InShot’s text tool to add a solid or semi-transparent rectangle behind the text. This ensures visibility no matter the background color.
Step 8: Repeat for Each Subtitle Segment
Go through your entire video and keep adding new text boxes for each line of dialogue. Yes, this can be time-consuming, but it ensures that your subtitles sync perfectly with your video.
Step 9: Preview and Adjust
Before finalizing, play back the video to check timing, spelling, and readability. Make adjustments where necessary to ensure smooth flow.
Step 10: Export Your Video
Once satisfied, tap on the export button. Choose your resolution (1080p is standard; 4K is available for Pro users). Save the video to your gallery or directly share it to TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube.
Advanced Tips for Better Subtitles in InShot
1. Use Consistent Formatting
Consistency makes your subtitles look professional. Stick to one font, one size, and one color scheme across the entire video.
2. Time Your Subtitles with Music Beats
If your video has background music, try syncing subtitle appearances with the beat. This creates a rhythmic, engaging viewing experience.
3. Emphasize Keywords
Highlight important words by using bold text, different colors, or slight enlargements. For example, emphasize action words or emotional highlights in your dialogue.
4. Keep it Short
People read slower than they listen. If you overload the screen with long sentences, viewers will miss important details. Stick to short, punchy lines.
5. Add Emojis (Optional)
For casual content on TikTok or Instagram, adding emojis in your subtitles can make them more expressive and fun. However, avoid them in professional or corporate content.
6. Use Motion Effects
InShot allows you to animate text. You can add fade-ins, slide-ins, or bounce effects to make subtitles dynamic. Just don’t overdo it—clarity should remain the priority.
7. Translate for Global Audience
If you’re targeting an international audience, consider adding subtitles in multiple languages. InShot supports adding multiple text layers, which you can position differently on the screen.
How Subtitles Improve Social Media Performance
Adding subtitles in InShot is not just about accessibility—it’s also about growth. Here’s how subtitles affect your video metrics:
- Higher Watch Time: Viewers stay longer because they can follow along even without audio.
- Increased Shares: Subtitled videos are more likely to be shared since they are understandable everywhere.
- Better Engagement: Subtitles make it easier for people to comment and interact, as they don’t miss key parts of your message.
- Platform Boost: TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube algorithms prioritize content that performs well in silent playback mode. Subtitles directly feed into this.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Adding Subtitles
- Overlapping Subtitles: Don’t add too many lines at once. Keep it clean and readable.
- Bad Color Choices: Yellow on white or red on black can strain the eyes. Stick to high-contrast options.
- Poor Timing: Avoid subtitles appearing too early or too late. Even a one-second delay feels jarring.
- Too Small Text: Always test your video on a small phone screen before finalizing.
- Overuse of Animation: While fun, excessive movement can distract from the main content.
Export Settings for Subtitled Videos in InShot
After spending time on your subtitles, you don’t want to lose quality during export. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Resolution: Export in 1080p for standard social media. Use 4K for professional YouTube or brand content.
- Format: MP4 is recommended as it’s widely accepted on all platforms.
- Bitrate: Keep it medium to high for clear visuals without large file sizes.
- Watermark: Free InShot includes a watermark. You can remove it by upgrading to Pro or watching an ad before export.
FAQs
1. Can I add subtitles in InShot for free?
Yes. The free version of InShot allows you to add subtitles using the text tool. However, it will export your video with a watermark. If you want to remove the watermark, you either watch an ad before exporting or upgrade to the Pro version.
2. Does InShot support auto-generated subtitles?
No. InShot does not currently support auto-captioning. You will need to manually type and sync subtitles. While it takes more time, it also gives you full control over style, accuracy, and timing.
3. What is the best subtitle font to use in InShot?
Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, or InShot’s built-in bold clean fonts are the most readable on small screens. Avoid decorative or script fonts, as they are harder to read in fast-paced videos.
4. Can I add subtitles in multiple languages in InShot?
Yes. You can add subtitles in multiple languages by creating separate text layers and positioning them differently on the screen. For example, English subtitles at the bottom and Spanish subtitles at the top.
5. How do I sync subtitles with voice in InShot?
In the timeline, drag the subtitle text bar so it starts and ends exactly when the words are spoken. For accuracy, zoom in on the timeline for more precise control.
6. Can I make subtitles appear word by word in InShot?
Yes. You can break down subtitles into multiple short text boxes and adjust their timing so each word or phrase appears in sync with the audio. This is more work but creates a dynamic karaoke-style effect.
7. How do I style subtitles to make them more visible?
Use white text with a black shadow or outline. Alternatively, enable a background box with semi-transparency. This ensures your subtitles remain clear even on bright or colorful backgrounds.
8. Can I animate subtitles in InShot?
Yes. InShot allows you to add entry and exit animations like fade, slide, or bounce. These can make subtitles more engaging, but keep animations simple to maintain readability.
9. How long should each subtitle stay on screen?
As a rule of thumb, subtitles should stay long enough for viewers to read them at least once, usually 1.5 to 3 seconds per line. For fast dialogue, break text into smaller chunks to match the speed of speech.
10. Can I add emojis in subtitles using InShot?
Yes. You can insert emojis into your text just like typing. This works well for TikTok or Instagram Reels where casual, expressive subtitles are effective. However, avoid them in professional videos.
11. Does InShot allow exporting videos with burned-in subtitles?
Yes. All subtitles added through InShot’s text tool are burned into the video. This means they become part of the video itself and cannot be turned off by viewers.
12. Can I reuse subtitles for another video in InShot?
No direct “reuse” option exists, but you can duplicate the project inside InShot and replace the video. This keeps your subtitle formatting intact, saving time on styling and placement.
13. How do subtitles affect social media performance?
Subtitles increase engagement by up to 80% on social media. They help with silent viewing, improve retention, and boost accessibility. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok prioritize videos that perform well with or without sound, making subtitles essential for growth.
14. Is it better to use InShot subtitles or YouTube auto captions?
If you’re posting directly on YouTube, auto captions may save time, but they are often inaccurate. InShot gives you full creative control, ensuring your subtitles look stylish and error-free across all platforms, not just YouTube.
15. What resolution is best for subtitled videos in InShot?
Export in 1080p for most platforms. If you’re posting on YouTube or creating high-quality content, choose 4K (available in the Pro version) to keep text sharp and readable.
16. Can I add scrolling subtitles in InShot?
Not directly. InShot doesn’t have a scrolling subtitle feature. However, you can manually animate text to slide from bottom to top for a similar effect, though it requires more editing effort.
17. How do I prevent subtitles from blocking visuals?
Place subtitles in the lower third of the screen, leaving enough space above. If your video already has lower-third graphics, move subtitles slightly higher or add a background box with transparency for balance.
18. Can I adjust subtitle opacity in InShot?
Yes. You can adjust the opacity of the text or the background box. This allows you to keep subtitles readable without making them overpowering.
19. How do I subtitle long videos in InShot?
For long videos, it’s best to break them into smaller sections and subtitle them one part at a time. This prevents the app from lagging and makes syncing easier. After editing, you can merge the clips inside InShot.
20. Is InShot the best app for subtitles in 2025?
InShot is among the top subtitle editing apps for mobile due to its ease of use, flexibility, and advanced text features. However, for auto-captioning, apps like CapCut or desktop tools may be better. Still, if you want complete creative control directly on your phone, InShot is one of the best options available in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Subtitles are no longer optional—they are essential for effective video communication in 2025. With InShot, you don’t need advanced software or a laptop. You can create professional-looking subtitles directly from your phone in just a few minutes.
Whether you’re an aspiring content creator, a marketer, or just someone who wants to make videos more engaging, mastering subtitles in InShot will give your content the competitive edge it needs.
The next time you edit a video, don’t skip subtitles. They could be the difference between someone scrolling past and someone staying, engaging, and sharing your content.