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"Hello, world!"
"Amazing video!"
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"Watch this..."
Optimised for YouTube Shorts · 9:16 ready
Free YouTube Shorts subtitle generator
Drop your vertical clip and Captionly transcribes it with AI, applies a Shorts-friendly caption style, and exports a burned-in MP4 or an SRT you can attach in YouTube Studio. Free, in-browser, no watermark.
YouTube Shorts surface in two places — the Shorts shelf and search. Both reward videos where the algorithm can read what's being said. Add captions and you get a transcript YouTube uses for search, a retention boost from sound-off viewers, and accessibility for free. Captionly is the fastest way to do it without leaving the browser, with no upload and no watermark.
Free AI subtitle generator — drop a video to get started
Drop your video here
or click to browse your files
Supports MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM (max 500MB)
100% freeno signupno watermark50+ languagesSRT · VTT · TXTprivate by defaultAI-powerededit on the flyTikTok-readypodcast-readycreator-loved100% freeno signupno watermark50+ languagesSRT · VTT · TXTprivate by defaultAI-powerededit on the flyTikTok-readypodcast-readycreator-loved
✦ Vertical-first caption workflow
Vertical-first caption workflow
Everything sized and styled for the 9:16 frame, ready to ship to Shorts.
Shorts-safe positioning
Anchor presets keep captions clear of the like/comment UI overlay on the YouTube Shorts player.
Burn into MP4 ready for upload
Export a finished MP4 with captions baked in — upload to YouTube Shorts as you normally would, no extra steps.
Or export SRT for native captions
Prefer YouTube to render the captions? Download the SRT and attach it under Subtitles in YouTube Studio.
No watermark, no signup
Free forever. No Captionly logo on your Shorts. No account required.
Edit in seconds
Click the wrong word, type the right one, the timing stays locked. Glossary handles recurring fixes across every Short.
✦ ShowcaseReal videos.
Real videos.
Real captions.
See how creators of every kind are using Captionly. Drag to browse, click to play.
EN0:42
Neon Pop
thischangedmylife
EN1:18
Box Highlight
andthat'swhenIquit
EN0:21
Gradient Wave
onemorerep!
EN2:04
Karaoke
Tokyoatgoldenhour
EN0:56
Bounce
bestadviceever
ES0:33
Outline
novasacreer
EN0:28
Shadow Pop
let'sgo!victory
EN1:45
Underline
watchthistrick
EN0:52
Glitch
thisisinsane
EN0:38
Minimal
feelthebeat
EN0:19
Rainbow
hitthatmove
EN0:47
Pill
waitforit
✦ FAQ
YouTube Shorts captions — common questions
Quick answers for creators publishing vertical content to YouTube.
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Free · No watermark · Vertical-ready
Caption your next YouTube Short
Drop a vertical clip, pick a Shorts-friendly style, ship the captioned MP4. Free forever, no watermark, no signup.