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Updated 2026-06-28

How to Add Subtitles to a YouTube Video on iPhone

By the iPhone Captions editorial team · Updated 2026-06-28

For long-form YouTube (not Shorts) you have a real choice: soft subtitles viewers can toggle, uploaded as an SRT in YouTube Studio, or captions burned into the video. Each has its place.

How do I add subtitles to a YouTube video from my iPhone?

Two ways. For toggleable closed captions, create an SRT and upload it in the YouTube Studio app under the video's Subtitles — or use YouTube's auto-subtitles and edit them. For captions that always show and match your style, burn them into the video before uploading. Subly can export the SRT or burn captions in, on-device.

Option 1 — upload an SRT (toggleable CC)

  1. Get an SRT. Transcribe the video in an app and export an SRT, or edit YouTube's auto-subtitles.
  2. Open YouTube Studio. Pick the video, then Subtitles.
  3. Add the language and upload. Choose 'Upload file' with timing and select your SRT.
  4. Review and publish. Check the timing in the editor, then save.

Soft captions are ideal for long-form: searchable, toggleable, and good for accessibility. They don't carry your custom styling, though.

Option 2 — burn them in

If you want captions that always show with your own look (useful for clips and silent viewing), burn them into the video before uploading. You can do both: burn in and also upload an SRT for accessibility.

For YouTube Shorts specifically, burn captions in — see the Shorts guide. SRT upload is for long-form videos.

Frequently asked questions

Can I upload an SRT to YouTube from my iPhone?
Yes. In the YouTube Studio app, open the video, then Subtitles, add the language, and use Upload file (with timing) to pick your SRT.
Should I use YouTube's auto-subtitles?
They're a fine starting point but contain errors. Edit them in Studio, or upload your own SRT for a clean result.
SRT or burned-in for YouTube?
For long-form, an SRT gives toggleable, searchable captions. Burn in when you want your styling to always show, e.g. for clips. You can do both.

Related guides

Use an SRT fileWhat an SRT file is and how to use one on iPhone — open and Captions for YouTube ShortsAdd captions to a YouTube Short on iPhone — use the Shorts eBurn / hardcode subtitlesBurn subtitles permanently into a video on iPhone so they sh

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