Video Auto Captions vs Manual advice has gotten complicated with all the outdated tips and platform changes flying around. Here’s what actually works in 2026.
80% of short-form viewers watch with sound off. Let that sink in. Your captions aren’t optional – they’re how most people consume your content.
Auto Captions vs Manual
Auto captions have gotten way better. TikTok and Instagram both generate them now. Usually 90% accurate, which sounds good until you realize that 10% wrong includes your brand name and key points.
Edit them. Always. Takes two minutes and prevents embarrassing errors.
Style Matters
Big bold text in center screen works. Small captions at the bottom get ignored. People’s eyes track the middle third of the frame.
Two lines max at a time. More than that and viewers skip ahead rather than read.
Timing
Captions should appear slightly before you say the words. Gives people time to read. Too late and they’re already confused about what you said.
Fast cuts need fast caption changes. Match the rhythm of your edit or it feels off.
Color and Contrast
White text with black outline reads on any background. Yellow and white both work. Avoid light text on light backgrounds – unreadable.
Some creators use colored text for emphasis – red for important points, that kind of thing. Works if you’re consistent.
Hooks in Text
Your first caption is a second hook. Video shows something interesting AND text says “you won’t believe what happens.” Two chances to stop the scroll.
Good creators treat text as a parallel storytelling track, not just transcription.
