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A Guide on How to Add Foreign Language Subtitles to YouTube

Eric Miller
Eric Miller Originally published Jun 28, 24, updated Jul 24, 24
subtitles on youtube

Adding subtitles to your YouTube videos can make them more engaging and accessible, especially if you learn how to add foreign language subtitles to YouTube. They will genuinely enhance your content, and you will reach a larger audience by taking this step.

However, translating and adding subtitles may seem overwhelming, which is why we’re here to help. We’ll present a complete guide on adding subtitles to YouTube to make your experience efficient and productive.

In this article
    1. Upload a Subtitle File
    2. Use Auto-Sync
    3. Type Subtitles Manually
    4. Use Auto-Translate

How to Add Subtitles to YouTube Videos

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add subtitles to YouTube videos.

Upload a Subtitle File

If you already have a file with the appropriate subtitles for your YouTube video, you can easily add it to the content by following the steps below:

Step 1: Open your YouTube channel and select the video you want to add subtitles to.

choose the video

Step 2: Select Subtitles from the left menu to start the journey.

open the subtitles

Step 3: Once you enter the Subtitle editor, drag and drop the subtitle file into the designated box.

add the subtitles

After completing these steps, the subtitles will appear on the screen, and you can manipulate the time stamps for the best experience.

Use Auto-Sync

If you don’t want to deal with timestamps and want to add subtitles to your videos in just a few minutes, you can do so by using the Auto-sync feature YouTube provides. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Open your YouTube profile and click on the Edit button next to the desired video.

Step 2: Click on Subtitles from the drop-down menu.

open subtitle settings

Step 3: Next, select the desired language from the box.

select the language

Step 4: Choose the Transcribe and Auto-Sync features from the available options.

auto-sync feature

Step 5: Paste your subtitles and click the Set Timings button.

set timings

After a few minutes, the YouTube program will sync your subtitles, and you can post your creations.

Type Subtitles Manually

Another method you can use to add subtitles to your YouTube videos is by manually adding them. However, we advise you to skip this step as it may be time-consuming and overwhelming. You can use it only for shorter videos to ensure you don’t lose your nerves in the process.

Accessing the manual feature is easy, and here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Open your channel and select the video you want to edit. Click on the Subtitles option from the left menu.

Step 2: Next, select the preferred language you want to use for your journey.

select the language

Step 3: Click the Type Manually option.

type manually

After this, you’ll be presented with a box where you can input your text and start making your visions come to life.

Use Auto-Translate

YouTube also provides an automatic translation tool you can use to make your recordings more accessible. You can learn how to use it below:

Step 1: Open your channel, select the desired video, and head to the Subtitles section.

Step 2: Next, select the video’s language from the menu.

select the language

Step 3: Now, select the Auto-Translate feature from the available options.

the auto-translate feature.

We must note that your video must contain subtitles/captions before you use the auto-translation feature.

Why is YouTube not providing subtitle translation for foreign language videos?

Sometimes, the YouTube application may not be able to translate your subtitles and make the videos accessible. Several reasons hide behind this issue, such as the following:

  • Accuracy concerns – The automatic translation tool may not be able to provide an accurate translation of your scripts in other languages, which is why you won’t see translated subtitles.
  • Resource allocation – The translation process requires a lot of resources and power. The resources may have gone into different YouTube features, leading to poorer translation results.
  • Legal restrictions – YouTube may not be able to translate your videos due to copyright issues and legal concerns.

In such cases, it would be best if you used third-party translation programs and took your content to the next level.

How to Add a Translation to a YouTube Video the Easy Way

Since the built-in YouTube translation feature may not work perfectly, you may want to opt for other methods to make your accessibility dreams come true. The easiest method to do so is to utilize robust software solutions like Wondershare Virbo.

This solution has one of the most advanced translators in the world who will find and replace phrases, idioms, and other aspects to create suitable and accurate translations. Moreover, the tool is quick and efficient, meaning you’ll get your translations in just a few seconds.

Additionally, you won’t have to bother downloading the subtitles from the platform and uploading it to your YouTube channel. Wondershare Virbo has a built-in export tool that allows you to upload your subtitles to the YouTube recording instantly.

The tool currently supports over 40 languages, which should be sufficient for your YouTube subtitle journey. All you have to do is head to the official Wondershare Virbo website, download the tool to your desktop device or just head to Virbo's online version.

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and follow these steps to learn how to use it:

Step 1: Open Wondershare Virbo and select the Video Translator feature from the main menu.

open the video translator

Step 2: Upload your video in the next window.

upload your video

Step 3: Select the video’s language and the languages you want to translate the content to.

choose the languages

Step 4: Click the Translate video button.

Step 5: After the tool finishes translating, click the Export button and choose YouTube to upload your creations.

export the video

As you can see, Wondershare Virbo is easy to use, and you’ll get the desired results in just a few minutes.

How to Edit Subtitles on YouTube Videos

Once you get the desired subtitles, it’s time to edit them and make them audience-ready. We’ll teach you how to access the editing feature on YouTube for the ultimate experience.

Step 1: Open your YouTube profile and select the video you want to edit. Click on Subtitles from the left menu.

open subtitles

Step 2: Next, click on the Duplicate and Edit button.

duplicate and edit

Step 3: Edit the timings and the transcription for the most accurate results.

edit timings

Step 4: Click the Publish button to finish the process.

publish to youtube

After completing these steps, your YouTube video will be ready for its audience.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Different Language Subtitles for YouTube Videos?

If you decide to add translated subtitles to your YouTube videos, you’ll experience numerous content creation benefits, such as the following:

  • Improved SEO – Translated subtitles can help you climb the digital ladder and become among the best creators on YouTube.
  • Accessibility – You will give everyone a chance to enjoy your content and get the message across.
  • Wider audience – People will interact with your videos since they can understand and learn something from them.
  • Increased engagement – Your viewers will be able to focus on your content better if you use subtitles.

As you can see, adding subtitles to your YouTube videos will make your channel grow and blossom.

youtube subtitles

Conclusion

YouTube subtitles can make your videos stand out from the crowd and reach a larger audience. If you want to learn how to add these elements to your content, we’ve got you covered. We’ve discussed all the methods for adding subtitles to your videos and how to translate them for the best experience.

We’ve also presented some benefits you’ll enjoy if you decide to take this step and create unique and accessible content.

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Eric Miller
Eric Miller Jul 24, 24
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