The Subtitles and Captions tools in Pictory AI make your videos more engaging, accessible, and professional. Whether you are creating tutorials, marketing videos, or social content, Pictory automatically generates accurate subtitles from your narration or script and lets you fully customize how they look and animate on screen.
What Are Subtitles and Captions in Pictory AI?
Subtitles and captions display spoken words as on-screen text, improving accessibility and viewer retention. Pictory’s AI automatically transcribes your video or audio and syncs subtitles perfectly to the narration.
You can customize their style, position, and animations inside the AI Video Editor, so they match your content and brand identity.
Pictory’s AI will:
Automatically generate captions from your script or voice
Sync them precisely with your video timing
Allow you to change fonts, colors, and placement
Support text animation for subtitles and other on-screen text
Perfect for:
Creators improving engagement and watch time
Brands making content accessible and branded
Educators enhancing clarity and learning
Marketers boosting retention in muted video feeds
Step-by-Step: How to Add Subtitles and Captions
Follow these steps to generate, style, and animate subtitles in Pictory AI.
Step 1: Generate or Upload Your Video
Start by creating or importing your video using any workflow such as:
Script to Video
Audio to Video
URL to Video
AI Video Editor (for existing videos)
When your video opens in the AI Video Editor, Pictory automatically generates captions from your audio or script.
If you upload a new video file, the AI transcribes it automatically and applies subtitles once transcription is complete.
Step 2: Review and Edit Your Captions
Open the Story Tab or Transcript Editor to view your captions.
You can:
Edit the transcript text directly if needed
Correct names, phrases, or punctuation
Remove filler words or silences
Any change you make automatically updates the subtitles displayed in your video scenes.
Step 3: Customize Subtitle Style
Open the Subtitles Section on the right-hand panel to style your captions.
You can:
Choose from built-in themes such as Clean, Sleek, Bold Edge, or Navy Blue
Adjust font type, size, and color
Change subtitle background color or opacity
Position captions at the bottom, top, or center of the screen
Limit subtitles to a maximum number of lines for readability
These options help ensure your captions are clear and visually consistent across your content.
Step 4: Animate Text and Captions
Pictory lets you animate all text elements, including subtitles, headings, and body text.
Click the Animate Text (🎬) button in the top toolbar to open animation settings. You can:
Choose entry animations like Fade, Wipe, or Typewriter
Add exit animations like Drift
Control animation speed (Slow, Medium, Fast)
Preview animations instantly before applying
Animating your subtitles and headings helps guide viewer attention and creates a more polished, dynamic experience.
Step 5: Apply Your Brand Kit to Subtitles
To ensure your captions align with your brand identity:
Open the Branding Tab.
Select your Brand Kit.
Apply your logo, brand fonts, and color palette.
Your subtitles and all other text elements will automatically update to reflect your brand’s styling.
Step 6: Preview and Export Your Video
Once you are happy with your captions and text styles, click Preview Video to check everything in motion. Review readability, placement, and timing before exporting.
When your video is ready, click Download Video to export it in your desired format. Your project will also be saved in My Projects for easy future updates.
Pro Tips for Better Subtitles and Text
Use simple fonts and high-contrast colors for readability.
Keep subtitles short and easy to scan (no more than two lines).
Add subtle entry animations for a professional touch.
Apply your Brand Kit early to maintain consistency.
Always preview your video before exporting.
Why Use Pictory AI for Subtitles and Captions
Pictory AI makes subtitle creation effortless and design-ready.
You get:
Automatic subtitle generation from audio or scripts
Precise syncing to your narration
Built-in style templates and font customization
Animated text for captions, headings, and overlays
Seamless brand styling with your logo, colors, and fonts
Adding subtitles with Pictory ensures every video is accessible, polished, and ready for any platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pictory create subtitles automatically?
Yes. Pictory generates subtitles automatically from your script or uploaded audio and syncs them perfectly with your narration.
Can I customize how my captions look?
Yes. You can change fonts, colors, and background styles and position subtitles anywhere on screen.
Can I animate my subtitles or headings?
Yes. Click the Animate Text (🎬) icon to apply entry and exit animations to subtitles, headings, and body text.
Can I apply my brand colors and fonts to subtitles?
Yes. Use your Brand Kit in the Branding Tab to apply your logo, colors, and fonts automatically.
Can I export videos with embedded captions?
Yes. All captions are automatically embedded in your exported video file.
