How to Add Text to YouTube Videos—Captions and Text

You can add text to YouTube videos in two primary ways: using an online video editor like Adobe Premiere Pro or using YouTube Studio editor features.

These methods allow you to add text to YouTube videos with various degrees of customization, and at different stages of your video production.

For example, if you use an online video editor like Premiere, you can customize your captions and text numerous ways prior to uploading.

Whereas if you use YouTube Studio editor features, you may still add captions to your video files, but you'll be far more limited in customization since it's already an uploaded, finished product. And you won't have the ability to add text.

But why does this matter?

Studies show that adding captions to your video content can increase video views by more than 80%. And if you're trying to get more video views...well...you should add captions and text to your video content.

Not only do captions capture viewer attention, but they also ensure viewers who don't click on your video can still watch it with no audio.

Remember, if you're to become a full-stack content marketer, leveraging the right online tools and following the right trends video creators are using will be crucial.

This post will teach you exactly how to add text to YouTube videos using easy video editing tools and tips to take your video content to the next level.

Let's get started.

How to create closed captions in Premiere Pro

You can create closed captions in Premiere Pro by uploading an audio file, transcribing it, and then generating captions—all completely automatically using their software.

This method is specific to using Premiere, but it's steps and principles should be applicable to other video editors.

That said, if your goal is to become a full-stack content marketer, we highly recommend you edit your video clips and content using Adobe Creative Suite programs.

Here's how to create closed captions in Premiere Pro:

1) Record and/or upload your audio file: Before creating closed captions, you'll need an audio file or soundbite.

2) Transcribe your audio file: Go to Text > Transcribe to automatically transcribe your audio on Premiere Pro.

3) Generate closed captions: Once your transcription is complete, you can generate captions by clicking Create Captions. And then you can customize them on the Essential Graphics panel.

This is the most dynamic, customizable method to creating closed captions.

And truthfully, we think it's the easiest, too, making it our top recommendation for creating captions for your YouTube videos.

But that's not all, you can also add text to your YouTube video using Premiere, too.

How to create text in Premiere Pro

You can create text in Premiere Pro by using the Type Tool, add text, customize it on the Graphics panel, and then animate the text using the Effect Controls panel.

Again, this method is specific to using Premiere, but these should be similar steps you'd follow in your preferred video editor.

Here's how to create text in Premiere Pro:

1) Press "T" on your keyboard to activate Type Tool: You can also use your sequence toolbar to locate the "T" button. Learn more about keyboard shortcuts.

2) Type your text: A new video file will populate within your timeline automatically for ease of use and customization.

3) Edit your text: You can go to the Graphics panel in your workspace bar, locate Essential Graphics, and begin editing your font, text color, and more. Then you can animate your text in the Effect Controls panel.

Using an online video editor like Premiere is your best bet.

But if you're short on time or resources, and need a quick solution, you can opt-into adding captions to your YouTube video within the YouTube Studio editor.

Here's how.

How to add text to YouTube videos using YouTube Studio editor

Unfortunately, YouTube Studio editor doesn't support adding text within their platform.

However, you can add captions to your YouTube videos if needed.

But keep in mind that your viewers must turn on the captions while watching your video to populate them—whereas using a video editor allows you to ensure viewers see your captions since they're embedded directly into your final product.

Here's how to create captions in YouTube Studio editor:

1) Log into YouTube Studio and head to your Content section: An extra tip here is to ensure you've selected your default language. If you haven't, YouTube will prompt you to.

2) Click on Subtitles and add your captions: You'll then be prompted to generate captions by upload a subtitle file, auto sync'ing, or typing them manually.

3) Click Done and voila: Once you're done refining the captions and timing, your captions will appear on your YouTube video. (As long as your viewers enable captions).

It's worth noting that there are many online editors out there that will enable you to add captions or text to your YouTube videos.

However, we do believe leveraging Adobe programs is the way to go if you're to become a full-stack content marketer.

But if you're looking for a quick and easy win while creating captions for your YouTube video, then Creator Studio is a great option for you.

In closing

Adding captions and text to your YouTube videos is an important skill.

As an emerging full-stack content marketer, gaining and applying the right skills—like video editing—will support your career growth, opportunities, and potential.

Because at the end of the day, it's your job to know what people want and need...and how to give it to them.

And right now, using captions, subtitles, and text in both short form video content and beyond is in high-demand.

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