Guide
How to add captions to TikTok videos
Updated
To add captions to a TikTok video on iPhone, caption it in CaptionAddr before you post: the app transcribes the English speech on your device, shows it one word at a time, and exports a copy with the captions burned in. Upload that copy to TikTok from your Photos library.
Burned-in captions on TikTok
TikTok can generate its own captions, which viewers may be able to hide and which use TikTok’s style. Burned-in captions are part of the video, so they keep your font and placement, stay visible for everyone, and come along when the video is downloaded, stitched or shared elsewhere. The fast one-word-at-a-time style is easy to read while the video moves.
If your video already has burned-in captions, keep TikTok’s automatic captions off so the words don’t appear twice.
Caption a TikTok video
- Pick the clip. Record vertically, then open CaptionAddr, tap Select Video and choose the clip from Photos.
- Let the captions generate. Captions start automatically. CaptionAddr transcribes the English speech on your iPhone and creates one caption per word.
- Edit for rhythm. Fix misheard words, remove fillers like “um”, and make sure punchlines read the way you say them.
- Choose a bold look. Pick a heavy font such as Impact or Futura Condensed at a large size; captions are always uppercase with a dark outline, a popular TikTok style, and the tinted background helps on bright footage.
- Keep captions above the interface. Drag them a little above the lower third, clear of the caption text and username at the bottom and the buttons on the right.
- Export and upload. Tap Export Video to save the captioned copy to Photos, then upload it in TikTok.
TikTok caption tips
- Caption the first second. Viewers decide fast; your first spoken words should be on screen immediately.
- Short clips fit the free plan. Free covers videos up to 2 minutes; longer TikToks up to 30 minutes need CaptionAddr Pro.
- Preview muted. Watch your export with the sound off. If you can follow it, so can your audience.
- Keep the source. Your original clip stays in Photos, so you can try a second caption style without re-recording.
Limits
CaptionAddr is English only and has no translation. It doesn’t connect to your TikTok account or post for you. Timing is automatic and follows the speech, without per-word timing controls. CaptionAddr doesn’t overlay TikTok’s interface on the preview, so check a draft before you publish.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get word-by-word captions on TikTok?
Caption the video in CaptionAddr, which shows one word at a time in sync with the speech, then upload the exported copy to TikTok.
Where should captions go on a TikTok video?
Slightly above the lower third and away from the right edge. The bottom holds your caption text and username, and the right side holds the like, comment and share buttons.
Do I need to log in to TikTok inside CaptionAddr?
No. CaptionAddr never connects to TikTok. You export the video to Photos and upload it yourself.
Is there a watermark?
No required watermark on either plan. A small CaptionAddr watermark is optional.
Does it work for videos in other languages?
No. CaptionAddr supports English speech only.