Guide
How to add captions to Instagram Reels
Updated
To add captions to an Instagram Reel, caption the video before you upload it: open the clip in CaptionAddr on your iPhone, generate word-by-word captions from the English speech, keep them above the bottom of the frame where Instagram shows its buttons and text, and export. Then post the captioned copy from Photos as a Reel.
Why caption Reels before uploading
Many people scroll Reels with the sound off, and words on screen help them follow from the first second. Instagram offers its own caption options, which use Instagram’s styles. Captions you burn in yourself look the same on Reels, Stories, other apps and when someone saves or forwards the video, and they use the font, size and position you chose.
If you post a video that already has burned-in captions, leave Instagram’s own captions off so viewers don’t see the words twice.
Caption a Reel on iPhone
- Film or choose a vertical clip. Reels are vertical. Record in portrait or pick a 9:16 clip from Photos and open it in CaptionAddr with Select Video.
- Let the captions generate. Captions start automatically; the English speech is transcribed on your iPhone.
- Tighten the words. In Edit Captions, fix names and slang, and delete filler words so each caption lands on the beat.
- Style for the feed. Pick a bold font and a large size, and turn on the tinted background if the footage is bright or busy.
- Place captions in the clear zone. Drag the captions into the middle band of the frame, above the area where Instagram shows the caption text, account name and audio, and away from the buttons on the right edge.
- Export and post. Tap Export Video to save the captioned copy to Photos, then create a Reel in Instagram and select the captioned video from your library.
Reels caption tips
- Front-load the hook. The first words on screen help people decide whether to stay, so make sure they’re spelled right.
- One word at a time works. Single-word captions are quick to read while the video moves, which suits fast Reels edits.
- Check on a phone. CaptionAddr doesn’t draw Instagram’s interface over the preview, so save a draft in Instagram and check where the buttons fall before posting.
- Use the same style each time. A consistent font and position makes your Reels recognizable in the feed.
Limits
CaptionAddr captions English speech only and doesn’t translate. It doesn’t post to Instagram for you; you upload the exported video yourself. Free covers clips up to 2 minutes and CaptionAddr Pro covers up to 30 minutes. Interface layouts change over time, so always preview where Instagram’s buttons fall on your device.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add captions to an Instagram Reel on iPhone?
Caption the video in CaptionAddr first: generate captions, edit the words, place them above the bottom of the frame and export. Then upload the captioned copy as a Reel.
Where should captions go on a Reel?
In the middle band of the frame. The bottom of a Reel holds the caption text, account name and audio details, and the right edge holds buttons, so captions there can be covered.
Should I also turn on Instagram’s captions?
Not if your video already has burned-in captions. Showing both puts two sets of words on screen.
Will the captions lose quality after uploading?
Instagram re-encodes uploads, which can soften fine detail. Large captions, which CaptionAddr always draws with a dark outline, hold up best after compression.
Is it free?
Yes, for clips up to 2 minutes, with no required watermark. Longer videos, up to 30 minutes, need CaptionAddr Pro.