Adding subtitles to Instagram videos isn’t just about accessibility — it’s also a way to boost engagement and keep viewers watching. Many people scroll through Instagram with the sound off, so captions ensure your message gets across no matter what.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- The best apps for adding subtitles to Instagram videos
- Whether you need AI-generated captions, customizable styles…
- Or quick, one-tap solutions.
Disambiguation: This isn’t about post captions/descriptions, but rather about subtitles which you’re adding on top of videos or IG Stories or other videos.
Why Use an Instagram Subtitling App?
The #1 reason to use an Instagram video subtitling app is because most people scroll with sound off.
No subtitles? They skip. Simple.
Adding subtitles makes sure they understand your video instantly — so they stay longer, engage more, and boost your reach.
1. More People Actually Watch
Most people scroll with sound off. If your video has no subtitles, they won’t know what’s going on and will skip. Subtitles keep them watching longer.
2. Higher Engagement, More Views
Videos with subtitles get more likes, shares, and comments. More engagement tells Instagram’s algorithm to push your content to more people, giving you extra reach.
3. Makes Your Content Look Pro
Well-designed subtitles make your videos look polished and easier to follow.
A good subtitling app lets you add custom fonts, colors, and animations so your content stands out.
Top 7 Apps for Adding Subtitles to Instagram Videos
Currently, SendShort and Instagram’s own captioning feature are the best tools that help you add captions to Instagram Reels and other videos.
- SendShort → Best because it’s designed for Instagram.
- Instagram’s Feature → Best for overlay captions, not subtitles.
- VEED → Best for horizontal (long-form) videos.
- Captions → Best for static captions.
- Adobe Premiere Pro → Best for experienced video editors.
- Kapwing → Best for quick edits.
- Filmora → Best for more complex edits.
Let’s break down each of the best captioning software.
1. SendShort
SendShort is an AI-powered video editing tool designed for automating short-form content creation. It helps users generate captions, repurpose long videos, and enhance engagement with AI-driven edits.
It’s optimized for Instagram Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts, making video production faster and easier.
With features like auto-subtitles, smart B-roll, and AI-based formatting, SendShort simplifies content creation while keeping videos dynamic and engaging.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Captions designed for Instagram | Free version includes a watermark. |
| Generates faceless Reels | Limited to editing short-form videos only. |
| Automatically adds colorful subtitles and smooth transitions. | |
| Works for Stories & Reels | |
| Has many captions styles (designs) |
Top Features
- Automatic conversion of long videos into short clips.
- Faceless video generation for faster, efficient content creation.
- Quick export options to popular short-form platforms.
- AI-driven trimming and editing suggestions to enhance workflows.
Pricing
- Free plan available.
- Paid plans range from $15 to $59 per month.
2. Instagram Feature
Instagram’s subtitling feature automatically generates captions for videos posted as Reels, Stories, and video posts. It uses speech recognition to transcribe spoken words into on-screen text, improving accessibility and engagement.
While convenient, the feature has limited customization for fonts, colors, and placement.
For more control and eye-catching captions, many creators use external tools like SendShort to enhance their videos before uploading.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatically generates captions for videos. | Limited customization options for captions. |
| Helps make videos more accessible to a wider audience. | Captions can occasionally be inaccurate. |
| Saves time by eliminating manual captioning. | Only available within Instagram’s platform. |
Top Features
- Automatic caption generation for video content.
- Enhances video accessibility for viewers with hearing impairments.
- Saves time by auto-generating captions.
- Captions can be toggled on or off by viewers.
Pricing: Free feature within Instagram.
3. VEED
VEED is an online video editing tool with AI-powered features like auto-subtitles, background removal, and text-to-speech. It’s designed for quick and easy content creation without advanced editing skills.
It’s popular for making Instagram Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts, offering drag-and-drop editing, AI enhancements, and video templates to streamline the process.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly and intuitive interface. | Limited editing features in the free version. |
| Enables real-time collaboration for team editing. | Free version includes watermarked videos. |
| Supports a wide variety of video formats. |
Key Features
- Real-time collaboration for seamless team projects.
- Automatic generation and translation of subtitles.
- Variety of templates for quick and easy video creation.
- Supports multiple video formats and resolutions.
Pricing
- Free plan available.
- Paid plans start at $18 per month.
4. Captions.ai
Captions.ai is an AI-powered tool that automatically generates captions, subtitles, and voiceovers for videos.
It helps creators make content more engaging and accessible with accurate speech-to-text transcription and customizable captions.
It’s widely used for Instagram Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts, offering features like AI voice cloning, automatic translations, and audio enhancement to improve video quality and reach.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatic caption generation with high accuracy. | Free version includes a watermark on videos. |
| Supports real-time translation into multiple languages. | Limited customization options for captions in the free version. |
| Easy-to-use interface with quick export options. | Requires an internet connection for use. |
Features
- AI-powered automatic caption generation.
- Real-time translation for multilingual captions.
- Customizable font, color, and size for captions.
Pricing: Starting at $9.99/month.
5. Adobe Premiere Pro
Premiere Pro is a professional video editing software by Adobe, used for high-quality video production. It offers advanced editing tools, color grading, motion graphics, and AI-powered features for precise and detailed editing.
It’s popular among filmmakers, YouTubers, and content creators, but has a steeper learning curve compared to online editors.
While powerful, it requires manual editing for subtitles, making tools like SendShort a faster alternative for auto-captioning short-form videos.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Industry-standard software used by professionals. | Steep learning curve for beginners. |
| Extensive range of advanced editing tools and features. | Requires a subscription, which can be costly. |
| Supports high-resolution video editing up to 8K. | Can be resource-intensive, requiring a powerful computer. |
Features:
- Multi-track editing for complex projects.
- Advanced color grading and correction tools.
- Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
- AI-powered features like Auto Reframe and Scene Edit Detection.
Pricing:
- Free Trial for 7 days.
- Paid plans starting at $22.99/mo.
6. Kapwing
Kapwing is an online video editor with AI-powered tools for captions, resizing, and quick editing. It allows users to trim videos, add subtitles, generate AI voiceovers, and use templates for fast content creation.
It’s widely used for Instagram Reels, TikToks, and YouTube Shorts, offering a simple drag-and-drop interface that makes video editing accessible without advanced skills.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels. | Free version includes a watermark on exported videos. |
| Supports real-time collaborative editing. | Limited export quality options in the free plan. |
| Wide range of editing tools and templates. | Some advanced features require a paid subscription. |
Features
- Extensive library of video templates for quick editing.
- AI-powered tools for automatic subtitle generation.
- Supports various media formats for versatile editing.
- Collaborative editing features for team projects.
Pricing
- Free plan available.
- Paid plans start at $16/month.
7. Filmora
Filmora is a beginner-friendly video editing software by Wondershare, offering drag-and-drop editing, effects, and AI-powered tools. It includes features like auto-subtitles, motion tracking, and green screen support, making it easy to create professional-looking videos.
It’s commonly used for YouTube videos, Instagram Reels, and TikToks, providing pre-made templates, transitions, and music to simplify the editing process.
Filmora is a good choice for those who want more control than mobile apps but without the complexity of Premiere Pro.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| User-friendly interface, great for beginners. | Free version exports videos with a watermark. |
| Wide range of effects, transitions, and filters. | Limited features in the free version. |
| Supports 4K video editing and exporting. | Some advanced tools require a paid subscription. |
Features
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface.
- Extensive library of effects, transitions, and filters.
- 4K video editing and exporting capabilities.
- Built-in audio editing tools and royalty-free music.
Pricing:
- Free to download
- Paid plans starting at $49.99/year
How to Choosing the Best Instagram Captioning App
If captions don’t sync properly, they distract instead of help.
A good app ensures every word pops up exactly when it’s spoken—no delays, no awkward mistiming—so your videos feel smooth and natural.
1. Auto-Timing That Matches Speech Perfectly
Some apps throw captions on the screen with bad timing, making them hard to read.
A good Instagram captioning app syncs text to speech automatically, so every word appears at the right moment without manual adjustments.
2. Built-In Trending Styles
Plain captions are boring.
The best apps offer pre-set styles that match viral trends—like bold pop-up words, emojis, or fast-paced text effects—so your videos feel fresh and engaging.
3. Exports Without Losing Video Quality
Some apps reduce video quality when adding captions.
A good one keeps everything crisp and clear, ensuring your Instagram Reels still look sharp and professional after processing.
FAQ: Instagram Captioning Software
1. What is the best tool for Instagram captions?
Answer: SendShort is the best tool for Instagram captions, which helps create engaging subtitles automatically and allows for easy customization to enhance your posts.
2. What is the best app for Instagram caption spacing?
Answer: The best app for Instagram caption spacing is SendShort, which allows you to format and space your captions easily, ensuring they look great in your posts.
3. What is the best caption app for Instagram Reels?
Answer: The best caption app for Instagram Reels is SendShort, which provides automated caption generation and customization to enhance your videos effectively.
Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort
About the author
David leads the editing team at SendShort. With this help, the team delivers the latest guides on using your favorite social media apps and creating short-form content.
