Guide
How to add captions to a vlog or talking-head video on iPhone
Updated
To add captions to a vlog or talking-head video on iPhone, open the clip in CaptionAddr, let it transcribe your English speech on the iPhone into word-by-word captions, fix any word in Edit Captions, pick a font and size, drag the captions below your face and export a captioned copy to Photos. Videos up to 2 minutes are free; CaptionAddr Pro covers up to 30 minutes.
Why talking-head videos need captions
In a talking-head video the words are the content. When the clip autoplays with the sound off, captions are the only way viewers know what you’re saying, and one word at a time, timed to your voice, keeps their eyes on the screen. Captions also help viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
CaptionAddr burns the captions into the picture, so the same exported copy works in every app.
Caption a vlog on iPhone
- Choose the video. Tap Select Video in CaptionAddr and pick your clip with Apple’s Photos picker. Vertical, square and landscape videos all work.
- Let the captions generate. Captions start as soon as the video opens; keep the app open; your English speech is transcribed on your iPhone, not on a server.
- Fix the words. In Edit Captions, correct names, places and slang, and delete filler words such as “um” if you prefer. Undo and redo are there if you change your mind.
- Pick a style. Choose one of the 20 fonts and a size that reads on a phone. Turn on the tinted background if you film against a bright or busy background.
- Place the captions. Drag the captions below your chin or into empty space, so they don’t cover your face or your hands.
- Export and post. Tap Export Video to save the captioned copy to Photos, then upload it to TikTok, Reels, Shorts or any other app.
Tips for talking-head captions
- Use a microphone if you can. A clip-on or close microphone gives cleaner audio and more accurate captions, especially outdoors.
- Keep music quiet. Background music under your voice can cause missed words; add it at a low level or after captioning.
- Leave room for the app’s buttons. On vertical feeds, keep captions away from the bottom edge and the right-hand buttons.
- Keep your original. CaptionAddr exports a new copy and leaves the original in your library.
Limits
- English only. CaptionAddr transcribes English speech and doesn’t translate.
- Style controls. You choose the font, size, tinted background and position. Captions are always white uppercase text with a dark outline; there are no color controls.
- Single-word captions. Words appear one at a time, timed automatically; full-sentence layouts and manual per-word timing aren’t available.
- Length. Free covers videos up to 2 minutes; CaptionAddr Pro covers up to 30 minutes. The App Store shows the current Pro price in your currency.
- Burned-in captions only. There is no SRT, VTT or text export, and the app doesn’t post to social platforms.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add captions to a vlog on iPhone?
Open the clip in CaptionAddr, generate captions on your iPhone, fix any word in Edit Captions, choose a font and size, drag the captions into place and export a captioned copy to Photos.
Can I remove filler words from the captions?
Yes. In Edit Captions you can delete words such as “um” and “uh” from the captions. The audio itself doesn’t change.
Will captions cover my face?
Not if you move them. Drag the captions anywhere on the preview, for example just below your chin or into empty space beside you.
Is there a watermark on the captioned vlog?
No watermark is required. A small CaptionAddr watermark is optional and off unless you turn it on.
Does it work for landscape vlogs?
Yes. CaptionAddr works with vertical, square and landscape videos, and keeps the original shape when it exports.