How to add captions to TikTok videos

Option 1: TikTok’s built-in auto captions

TikTok can generate captions while you edit a post. They’re quick, but they all look the same, viewers can switch them off, and they only exist inside TikTok.

1. 1Record or upload your video in the TikTok app and tap Next to open the editor.
2. 2Tap Captions in the toolbar on the right. TikTok transcribes your speech.
3. 3Tap the pencil icon to fix wrong words, then tap Save.
4. 4Post as usual.

Menu names can change slightly between app versions, but the captions option always lives in the editing screen.

Option 2: Burned-in, animated captions

Burned-in captions are part of the video itself. You choose the font, colors and animation, they always show – even when the video is downloaded or reposted to Reels or Shorts – and they can highlight each word as it’s spoken, the style most big creators use.

1. 1Open the TikTok caption generator on your phone or computer.
2. 2Upload your video. HeyCaptions transcribes it and times every word automatically.
3. 3Pick a style such as Viral, Bold or Karaoke and check the text in the Text tab.
4. 4Tap Download, then Download video, and save the MP4.
5. 5Upload the captioned video to TikTok. Leave TikTok’s own captions off so the text doesn’t appear twice.

Which option should you use?

• TikTok captions are fine for quick, casual posts where looks don’t matter.
• Burned-in captions are better when you want a consistent style, word highlights, or plan to repost the video on other platforms.
• Captions that appear exactly with the voice – word by word – keep attention best. That needs word-level timing, which HeyCaptions does automatically.

Tips for TikTok captions that perform

• Keep it short: 1–3 words at a time is easy to read on a phone and feels energetic.
• Place captions slightly below the middle of the frame. The bottom of the screen is covered by the description and the right edge by the buttons.
• Use big, bold text with a dark outline so it stays readable on any background.
• Highlight one key word per line with a color – it guides the eye and adds emphasis.
• Always proofread names, brands and numbers before posting.

Want the full checklist? Read our caption best practices.