How to Add Text to a Video on PC and Online
Knowing how to add text to a video can help create better content. Whether you want to include captions, subtitles, or titles, there are several ways to overlay text on a video.
This article will explain the process of inserting text in videos on Windows and macOS, as well as the versatile online video editing services.
Understanding the process of adding text to a video enables you to create more engaging content that resonates with your viewers. So let's get started!
How we picked free video editors that can add text to videos
Selecting the right free video editing software is a critical step in ensuring a smooth and effective editing process. Here's a breakdown of our selection process:
- Platform compatibility. We included options that cater to a wide range of users, including those on Windows, Mac, and online platforms.
- User-friendly interface. We selected video editing programs that offer a straightforward and accessible UI design to minimize the learning curve.
- Text customization. We looked for services that provide extensive customization options, allowing users to align the text with their unique vision and needs.
Option 1: For Windows
Employing Icecream Video Editor to overlay text on a video is convenient and simple. It's the perfect choice for those who need to quickly add captions or titles to their videos.
Here's how to do it:
- Download the free video editor for Windows, install and launch it.
- Click "Add files" in the upper-left corner to select the video file from your computer. You can also drag and drop it directly onto the timeline.
- To add text, click on the "Text" tab above the timeline.
- Customize your title by changing its font, size, color, position, and more.
- Once you're happy with the result, press "Done".
- Hit the "Export video" button in the upper-right corner to save your edited clip.
Pros:
- Ease of use. The free video editor has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible for both beginners and those with some video editing experience.
- Text customization. The video editing software provides different style options, allowing users to choose different fonts, sizes, and colors to enhance the visual appeal of the captions.
- Subtitle integration. The ability to add subtitles to a video contributes to a more inclusive viewing experience. You can cater to diverse audiences with varying language preferences.
- Instant preview. Users can preview changes in real time and see how the added text integrates with the video before finalizing the edit.
Adding text to a video with Icecream Video Editor is fast and simple, making it an ideal choice for anyone who needs to edit videos with captions or titles quickly.
Option 2: For macOS
iMovie is a free video editing software for Apple devices. The application is available on Mac computers, iPhones, and iPads.
Here are the steps for adding text to a video using iMovie:
- Open iMovie. Start a new project or open an existing one.
- Import the video clip by dragging it into the project timeline or using the "Import Media" button.
- Click "Titles", browse through the title styles available, and select the one that suits your needs.
- Drag the title to the timeline above your video clip and double-click it to enter the desired text.
- Adjust the title duration by dragging its edges in the timeline.
- Once you are satisfied with your edits, you can export the video.
Pros:
- Integration with the ecosystem. iMovie is well-integrated with other Apple products. This allows for easy transfer of projects between different devices and services.
- Library of templates. The video editor includes pre-designed text templates and themes that enhance the visual appeal of videos.
- Learning curve. The interface makes it easy for users learn and start editing videos quickly.
- Free to use. The video editing program comes free for all Apple devices, offering a cost-effective solution for basic editing needs.
Cons:
- Rendering time. Rendering and exporting videos may take longer compared to more powerful editing software.
- No Windows version. Unfortunately iMovie for Windows OS is not available yet.
All in all, iMovie is a great way to quickly and easily put text on a video with multiple customization options and an easy-to-use interface.
Option 3: Online
Using VEED.io is an easy and efficient way to create professional-looking videos without a lot of effort. You can simply add text to any video online with merely a few clicks.
Here's how you can do it:
- Go to VEED.io and press "Start for free".
- Upload the clip you'd like to include text in. You can also use stock videos, templates, and AI avatars.
- Once the video has been uploaded, click the "Text" button in the toolbar.
- Select the style of caption from the list of options. You can also customize its font, size, color, and more.
- Use the preview option to see how the text appears in your video. Once you are satisfied, hit "Done" to export the edited video.
Pros:
- Online accessibility. The web-based platform allows users to edit videos from any device with an internet connection, eliminating the need for software installation.
- Customization. The online video editor provides a range of text customization options. You can choose fonts, colors, sizes, and styles for your text overlays.
- Cloud storage. Integration with cloud storage services makes it convenient to import and export video files directly from and to platforms like Dropbox.
Cons:
- Watermark. The free version includes a brand watermark on exported videos. Users will have to upgrade to a paid plan to remove it.
Ultimately, though, VEED.io is an excellent tool for adding professional-looking text to any video requiring little effort or technical knowledge!
Why add text to video
Clarification and emphasis
- Text can be used to underline critical information, making the data stand out.
- Text can provide quick summaries or key takeaways, ensuring viewers grasp the main points.
Accessibility
- Adding subtitles or captions makes videos reachable to people who are hard of hearing.
- Text can translate spoken content into different languages, broadening the audience's reach.
Context and explanation
- Text can offer background information that might not be immediately clear from the visuals alone.
- In cases where the audio is unclear or the speaker has a strong accent, text can help ensure that the message is understood.
Engagement
- Dynamic text can add a visual element that keeps viewers on track.
- Text can be part of interactive elements like call-to-action prompts (e.g., "Subscribe Now", "Visit Our Website").
Branding
- Adding trade name elements like logos, slogans, or contact information ensures brand visibility and consistency.
- Well-designed text can enhance the professional appearance of a video.
Search engine optimization
- Text in the form of titles, descriptions, and tags can help improve a video's discoverability on platforms like YouTube.
- Adding relevant keywords as text can aid in indexing and search rankings.
Silent viewing
- Many users watch videos on social media without sound. Text ensures the content is still understandable in such cases.
Legal and compliance requirements
- Certain industries require specific disclaimers to be played to a wide audience, which can be efficiently done through text.
- Text is used to provide credits or quotes for content that appears in the video.
FAQ
- Can I animate the text in my video?
- Yes, you can use video editing software to add movements, transitions, fades, and other effects that bring your text to life.
- Is there a way to add subtitles to my video?
- Yes, a majority of editing applications have choices for including subtitles or captions, enhancing accessibility for viewers.
- Can I add text to videos on my mobile device?
- Yes, many mobile apps allow you to add text to videos directly from your smartphone or tablet. However, the easiest way is to use online video editors.
- What file formats are supported for videos with added text?
- Common video formats like MP4, MOV, and AVI are widely supported, but it's essential to check the specifications of your chosen video editing tool.
Tips on how to add text to a video
- Choose readable fonts. Opt for clear and readable fonts. Sans-serif fonts are often a good choice, as they are easy to read.
- Consider font size. Ensure that the font size is large enough to be easily readable, even on smaller screens. Adjust the size based on the importance of the text.
- Contrast is key. Use high-contrast colors for your text to ensure readability. Consider the background of your video and choose colors that stand out.
- Place text strategically. Position text where it won't interfere with important visuals. Place it in areas with less action to avoid distractions.
- Use subtitles. If possible, add subtitles to make your video accessible to a broader audience, including those with hearing impairments or those watching in noisy environments.
- Maintain consistency. Keep a consistent style throughout your video. Use the same font, colors, and formatting to create a cohesive look.
- Avoid clutter. Don't overcrowd your video with too much text. Prioritize the most crucial information, and let visuals and audio convey the rest.
- Test across devices. Check how your text appears on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops, to ensure it remains readable across different screen sizes.
- Be mindful of timing. Time your text to appear and disappear at appropriate moments. Ensure that viewers have enough time to read it without feeling rushed.
Conclusion
Adding text to a video is a great way to express your creativity and have fun with your projects. Whether you use an online or offline video editor, the process is simple.
Now, armed with the knowledge from this guide, it's time to unleash your creativity and transform your videos into compelling, informative, and visually stunning pieces of content.
Expert Tech Writer
Tamal is a tech writer at Icecream Apps. After completing his MS in Science, he joined reputed IT consultancy companies to acquire hands-on knowledge of IT technologies. Now, he’s a professional content writer of B2B and B2C software products and also a meticulous software reviewer whose reviews on applications and web apps have been published in reputed technology websites. He has already been published on such reputable sites like MakeUseOf, Geekflare, AddictiveTips. When he’s not writing, he researches the internet and technology journals to stay updated about the latest happenings in the SaaS industry.
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