Guide to Embedding On-Screen Text on YouTube Clips

How to Add Text to YouTube Video Before or After Uploading

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

A great way to emphasize something you say in your vlog is to have your words appear next to you as you say them . Adding text to YouTube videos can look really professional. You might put a title at the beginning of your video, use bullet points to help people keep track of your monologue, or to highlight an important point by writing it on your screen. When you use text in your videos there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this article, I will share with you 2 ways to add text/subtitles/captions to YouTube videos, whether you need to add text to the video during editing and upload it to YouTube later, or you have uploaded the video to YouTube already and want to add some captions and subtitles to complement it.

Part 1: Add text to video before uploading YouTube
Part 2: Add Text to YouTube video after uploading
Part 3: Top 3 YouTube Video Text Tips

How to Add Text to YouTube Video Before Uploading

Before uploading the video to YouTube, it is recommended to add text to the video first. You can add simple texts and captions to videos with the free video editing software. To add more text effects to the video, you can use Filmora, Sony Vegas Movie Studio and Adobe Premiere CC based on your video editing skills and needs. These software programs are great video editors, which can help you input text easily.

1. Use Filmora

There are plenty of Text effects built in Filmora, you can apply motions and animation to texts, titles, subtitles, end credits and openers as well. Each title preset will present different effects. You can add multiple text boxes and place the text to any position in need. Besides writing texts to video, you can select the target font, size and color and customize the text effect in detail as well. To add text to a video in Filmora is easy, just follow the steps below:

Open up Filmora and drag a clip into your timeline. Then, go to Text/Credit.
Find a style that you like and drag it into your timeline where you want your text to appear. Make sure your text is selected in your timeline and click the Advanced Text Editing icon, which looks like a pen and paper.
Insert your own words and drag your text to where you want it on the screen. Adjust the size by dragging the blue squares which surround your text.
To change the color of your text, go into the Customize menu. You will find it near the top left of your screen. While you are in Customize there will be a section called Fill. This is where you select the color of your text. You can even change the fill type to ‘gradient fill’ and have your text transition between two colors.
All of Filmora’s text options are animated – they fade, move around the screen, or perform some other type of action as they appear and disappear. To change the animation of your text select Animation next to Customize. A selection of different animations will appear. Double click on the one you want to apply to your text.

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Check the detailed steps of how to add text to video in Filmora.

2. Use Windows Movie Maker

As a simple video editing software, Windows Movie Maker also allows you to add text to videos. It provides 3 different options for you to add Title, Caption and Credits to the YouTube videos. You can follow the steps below to add text to the video in WMM.

To start, launch the Windows Movie Maker.
After, select import video to insert the video that you want to add text with.
Select edit movie then click make credits or titles.
Then add the text that you want to include.

For the step by step tutorial of adding text to YouTube video, check How to Add Text to Video with Windows Movie Maker . Besides adding text to video, you can use Windows Movie Maker to edit YouTube video further. Learn How to trim, cut, combine, split video and add transitions and upload video to YouTube in Windows Movie Maker?

3. Use Sony Vegas Movie Studio

Adding text to YouTube videos in Sony Vegas is not so complicated if you are new to this software. You can adjust the color, size, font and duration of the text effect and add fade in and fade out effects. Follow the steps below to add texts to video in Vegas:

Launch Sony Vegas Movie Studio.
Click the View Menu then select Media Generators.
Choose the generator that you want to use.
After, drag the generator you have chosen on the timeline.
Then, the video event FX dialogue box will appear.
Enter the text that you want and modify it by changing the font, size and style.

4. Use Adobe Premiere CC

For professionals who are looking for a professional way to adding text to video and also have a sufficient budget, Adobe Premiere CC is always recommended. You can check the video and the steps below to add text to video in Premiere:

Click open or create a project.
Click the file menu then choose new and title.
After, the text window will appear then utilize the text tool to add text.
You can also edit your text using the commands that are provided in the Title Menu.
Save the text that you have made by clicking the file menu then choose Save As.

How to Add Text to video in YouTube after uploading

Sometimes, we have uploaded a video to YouTube and then want to add subtitles/cc to the video later. The good news is that YouTube is not only a site for videos but is also the place where you can edit your videos in an instant. As you have read, adding text and captions to the uploaded YouTube videos is just a breeze.

Of course, you can only add and edit texts and captions to the video under your YouTube account. Here are the steps on how you can add text to your videos with YouTube Video Editor after the video is uploaded.

Go to youtube.com then sign in to your account. After sign in your YouTube account, click your avatar and select Creator Studio to enter the creator studio interface.
Click the Video Manager tab and in Videos section you will see all your videos uploaded to YouTube. Select the video that you want to add captions to and then select Subtitles/CC after clicking Edit button.
Add Captions/Subtitles

While YouTube may have already created the subtitles automatically for your video with its speech recognition technology. If it does, you will see something like Published: English (Automatic) to the right of your video. If the automatically generated subtitles is not correct, you can edit it to improve the accuracy. Select the line that needs modification to make the edits.

If there is no auto-subtitles, you can choose from 3 ways to add subtitles and closed captions to the video: Upload a file, Transcribe and auto-sync and create new subtitles or CC.

Upload a file: upload a text transcript or timed subtitles file.

Transcribe and auto-sync: Type or paste in a full transcript of the video and subtitle timings will be set automatically.

Create new subtitles or CC: Create subtitles and closed captions by typing them in as you watch the video.

If you already have a caption file which contains both text and time codes, just click Upload a file and upload the text to the video.

Once everything is okay, you can change the name of the video and you can do it in the box beside Project.

Cons of Using YouTube Video Editor

When you make use of this editor, you cannot shorten the clips for music. Moreover, since it is an online editor, you need to refresh the page in order to do the changes. Aside from YouTube Video Editor, you can use Adobe Premier Pro, MAGIX Vegas Pro, OpenShot and Avidemux.

From 20th September 2017 users will no longer be able to use the complementary editing suite. Check the best YouTube video editor alternatives from this complete guide to find out more YouTube video editor alternatives if you want to add text to video with more features and customization.

Top 3 Tips for Adding Text to YouTube Videos

1. Leave Room

If you know you are going to add text to your video then make sure you leave room for it in your frame. Consider standing off to one side instead of directly in front of your camera. You do not want to have to choose between not using text, making your text really small, or placing it over your face.

While planning out your frame and leaving room for your text, consider what color you are going to make the words and whether it will stand out and look good against your background.

2. Bigger is Better

People should be able to read your text without putting in any extra effort, such as straining their eyes to make out small words. If it takes effort to read your text then a lot of people will just ignore it. Your text should be big enough that somebody watching your video on their smartphone screen – where everything is shrunk down – can read it easily.

It is easier to make your text larger when you stick to titles, keywords, and short sentences.

3. Do Not Overuse

Text is a great tool for making something stand out. However, if you try to use text to emphasize too much of what you say it will lose its effect. Text does not stand out anymore once viewers get too used to seeing it. Too much text can even get annoying and cause people to click away from your videos.

Try to use text to emphasize only the most important things you say.

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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Create High Quality YouTube Video - Wondershare Filmora

An easy and powerful YouTube video editor

Numerous video and audio effects to choose from

Detailed tutorials provided by the official channel

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The entertainment industry is continually taking the world by storm. Lots of improvements are on the rise, especially online. Several apps are now at your fingertip, and you can access lots of videos and music right from your mobile phone. The social media platform has made it easy for millions of users to access information from other creators and editors. From Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and the new kid in the block YouTube Shorts. And being that YouTube streaming service already harbors many users, Shorts has just come at the right time, with ready users at hand. Additionally, YouTube shorts music will spice up your listening experience like never before.

What are YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts is an app feature in YouTube that was introduced in 2020. It has so far rolled out in more than 100 countries. It enables both artists and creators to compose short videos to express any feeling. It could be for entertainment or educational purposes. However, the videos are short, not exceeding 60 seconds, with a default length of 15 seconds. You also have the option to record your videos with music to add value to your video.

YouTube Shorts has two main features; a platform to watch short videos and a tool you can use to compose your own short-form videos. To watch the clip, just go to the “Homepage” and find several thumbnails for popular Shorts. Then click on a video and land on the vertical video player to watch the video. Likewise, you can use the thumbs up or down to like or dislike the video. Additionally, you can pause the video and post a comment or share the Shorts with other fans.

Which role does music play in YouTube Shorts?

Music is always soothing to the soul. And using YouTube shorts music is a quick way to boost your video performance. Check below the importance of using music in your Shorts.

- Generates important emotions

Music creates a good mood, giving your audience a positive feeling towards your YouTube Shorts. Any sound will touch the listener, making the videos more interesting and beautiful.

- Music is memorable

If you use a particular tune, then there is a way your listeners will think directly of you when they hear the tune. It gives more value to the Shorts. Choosing the right music for your Shorts video is also important .

- Music represents who you are

You may put across your message via Shorts but adding some music will help the viewer directly imagine your identity.

- For effective message

Music can stimulate actions, causing immediate attraction to the listener. Use YouTube Shorts music to emphasize the overall story.

YouTube Shorts Music - Things You Need to Know

1. How to add music to your YouTube Shorts video?

As a creator, it is ideal to know how to add music to your YouTube Shorts video. Follow these steps to add music using the YouTube Shorts creator tool camera.

Step 1. First, select the Shorts video that you want to add music to.

Step 2. Then click on the “YouTube Shorts creator camera” tool.

Step 3. You’ll then be directed to your camera where you’ll find the “Add Music” option.

Step 4. Then find a “Library of songs” from popular artists that you can use. Select the song you wish to use.

Step 5. Finally, tap the “Use This Sound” option found at the bottom of the screen. Then just cue up what part of the song to use on your Shorts and go-ahead to record and upload the video.

2. The sources of music for YouTube Shorts?

You can use any music clip as long as it is not a copyrighted piece of music. Bellow are common sources where to find background music for YouTube Shorts video.

YouTube Audio Library: This is the first place to source YouTube Shorts music. YouTube is free and contains tons of free songs. You can sort your selection by duration, genre, instrument, mood, etc. To access music, go to the “Creator Studio” > “Create” > “Audio Library” and select which music to use.

Free Music Archive: This is another free site where you can discover an array of curated background music for any type of content. You’ll get more than 1,500 tracks at the tap of a button.

SoundCloud: SoundCloud streaming music service lets you use its “Creative Commons” music as long as you follow the guidelines that are laid down by the artist.

Converted music from your computer: You can also download and convert available songs from Spotify, Amazon Music, Tidal, among other streaming services. Just get a music converter tool that will remove encryption from the tracks to make it free for use forever.

3. How to extend music on YouTube Shorts?

Even though the typical duration for YouTube Shorts music is 15 seconds, you can make them longer up to 60 seconds. Just record multiple clips at 15 seconds intervals that add up to 60 seconds.

4. Can I use my own audio in YouTube Shorts?

Yes, you can use your audio in YouTube Shorts. Several converter apps are available for downloading and converting music to playable formats. Filmora is one available tool that will provide free music and let you edit your videos with minimal effort. More so, you can import and export your music in any format to make stunning YouTube Shorts videos.

Key Features of Filmora

Edit and export your videos at a high resolution of up to 4K
Use it to add animated messages from the titles and text library
Easily adjust the audio of each music track on your timeline
Add any mood with its royalty-free songs and sound effects to YouTube Shorts videos

How to add a music track to your video with Filmora

1. First, open up Filmora and go to “Project Settings” and select the “Change project aspect ratio” option.

2. From the aspect ratio, select “9:16” portrait.

3. Then set the resolution according to your preference.

4. Next, select the “Frame rate” according to your existing video that you wish to convert into Shorts. Hit the “OK” button to save the settings.

5. Drag and drop your footage onto the timeline. Ensure you keep the project settings.

6. You can add text or music to your footage. To add music, first, download music from YouTube or other sources into your computer.

7. Then click on the “Audio” option from the “Menu” bar and choose music that’s already available on your PC.

8. Next, import the music to the video. Just click on the “File” > “Import File” > “Import Video Files” option.

9. Click on the “+” icon to add the music to your video.

10. You’ll then have the song onto your project.

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5. Do artists earn royalties from Shorts?

Yes. Artists do receive some revenue from their music if creators use their songs in YouTube Short videos. Royalties come from ad revenue but it will depend on the type of ad on the video. So, more popular videos get higher rates than non-popular ones.

6. What to post on YouTube Shorts?

You can post several videos to YouTube Shorts which include:

Tutorials: teach your viewers via YouTube Shorts.
Confessional videos: This is when you speak to your viewers about what you are passionate about.
Entertainment videos: You can also entertain your viewers with funny videos.

7. Can I promote my music on YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts is a perfect platform to promote your music if you are an artist. You can either hire an influencer or do it yourself as an artist. These tips will help you to successfully promote your brand.

Be precise: Condense all the important details in your video and ensure the background music aligns with the theme.

Think widely: Check at what others are adding to their Shorts. You can include memes and other entertaining clips.

Post videos more often: Since YouTube Shorts are short videos that can’t accommodate so much information, try to post your videos more often so that your viewers follow up closely on what you are putting across.

Use catchy music: It doesn’t mean that the latest singles are more catchy or viral. Songs from a few years ago can also be equally catchy.

8. How are YouTube Shorts different from other short-form videos?

YouTube streaming service is already a popular platform that provides tones of music and video clips. Encompassing Shorts just pushed it at the forefront. The userbase is readily available and any Shorts you post will be widely viewed in over 100 countries. More so, you can extract music from the platform for use on your Shorts videos.

Conclusion

You can make a great milestone with YouTube Shorts music than if you didn’t use any. Music makes your videos catchy and interesting to viewers. Several platforms are available for sourcing music to use on your Shorts. More so, you can use the recommended app, Filmora, to add free music to your videos.

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What are YouTube Shorts?

Which role does music play in YouTube Shorts?

Music is always soothing to the soul. And using YouTube shorts music is a quick way to boost your video performance. Check below the importance of using music in your Shorts.