How to add word-by-word captions.
4 min read · Updated October 30, 2026
Word-by-word captions light up each word as it is spoken. They keep eyes on the screen and make a video readable with the sound off. Making them by hand takes hours; software that listens to the audio does it in minutes.
Auto-caption your videos →Why these captions are everywhere on short video
On a phone, moving words pull the eye. When the spoken word changes colour, a viewer reads along without effort, and the video stays understandable even in a quiet room. It is also why caption looks matter: heavy, readable fonts with a clear outline beat thin ones.
What makes captions easy to read
- A heavy font in a large size, with a few words on screen at a time.
- A thin outline or shadow sized so the letters never go muddy.
- High contrast between the text and the picture behind it.
- Keep captions clear of the app buttons at the bottom and sides of the screen.
How to add them
- 1
Transcribe with word timing
A speech model listens to the audio and records when each word starts and ends.
- 2
Choose a look
Pick a template, or build your own and save it.
- 3
Burn them in
The captions are drawn into the video so they show on every platform.
- 4
Fix the odd word
Open the editor to correct names and unusual words.
Doing it in Zlayo
Auto-Clip, Reddit stories, text videos and split screen all add word-by-word captions for you, in a look you choose. The spoken word changes colour as it plays. Dollar amounts show up in green and slightly bigger with a small sound, and swears are masked by default. You can edit any caption in the editor.
Get started
On every paid plan, from $19 a month, after your 3 free creations.
Auto-caption your videosQuestions
Yes. You can pick a built-in look or customise one and save it as your own.
The transcription detects the spoken language. Results are best in English.
Yes, they are drawn into the video so every platform shows them.
Yes. Open the clip in the editor and change the words or the timing.