How to Add Subtitles to Downloaded YouTube Video

YouTube is one of the most popular video sharing platforms in the world. Millions of videos are uploaded onto it every day. The good thing about YouTube is that you can watch any video you want without any limitations. However, there is no option to download YouTube videos. You can only watch the videos online. Sometimes, you may want to watch videos offline, or you may want to keep your favorite videos with you.

The good news is that there are various methods available to add subtitles to downloaded YouTube videos easily. In this article, we will discuss some of these methods that will help you add subtitles to your downloaded YouTube videos.

Video Tutorial:

What’s Needed

Before we move onto the methods, let’s first see what we need to add subtitles to downloaded YouTube videos:

1. A computer or a laptop
2. A downloaded video from YouTube
3. SRT files for the subtitles
4. A media player that supports subtitles (e.g., VLC media player)
5. Basic knowledge of computer and internet use

What Should I Pay Attention to?

Before you start adding subtitles to your downloaded YouTube videos, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

1. Make sure that the subtitles match the video.
2. Check the format of the video and the subtitle files. They should be the same.
3. Use reliable sources to download subtitle files.
4. Use a media player that supports subtitle files.
5. Always keep a backup of your original video and subtitle files.

Methods to Add Subtitles to Downloaded YouTube Videos

Method 1: VLC Media Player

VLC media player is a popular media player that supports subtitles. Follow the steps below to add subtitles to your downloaded YouTube videos using VLC media player:

Step 1:

Download and install VLC media player on your computer or laptop, if you have not already.

Step 2:

Open VLC media player and click on "Media" from the menu bar, then select "Open File" from the drop-down list.

Step 3:

Browse and select the downloaded video that you want to add subtitles to.

Step 4:

Click on "Subtitle" from the menu bar and then select "Add Subtitle File" from the drop-down list.

Step 5:

Browse and select the SRT file for the subtitles that you have downloaded.

Step 6:

The subtitles should now be added to the video. Check that the subtitles are synced with the video.

Pros:

1. VLC media player supports a variety of video and subtitle formats.
2. The player is free to download and use.
3. Subtitles can be added easily, and the synchronization of the subtitle with the video can also be adjusted.

Cons:

1. VLC media player can sometimes face issues in syncing the subtitles with the video.
2. The user interface may seem complicated to some users.

Method 2: 3Play Media

3Play Media is a web-based platform that provides captioning and subtitling services. Follow the steps below to use 3Play Media to add subtitles to your downloaded YouTube videos:

Step 1:

Go to the 3Play Media website and create a free account.

Step 2:

Upload your downloaded video to the platform.

Step 3:

Select the language of the video and choose the type of subtitle you want to generate.

Step 4:

Click on "Start" to generate the subtitles.

Step 5:

Download the SRT file for the generated subtitles and add it to your downloaded video using a media player that supports subtitles.

Pros:

1. 3Play Media provides high quality and accurate subtitles.
2. Multiple language options are available.
3. The platform is user-friendly and easy to use.

Cons:

1. 3Play Media charges a fee for their services.
2. The generated subtitles may not match the video in some cases.

Method 3: Online Subtitle Adder

There are many websites available that offer the option to add subtitles to downloaded YouTube videos. Follow the steps below to add subtitles using an online subtitle adder:

Step 1:

Go to a website that offers subtitle adding services.

Step 2:

Upload your downloaded video to the website.

Step 3:

Upload the SRT file for the subtitles that you have downloaded.

Step 4:

Click on "Start" to add the subtitles to the video.

Step 5:

Download the video with the added subtitles.

Pros:

1. Online subtitle adders are free to use.
2. User-friendly and easy to use.
3. Multiple subtitle formats are available.

Cons:

1. The quality of the subtitles may not be good.
2. The website may show ads or offer paid services.

Why Can’t I Add Subtitles to Downloaded YouTube Videos?

Some common reasons why users may not be able to add subtitles to downloaded YouTube videos are:

1. The video format is not compatible with the subtitle format.
2. The subtitle file is not synchronized with the video.
3. The media player being used does not support subtitles.
4. The subtitle file is corrupted.

Fixes:

1. Convert the video format to a compatible format.
2. Adjust the synchronization of the subtitle file with the video.
3. Use a media player that supports subtitle files (e.g., VLC media player).
4. Download the subtitle file again from a reliable source.

Suggestions

1. Always download videos from reliable sources.
2. Check the compatibility of the video format and the subtitle format before adding subtitles.
3. Use a media player that supports subtitle files.
4. Keep a backup of the original video and subtitle files.
5. Use accurate and reliable subtitle sources.

FAQs

Q: How do I create SRT files?

A: SRT files can be created through various software or online subtitle generators. You can add text to the file according to the time codes.

Q: Can I change the font size and style of the subtitles?

A: Yes, you can change the font size and style of the subtitles using media player settings or subtitle editor software.

Q: Are there any free web-based platforms that I can use to add subtitles to downloaded YouTube videos?

A: Yes, 3Play Media, Kapwing, and Subtitle Horse are some of the free web-based platforms that can be used to add subtitles to downloaded YouTube videos.

Q: How accurate are online subtitle adders?

A: The accuracy of online subtitle adders depends on the quality of the generated subtitles. Sometimes, the subtitles may not be accurate due to errors in speech recognition or transcription.

Q: Can I add multiple subtitle files to one video?

A: Yes, multiple subtitle files can be added to a video using a media player that supports the feature.

Conclusion

Adding subtitles to downloaded YouTube videos is an easy task if you have the right tools and knowledge. You can either use media player software like VLC or use web-based platforms like 3Play Media to add subtitles to your videos. Always keep in mind the compatibility of the formats and the accuracy of the subtitles to ensure the best viewing experience.