How to Add Subtitles to Instagram Reels

The plan in four steps

1. Make sure the video is 9:16 (1080 x 1920).
2. Get a subtitle file: generate it from the speech or write it yourself.
3. Read through the text and fix names, numbers and slang.
4. Burn the subtitles into the video, positioned clear of Instagram's buttons, and upload.

Generating subtitles from speech

Automatic speech recognition is the fastest way to a first draft. Choose the spoken language rather than leaving it on automatic when you know it: this helps with short clips and mixed languages.

• Hindi in Devanagari script suits viewers who read Hindi.
• Hinglish writes Hindi in Latin letters (aap kaise ho), which is how many Reels are captioned and how many people type.
• English for English speech, or for a translated version of Hindi speech.

Choose short lines for Reels. Two to five words per line are easier to read on a phone than full sentences, and they keep up with fast speech.

Style and position

Instagram's caption, account name and audio label cover the bottom of a Reel, and the like, comment and share buttons run down the right side. Subtitles at the very bottom can be hidden.

• Use the Middle position, or bottom with extra room, so the text sits above the caption area.
• Use a bold font with an outline or a box behind it, so the text reads on bright and dark scenes.
• Choose size M or L. XL suits one or two words at a time.
• Keep white or yellow text. Coloured text on busy footage is hard to read.

Reaching viewers in another language

A Reel can only carry one set of burned-in subtitles. To reach two audiences, either make two versions or translate the subtitles into the language most of your viewers read. Translation keeps the original timing, so you only need to check the wording.