1 Why captions matter

Captions are not only beneficial for viewers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speak a different language. They can also improve the engagement, retention, and comprehension of your videos, especially on social media platforms where most people watch without sound. Captions can also help you rank higher on search engines and attract more traffic to your video portfolio website.

2 How to write captions

Writing captions for your videos is not as straightforward as transcribing the audio. You must take into account the tone, style, and format of your captions, as well as the context and purpose of your videos. To craft captions that fit your video portfolio, use language that is clear and concise, yet matches your voice and brand. Avoid jargon, slang, and acronyms that could befuddle your audience. Incorporate relevant keywords and phrases that explain your video content and skills. Employ punctuation, capitalization, and spacing to make your captions legible and easy to follow. Moreover, add emotions, expressions, and sound effects to convey the mood and atmosphere of your videos. Lastly, create captions that are creative and catchy; this will pique viewers’ interest and encourage them to watch more.

3 How to add captions

When it comes to adding captions to your videos, you have several options depending on the platform and tool you use. You can create your own captions with a software or app, or use an online service or platform that generates captions automatically or manually. For instance, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or iMovie are great video editing software or apps that allow you to create and edit captions within your project. Alternatively, services such as Rev, Kapwing, or Subly offer accurate and customized captions for your videos. Finally, some social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram have built-in captioning features or tools.

4 How to customize captions

To make your videos stand out, you need to customize your captions to fit your video style, theme, and audience. Consider choosing a font, color, and size that matches your video design and brand identity. You can also adjust the position, alignment, and timing of your captions to avoid covering important elements or distracting from your video content. Additionally, you can use different styles and effects to emphasize key points or create contrast and variety in your captions. Experiment with different types of captions, such as subtitles, lower thirds, titles, or annotations for a unique touch.

5 How to test captions

Before you publish your videos with captions, it is important to test them for accuracy, clarity, and consistency. This includes watching your videos with and without sound on various devices and browsers, as well as asking for feedback from peers, clients, or target audience. Additionally, tracking and analyzing the performance of your videos with captions can help you check engagement, retention, and conversion of your viewers.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?