YouTube is one of the most popular video-sharing platforms online, with millions of users worldwide. However, not all videos on the platform come with subtitles, which can be a hindrance for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Fortunately, YouTube has made it easy for users to turn on and customize subtitles for videos that support them.
To turn on subtitles on a YouTube video, users can click on the CC icon in the bottom right corner of the video player. This will bring up a list of available subtitles for the video, which can be selected by clicking on the language option. Users can also customize the subtitles by changing the font, size, and color of the text.
Customizing subtitles can be particularly helpful for users who have trouble reading small or poorly-contrasted text. By adjusting the font, size, and color of subtitles, users can make them easier to read and more comfortable to watch. Overall, turning on and customizing subtitles on YouTube is a simple process that can greatly enhance the viewing experience for users who rely on them.
Understanding YouTube Subtitles
YouTube subtitles are captions that appear on the video screen. They are used to provide a written version of the audio content of the video. Subtitles can be turned on and off by the viewer and can be customized to meet their preferences.
How to Turn on YouTube Subtitles
To turn on YouTube subtitles, click on the “CC” button located at the bottom of the video player. This will enable the subtitles, and the viewer can then choose from the available language options.
How to Customize YouTube Subtitles
YouTube subtitles can be customized to meet the viewer’s preferences by changing the font, color, size, background color, and opacity. To customize the subtitles, follow these steps:
- Click on the “CC” button located at the bottom of the video player.
- Click on the gear icon located next to the “CC” button.
- Click on the “Subtitles/CC” tab.
- Click on the “Options” button.
- Customize the subtitles by changing the font, color, size, background color, and opacity.
Viewers can also adjust the timing of the subtitles if they are not synchronized with the audio content. This can be done by clicking on the “Subtitles/CC” tab and adjusting the timing using the “Delay” option.
Overall, YouTube subtitles are a useful tool for viewers who want to enjoy video content in a language they are not familiar with or who have hearing impairments. By customizing the subtitles, viewers can enhance their viewing experience and make it more enjoyable.
How to Turn On YouTube Subtitles
YouTube provides various options to turn on subtitles for videos. Subtitles can be official, community-contributed, or auto-translated captions. Here are the steps to turn on subtitles on YouTube:
On Computer
- Open the YouTube video you want to watch.
- Click on the “CC” button located at the bottom right corner of the video player.
- If subtitles are available, they will appear on the video.
On Mobile Devices
- Open the YouTube app on your mobile device.
- Play the video you want to watch.
- Tap on the “three vertical dots” icon located at the top right corner of the video player.
- Tap on “Captions” from the menu.
- Select the language you want to use for subtitles.
Customizing Subtitles On YouTube
YouTube also allows users to customize subtitles according to their preferences. Here are the steps to customize subtitles:
- Click on the “CC” button located at the bottom right corner of the video player.
- Click on the “Settings” icon located next to the “CC” button.
- Customize the font, color, opacity, size, background color, opacity, and window color.
- Click on “Save” to save the changes.
Note: Customizing the subtitle settings will apply to all videos on YouTube.
By following these simple steps, users can turn on and customize subtitles on YouTube according to their preferences.
Customizing Subtitle Appearance On YouTube
Customizing the appearance of subtitles on YouTube can enhance the viewing experience and make them easier to read. Here are some ways to customize subtitle appearance on YouTube:
- Font Style: YouTube offers a variety of font options that can be selected through their Creator Studio dashboard. Users can choose from a range of fonts to suit their preferences and make subtitles more readable.
- Font Size: Users can also adjust the font size of subtitles to make them larger or smaller. This can be done through the Subtitles/CC tab in the Settings gear icon.
- Font Color: Users can change the color of subtitles to make them stand out more or blend in with the video. This can be done through the Subtitles/CC tab in the Settings gear icon.
- Background Color: Users can also change the background color of subtitles to make them easier to read against different video backgrounds. This can be done through the Subtitles/CC tab in the Settings gear icon.
- Positioning: Users can choose where subtitles appear on the screen, either at the top or bottom, or in the center. This can be done through the Subtitles/CC tab in the Settings gear icon.
By customizing subtitle appearance, users can make subtitles more accessible and enjoyable to watch.
Changing Subtitle Language on YouTube
To change the language of subtitles on YouTube, follow these steps:
- Open the YouTube video that you want to watch.
- Click the CC icon in the bottom right corner of the video player.
- Click the Settings gear icon.
- Select the Subtitles/CC tab.
On this tab, you can customize the following settings:
- Language: Choose the language you want the subtitles to appear in.
- Font size: Increase or decrease the font size of the subtitles.
- Font style: Choose from a variety of font styles for the subtitles.
- Background opacity: Adjust the opacity of the background behind the subtitles.
- Window color: Choose a custom color for the background behind the subtitles.
- Text color: Choose a custom color for the subtitles themselves.
Once you have made your desired changes, click “Save” to apply the changes to the video you are watching. These settings will be saved for future videos that you watch on YouTube.
It is important to note that not all videos on YouTube have subtitles available in all languages. If the language you want is not available, you may need to search for a different video with subtitles in your desired language.
How to Upload Your Own Subtitles on YouTube
If the video you want to watch doesn’t have subtitles, you can upload your own. Here’s how:
- Go to the video you want to add subtitles to.
- Click on the three dots button below the video player.
- Click on “Add translations”.
- Select the language you want to translate the video to.
- Click on “Upload a file”.
- Choose the subtitle file you want to upload. The file must be in one of the following formats: .srt, .sbv, .sub, .ass, .vtt, .dfxp.
- Click on “Publish”.
Once your subtitles have been uploaded, they will be reviewed by YouTube before they are published. This process usually takes a few hours, but it can take longer if there are a lot of submissions.
If your subtitles are approved, they will be visible to everyone who watches the video. If they are not approved, you will receive an email explaining why.
It’s important to note that uploading subtitles that contain inappropriate content or violate YouTube’s community guidelines can result in your account being suspended or terminated. So make sure your subtitles are appropriate and follow the guidelines.
Troubleshooting Common Subtitle Issues
Despite its usefulness, subtitles can sometimes cause issues. Here are some common problems that users might encounter and how to fix them.
Subtitles Not Showing Up
If subtitles are not appearing on a video, first check if the video has subtitles available. If it does, make sure that the subtitles are turned on. To turn on subtitles, click on the “Subtitles/CC” button located at the bottom right corner of the video player. If subtitles still do not appear, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache.
Subtitles Out of Sync
Sometimes subtitles can be out of sync with the video. This can be caused by a number of factors such as incorrect timing or a delay in the internet connection. To fix this issue, try reloading the video or restarting your device. If the issue persists, try adjusting the subtitle delay. This can be done by clicking on the “Subtitles/CC” button and selecting “Options” followed by “Subtitle offset”. Adjust the timing until the subtitles are synced with the video.
Subtitles Not Displaying Correctly
If subtitles are not displaying correctly, it could be due to an issue with the subtitle file. Check if the subtitle file is in the correct format and encoding. Subtitle files should be in the .srt format and encoded in UTF-8. If the file is in a different format or encoding, convert it to the correct format using a subtitle converter tool. Additionally, make sure that the subtitle file is named correctly and is in the same folder as the video file.
Subtitles Cut Off
If subtitles are cut off or truncated, it could be due to the length of the text or the font size. To fix this issue, try adjusting the font size or reducing the length of the text. This can be done by clicking on the “Subtitles/CC” button and selecting “Options” followed by “Font size”. Adjust the font size until the subtitles fit on the screen properly.
By following these troubleshooting tips, users can fix common subtitle issues and enjoy a seamless viewing experience.
Tips and Tricks for YouTube Subtitles
Customizing subtitles on YouTube can be a great way to make the viewing experience more accessible and enjoyable. Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of YouTube subtitles:
- Use the automatic captioning feature: YouTube has an automatic captioning feature that can provide captions for videos in many languages. While the accuracy of these captions can vary, they can be a great starting point for customizing your subtitles.
- Edit captions for accuracy: If you find that the automatic captions are not accurate enough, you can edit them manually. Simply go to the Subtitles/CC tab in YouTube Studio, select the video you want to edit, and click on the pencil icon next to the caption track you want to edit. You can then make changes to the captions and save your changes.
- Use the caption timing feature: If you want to add captions to a video that doesn’t have any, you can use the caption timing feature in YouTube Studio. This feature allows you to add captions to a video by timing them to match the audio. To use this feature, simply go to the Subtitles/CC tab in YouTube Studio, select the video you want to add captions to, and click on the Add button next to the caption track you want to add.
- Customize the appearance of subtitles: YouTube allows you to customize the appearance of subtitles to make them more readable and visually appealing. You can change the font, color, and size of the subtitles, as well as the background color and opacity. To customize the appearance of subtitles, click on the CC button in the video player, then click on the Settings icon and select Subtitles/CC.
By using these tips and tricks, you can make the most out of YouTube subtitles and improve the viewing experience for yourself and others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I customize the appearance of subtitles on YouTube?
To customize the appearance of subtitles on YouTube, follow these steps:
- Click on the settings icon in the bottom right corner of the video player.
- Click on “Subtitles/CC”.
- Click on “Options”.
- Customize the font, color, opacity, size, background color, opacity, window color, opacity, and character edge style.
Why are subtitles not available on some YouTube videos?
Subtitles may not be available on some YouTube videos if the video creator has not added them. Additionally, if the video is in a language that YouTube does not support for automatic captions, subtitles may not be available.
How can I turn off auto-generated captions on the YouTube app?
To turn off auto-generated captions on the YouTube app, follow these steps:
- Open the YouTube app.
- Play a video.
- Tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the video player.
- Tap “Captions”.
- Tap “Off”.
How do I change the size of captions on the YouTube app?
To change the size of captions on the YouTube app, follow these steps:
- Open the YouTube app.
- Play a video.
- Tap the three dots in the upper right corner of the video player.
- Tap “Captions”.
- Tap “Settings”.
- Adjust the font size slider to the desired size.
Is it possible to turn on auto-generated subtitles on YouTube?
Yes, it is possible to turn on auto-generated subtitles on YouTube. To turn on auto-generated subtitles, follow these steps:
- Click on the settings icon in the bottom right corner of the video player.
- Click on “Subtitles/CC”.
- Click on “Auto-translate”.
- Select the language you want the subtitles to be translated to.
