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Guide

How to add captions to a video on iPad

Updated

To add captions to a video on iPad, open the video in CaptionAddr, let it transcribe the English speech on the iPad, fix any words, style the captions and export. CaptionAddr runs on iPad with iPadOS 17.0 or later and saves a new copy with the captions burned in, free for videos up to 2 minutes.

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Which iPads work

CaptionAddr needs iPadOS 17.0 or later and an A12-class chip or newer, for example iPad (8th generation), iPad mini (5th generation), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) or later, or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) or later. Check the App Store listing for your exact model.

The app works the same way on iPad as on iPhone. The larger screen gives you more room to read the words while you review them.

Add captions on iPad

  1. Install CaptionAddr. Download it from the App Store on your iPad. No account is needed.
  2. Choose your video. Tap Select Video and pick one clip with Apple’s Photos picker. If it’s stored in iCloud, CaptionAddr downloads it first, which can take a moment.
  3. Let the captions generate. Captions start as soon as the video opens; keep CaptionAddr open. The English speech model is built into the app, so transcription runs on the iPad.
  4. Review the words. Open Edit Captions, play through the clip and correct, delete or reorder words, with undo and redo.
  5. Style and place the captions. Pick one of 20 fonts, adjust the size and turn on the tinted background if you want it, then drag the captions into position on the preview.
  6. Export. Export and allow Photos access to save the captioned movie, then share it from Photos or with Share Video.

Tips for captioning on iPad

  • Bring in clips from Files. Select Video opens the Photos picker. To use a clip from Files, drag it onto CaptionAddr in Split View, or press Command-O with a keyboard attached; otherwise save it to Photos first.
  • Keep the app in front. Switching apps or locking the iPad can interrupt transcription or export, so let it finish first.
  • Check on the target screen. If the video is for phones, preview the export on an iPhone too, since captions sized for a large display can look different on a small one.
  • Leave room for storage. Long videos need free space and processing time, and older supported iPads can be slower.

Limits

  • No project sync. Projects stay on the device you caption on; there is no sync between iPhone and iPad. The exported video in Photos can sync through iCloud Photos according to your settings.
  • English only. CaptionAddr transcribes English speech and doesn’t translate.
  • Burned-in captions only. There is no SRT, VTT or text export, and timing is automatic, with no manual per-word timing.
  • Single-word captions. Captions appear one word at a time.
  • Length. Free covers videos up to 2 minutes; CaptionAddr Pro covers up to 30 minutes.

Frequently asked questions

Does CaptionAddr work on iPad?

Yes. CaptionAddr runs on iPad with iPadOS 17.0 or later and an A12-class chip or newer, including iPad (8th generation), iPad mini (5th generation) and iPad Air (3rd generation) or later.

How do I add captions to a video on iPad for free?

Open the video in CaptionAddr, generate captions, edit and style them, and export. Videos up to 2 minutes are free, with no required watermark.

Can I start on iPhone and finish on iPad?

No. CaptionAddr doesn’t sync projects between devices. Finish the project on one device; the exported video can then reach your other devices through iCloud Photos if you use it.

Does CaptionAddr Pro work on both my iPhone and iPad?

Pro is an Apple subscription. On another device signed in to the same Apple Account, use Restore Purchases in CaptionAddr if Pro access doesn’t appear.

Is my video uploaded for transcription?

No. Transcription runs on the iPad with a speech model built into the app. CaptionAddr doesn’t send your video, audio or captions to its servers for transcription.