Updated 2026-06-28

How to Add Subtitles to a Video on iPhone

By the iPhone Captions editorial team · Updated 2026-06-28

iPhone has no single built-in button to transcribe and add subtitles to a video, so you pick one of three routes depending on whether you want it free, styled, offline, or watermark-free. Here's each, with exact steps.

How do I add subtitles to a video on my iPhone?

iPhone can't auto-transcribe and burn captions into an existing video on its own. Use an app: import the clip, let it transcribe the speech, fix any wrong words, then export a new video with the subtitles baked in. Apple's free Clips app does this for videos you record; a dedicated app like Subly adds it to any video, fully on-device and without a watermark.

The three ways, and when to use each

Apple Clips (free): best if you're recording the video now and just want quick auto-captions. Live Titles caption your speech as you record. Limited styles, no SRT file.
The platform's own tool: Instagram, TikTok and YouTube each have a built-in auto-caption feature. Free, but online-only, locked to that app, and lightly styled.
A dedicated captioning app: best when you want control — custom style, word-by-word animation, an SRT export, or captioning that works offline and exports with no watermark.

Add subtitles to any video with an app

This is the route most people want, because it works on any clip already in your Camera Roll and gives you a clean, styled export. Using Subly:

Import your clip. Open the app and pick the video from your Photos library.
Auto-transcribe. Tap to generate captions — Subly transcribes the speech on-device, so nothing uploads and it works even in airplane mode.
Fix and style. Correct any misheard words, then choose a caption style (size, font, position, or word-by-word highlight).
Export. Save the finished video with captions burned in — no watermark — and, if you need it, an SRT/VTT file too.

Doesn't iMovie or Photos do this?

Not really. The Photos app has no captioning feature. iMovie lets you place text titles over a video by hand, but it won't transcribe speech, so you'd type and time every line yourself — fine for one title, painful for real subtitles. For spoken-word captions you want a tool that transcribes for you.

Want it for Reels, TikTok or Shorts specifically? Caption in an app first, then upload — you keep your own style and avoid the platform's watermark and re-compression.

Frequently asked questions

Can I add subtitles to a video in the Photos app?

No. The iPhone Photos app can trim and adjust video but has no caption or subtitle feature. You need a captioning app or your social platform's built-in tool.

Does iMovie add subtitles automatically?

No. iMovie only adds manual text titles you type and position yourself — it doesn't transcribe speech. For automatic subtitles, use an app that transcribes, like Subly, or Apple's Clips for videos you record.

Is there a free way to add captions on iPhone?

Yes — Apple's free Clips app auto-captions videos you record with Live Titles, and Instagram/TikTok/YouTube each caption automatically inside their app. A paid app is worth it when you want offline use, no watermark, custom style or an SRT export.

Written for iPhone users. App features and iOS steps can change between versions — check the latest before you rely on them. How we test & our sources →