YouTube Video Caption Generator
YouTube video caption generator: upload your long‑form clip, edit the transcript, pick a style and export a captioned MP4 that fits your intro or highlight section.
Create an account to generate and export your captions.
Why you need burned‑in captions
YouTube’s built‑in captions appear only when viewers turn them on. They don’t match your brand style and they can disappear on mobile. A burned‑in caption stays visible, looks the same on every device and works for short intros, highlight reels, or sections where you want the words front‑and‑center.
Sycamore gives you word‑level timing, so each word pops as you say it. You keep control over font, color and placement without dragging anything around.
Common caption oversights
Leaving captions at the bottom where the YouTube player controls appear.
Put captions at the top or center so the player UI stays clear.
Using the default white text on a bright background.
Choose a highlight color that contrasts with your video’s dominant tones.
Showing a full paragraph during a quick cut.
Lower words per line so each burst reads in a second or two.
Styles that suit long‑form videos
Mozi
Highlight Words
Word Pop
Staircase
Create captions in four steps
Upload your video
Drop an MP4, MOV or WebM into Sycamore. The free plan gives you ten minutes to try it out.
Edit the transcript
Read the auto‑transcript, click any word that’s wrong and type the correct one. Timing stays intact.
Pick a template and position
Select a caption style, then choose top, center or bottom. No dragging needed.
Export and upload
Export a burned‑in MP4 and replace the original on YouTube or use the clip in your intro.
Hand‑timed captions vs Sycamore
Manual captioning takes hours. Sycamore cuts the work down to minutes.
Timing accuracy
- Manual
- You set each in‑point
- Sycamore
- Word‑level timing auto‑generated
Style options
- Manual
- Basic subtitles only
- Sycamore
- 15 animated templates
Export format
- Manual
- Separate subtitle file
- Sycamore
- Burned‑in MP4
| Manual | Sycamore | |
|---|---|---|
| Timing accuracy | You set each in‑point | Word‑level timing auto‑generated |
| Style options | Basic subtitles only | 15 animated templates |
| Export format | Separate subtitle file | Burned‑in MP4 |
Check your video length quickly
The Speaking Time Calculator tells you how many minutes of speech are in your script so you stay within YouTube’s ad‑friendly length.
Final upload checklist
- Captions are placed where the player UI isn’t
- All misspelled words are fixed
- Colors contrast with the background
- Words per line allow a comfortable read speed
- Exported MP4 plays correctly in YouTube’s preview
What Sycamore offers
Word‑level timing
Captions follow each spoken word automatically
Animated templates
15 styles including Mozi and Beast
Simple positioning
Top, center or bottom only
Multi‑aspect support
Works on 9:16, 16:9 and 1:1
Add captions to your next video
Frequently
Asked Questions
How do I add burned‑in captions to a YouTube video?
Upload the video to Sycamore, edit the transcript, choose a template and position, then export an MP4. Upload that file to YouTube as you would any video.
When should I use burned‑in captions instead of YouTube’s auto captions?
Use burned‑in captions when you want a consistent look, need the words visible on mobile, or are highlighting a short intro or highlight segment.
Can I keep YouTube’s automatic captions and also add my own style?
Yes. You can keep the auto captions for accessibility and upload a separate burned‑in version for branding. They don’t interfere with each other.
What video formats does Sycamore accept?
MP4, MOV and WebM files. Audio‑only MP3 works too, but you’ll need a video track to export a captioned clip.
Do I need to pay for longer videos?
The free plan lets you caption up to ten minutes once. Paid plans start at $19 a month for additional minutes.