10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Generating Subtitles

Want to create professional, SEO-friendly subtitles? Avoid these 10 common mistakes when generating captions for YouTube, marketing videos, and online content using AI subtitle tools.

1. Ignoring Grammar and Punctuation

Sloppy grammar and missing punctuation can confuse viewers and hurt readability. Always review and correct auto-generated subtitles for proper sentence structure.

2. Overlooking Subtitle Timing

Poor timing causes subtitles to appear too early or late. Ensure that captions are synced with the speaker’s voice for a smooth experience.

3. Using Long Sentences or Paragraphs

Avoid cramming too much text into one subtitle. Keep each caption brief—1 to 2 lines, ideally 32 to 40 characters per line—to make it easy to read.

4. Not Reviewing Auto-Generated Text

AI-generated subtitles aren’t always perfect. Always proofread and adjust for accuracy, especially with names, jargon, or unclear speech.

5. Skipping Keyword Optimization

Subtitles help with video SEO. Add relevant keywords naturally within the captions to help search engines better understand your content.

6. Missing SRT Formatting Standards

Make sure your SRT files include proper timestamp formatting and follow standards. Incorrect formats may cause upload errors or playback issues.

7. Not Translating Subtitles for Global Reach

Multilingual subtitles increase your video’s reach. Translate your captions using reliable tools to engage viewers across different languages.

8. Forgetting Accessibility Guidelines

Include non-speech elements like [music playing] or [laughter] for accessibility. This helps hearing-impaired users understand the context fully.

9. Relying on Burned-In Subtitles Only

Burned-in (hardcoded) subtitles can’t be turned off or translated. Upload separate subtitle files (like .SRT or .VTT) for better accessibility and flexibility.

10. Not Testing Subtitles on the Platform

Always test how subtitles look on platforms like YouTube or Vimeo. Check sync, font size, readability, and compatibility across devices.

Final Thoughts: Get the Most Out of Your Subtitles

Subtitles are essential for improving accessibility, SEO, and viewer engagement. Avoiding these common mistakes will help you deliver a better viewing experience and make your content stand out on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.