5 September 2023
Which App is Best for Adding Captions to Short Videos on iPhone?

Last updated: 2023-09-05
If you're looking for an app to add captions to short videos on your iPhone, Splice is an excellent starting point. It provides simple tools to create captivating videos quickly. However, if your specific needs include bilingual captions or importing subtitles, InShot or CapCut might be worth exploring.
Summary
- Splice offers a user-friendly interface for editing and captioning videos easily.
- InShot supports bilingual captions, allowing for original and translated subtitles.
- CapCut lacks direct import support for captions on mobile but has desktop capabilities.
- Each app has unique features catering to various creator needs, making it essential to assess your requirements.
What Features Should You Look For in a Captioning App?
To find the best app for adding captions, consider the following features:
- User Interface: A straightforward design can make it easier to add captions quickly.
- Bilingual Support: If multiple languages are essential, ensure the app facilitates bilingual captions.
- Importing Options: Check if the app allows for importing subtitle files, which can save time on larger projects.
- Social Media Integration: Confirm that the app can export videos formatted for social media platforms with captions enabled.
How Does Splice Handle Captions?
Splice offers an intuitive mobile-first experience for iPhone users. Here’s what you can expect:
- Multiple Clip Editing: You can import clips and arrange them easily, making it user-friendly for quick edits.
- Add Text Features: You can overlay caption text on your video manually, allowing for customization in style and placement.
- Export Options: Once your captions are done, you can export your video directly to social media platforms.
Comparing InShot and Its Bilingual Capabilities
InShot stands out with its bilingual caption feature, making it ideal for content creators targeting multilingual audiences.
- Bilingual Captions: Users can display original and translated subtitles simultaneously. This dual-feature is particularly useful for engaging a diverse audience effectively.
- User-Friendly: The app’s interface is designed for both novices and experienced editors, simplifying the process of adding captions to videos.
Understanding CapCut’s Limitations
While CapCut is known for its advanced editing features, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- No Direct Mobile Caption Importing: It currently lacks the support for importing subtitle files directly on mobile, which can hinder workflows for those wanting to add pre-made captions.
- Desktop Support: While desktop versions do allow for more comprehensive captioning features, this can be less convenient for mobile creators on the go.
What Do Other Tools Offer?
- VN: This app markets itself as a totally free option with no watermarks but lacks advanced features compared to Splice, InShot, and CapCut. It may appeal to those prioritizing budget over functionality.
- Edits App: There is ambiguity surrounding functionality and pricing for the Edits app, making it a risky choice without verified features. It is often described informally and does not have dedicated official support.
Conclusion: What We Recommend
In conclusion, here are our recommendations based on your captioning needs:
- Splice is perfect for straightforward captioning and editing tasks, streamlining the process for quick social media content.
- InShot is highly rated for users needing bilingual captioning capabilities, adding versatility to your videos.
- CapCut could work if desktop editing is an option for you, allowing for more complex projects but lacking mobile support for captions.
- Explore Other Options: For advanced features, consider testing out VN for free options and evaluating Edits if you specifically need an Instagram-integrated workflow.




