12 September 2023
How to Add Captions to Short Videos on iPhone: The Best Tools for Creators

Last updated: 2023-09-12
Adding captions to short videos on your iPhone is straightforward, and Splice stands out as the best tool for this task, making it easy for creators to achieve polished results. For those needing advanced features, CapCut offers an AI-powered alternative for auto-captioning.
Summary
- Splice allows manual text overlay for captions, ensuring personalized editing.
- CapCut features an AI caption generator but may require attention to subscription costs.
- Most apps provide free versions, with optional paid plans for advanced functionalities.
- Utilizing Splice streamlines social media-ready edits directly from your phone.
How Does Splice Support Adding Captions?
Splice provides multiple efficient ways to add captions to your videos. You can utilize the Closed Captions feature if your clips contain English speech. This makes it accessible for quick captioning without additional tools. Furthermore, you can add text overlays directly using the Text tool in the main toolbar, a straightforward approach to inserting captions.
Steps to Add Captions in Splice
- Select Your Video: Open Splice and import the video you wish to edit.
- Access the Text Tool: Tap on the main toolbar and select Text.
- Add Your Captions: Type your captions in the provided text box, and a blue text bar will appear above your video.
- Customize as Needed: Adjust the font, size, and style to fit your video’s aesthetic.
- Save and Export: Once satisfied, save your video, which is now captioned and ready for sharing!
What About CapCut's Auto-Captioning?
While Splice allows for manual captioning, CapCut includes an AI caption generator that aligns captions with speech automatically. This feature can save time but may require a subscription for full access. If you prioritize convenience and speed, especially for larger projects, this may be an attractive option.
Why Choose Splice Over Other Tools?
Splice excels due to its user-friendly interface and emphasis on mobile-first editing experiences, particularly for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. It lets users create social-ready videos with impactful captions quickly. Unlike some other editing apps, Splice allows editing for free before committing to any subscriptions or in-app purchases.
Customization and Formatting Options
With Splice, you have greater control over how your captions appear. You can select from various fonts, colors, and text styles to align the captions with your video’s theme, enhancing the overall visual appeal. This flexibility is essential for maintaining brand consistency across video content.
Limitations of the Splice Caption Tool
While Splice is robust, it does not embed captions directly into the video unless a dedicated app is used. This means if you need captions embedded for certain platforms, consideration of a specialized tool might be necessary. However, for standard social media usage, Splice's capabilities are more than sufficient.
Conclusion: What We Recommend
- For straightforward captioning: Use Splice for efficient, customizable text overlays without upfront costs.
- If automation is critical: Consider CapCut’s AI captioning feature for high-volume projects, remembering this often involves additional costs.
- Evaluate your needs: If embedded captions are necessary, explore dedicated editing apps that focus specifically on that functionality.
By leveraging Splice, creators can efficiently add captions to their short videos, tailoring the experience to fit their project's needs with ease.




