So you want to add captions to your videos, but you’re not sure how to design them.
In this guide, I’ll teach you how to style captions to get the most engagement.
Related Guide: Best video captioning apps.
How to Style Your Video Captions
Best Way: Style your video captions by using readable fonts, contrasting colors, and concise text.
AI tools like SendShort can help you do automate this.
1. Fonts
Keep your fonts simple and easy to read, especially on small screens. Avoid overly decorative fonts that can distract viewers.
- Use Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica.
- Ensure text size is large enough for mobile viewing.
2. Colors
Make sure your captions stand out by using high-contrast color combinations. This enhances visibility and keeps your text readable.
- Use light text on dark backgrounds, or vice versa.
- Avoid clashing colors like red on green or blue on black.
3. Length
Captions should be short and direct. Overloading your video with text can overwhelm the viewer.
- Limit captions to one or two lines.
- Avoid lengthy sentences or unnecessary details.
4. Highlights
Use bold or italics to highlight key phrases or important points. This draws attention to the most relevant information.
- Bold action words or instructions.
- Italicize supporting details or softer tones.
5. Animations
Subtle animations can add interest to your captions, but too many can be distracting. Keep it minimal.
- Use fade-in or slide-in effects for emphasis.
- Avoid flashing text or fast-moving transitions.
6. Alighment
Proper alignment keeps your video captions looking professional. Centered or left-aligned text is easier to read.
- Use left-alignment for a clean, consistent look.
- Center-aligned text works well for dramatic emphasis.
7. Background
Adding a semi-transparent background to your captions can improve visibility without blocking important video content.
Here’s a subtle shadow as a background:
- Use black or white backgrounds at 50% opacity.
- Keep the background size tight to the text for a cleaner appearance.
FAQs
1. What fonts should I use for video captions?
Use simple, readable fonts like Arial or Helvetica for clarity.
2. How long should captions be?
Keep captions short, ideally one or two lines.
3. What colors work best for captions?
Use high-contrast color combinations like white text on dark backgrounds.
4. Should I add effects to captions?
Use subtle effects like fade-in or slide-in to highlight key moments.
Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort
