Why Does This Happen? Sometimes you may notice unusual or nonsensical text in our subtitles, such as the unexpected appearance of a subtitler’s name or even the name of a subtitling company. These odd results are known as AI hallucinations. What Are AI Hallucinations? An AI hallucination occurs when a large language model (LLM) perceives patterns or creates outputs that do not actually exist. This can lead to results that seem random, out of context, or entirely inaccurate. Although rare, these errors are a known limitation of AI‑generated content and are actively being addressed as the technology evolves. Read more about AI Hallucinations → .

Why Do Subtitles Sometimes Contain Strange or Nonsensical Text?

If you ask us what we do best, our answer is creating high‑quality subtitles for corporate and business‑to‑business (B2B) videos.

B2B Video Subtitles

The fastest way to reach us is by submitting a support ticket. Go to this page → and click Submit Ticket in the upper right corner. Our support team will respond as quickly as possible.

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We only process MP4 files for subtitling. If your video is in another format, do not worry. Converting it is quick and simple. 🔝 Recommended Option Use Cloud Convert to easily convert your video to MP4 in just a few steps. Other Options Prefer a different tool? Search online for "convert video to MP4" and you will find many reliable free or paid services. ⚠️ Note: Converting a video will not improve its quality. The converted file can only be as good as the original.

How To Convert a Video for Subtitling?

If you want to burn subtitles into your video, we offer two convenient options. Automatically Generate Subtitles Upload your video. We will generate subtitles using the latest AI technology. You will receive both an .srt file and a hardcoded video (a version with burned in subtitles). Edit your subtitles if needed. Open the .srt file in our own free srt text editor or any standard text editor such as Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on Mac. Make your edits and save the file. Upload the updated file. Go to My Videos and upload the updated .srt file. A new hardcoded video will be rendered for you free of charge. Hardcode Your Own Subtitles Already have your own .srt file? We can burn your subtitles into the video you provide. For the price of one video, you can upload up to three .srt files, and we will produce three separate hardcoded videos. This is especially useful for multilingual content.

How to Hardcode Subtitles?

Early Subtitling: A Complex Process Subtitling used to be a complex process that often required a great deal of effort. Producing subtitles involved transcribing or translating the original dialogue, sometimes using a transcription known as a pre or post production script. Subtitling for Film and Television For celluloid film, a chemical process was used, whereby text was burned into the film material itself. For television, the "camera method" was used, where the video image was combined with the subtitles during the broadcast. While the programme was being broadcast, a camera was pointed at a card displaying a subtitle, and the two images were merged to create the subtitled broadcast. A system ensured that the subtitle cards were placed in front of the camera in the correct order. The person responsible for this was called the title director. They were not the translator, so practice runs were done before the broadcast to ensure the correct subtitle was displayed at the right time and for the right duration, a challenging task, especially when seeing the programme for the first time. The Role of the Title Director What made the title director’s job even more challenging was dealing with films in less common languages. It was known to happen that the title director was left with a handful of subtitles at the end of a Japanese film. Since a feature film typically contains around 700 subtitles, one also had to be careful not to drop the stack of subtitle cards when preparing for the broadcast. Spotting and Timing Subtitles Even with modern technology, it can take up to five hours to spot, or time the in and out cues, for the subtitles of a one hour talk show. Spotting, or cueing, is the process of determining the in cue and out cue for each subtitle. The in cue is the exact timestamp when the subtitle appears on the screen, and the out cue is the exact timestamp when it disappears. The Time Investment of Translation Translating a programme from one language to another takes a translator or subtitler between two to four working days of eight hours each. A reference intensive documentary takes much longer due to the constant need to look up terms. It takes an experienced subtitler about five days to translate a 90 minute feature film into subtitles. The Impact of Modern Software Today, modern software has transformed the subtitling process, automating timecodes and even suggesting translations. Yet, the subtitler’s craft remains essential. Software can assist but cannot replace the human touch required to accurately convey meaning and tone. Subtitling as a Craft Despite all technological advances, subtitling remains a craft that demands attention to detail and a deep understanding of language. The art of conveying spoken dialogue in a few words on screen will always be a unique challenge. The Role of the Subtitler Most subtitlers not only translate the video, they also set the in cue and out cue for each subtitle. The out cue minus the in cue determines the duration of the subtitle, meaning the time it remains visible on screen. A subtitler works on a wide variety of programmes, requiring broad general knowledge. Subtitling in the 1980s In the 1980s, subtitles were first produced using pencil, eraser, and paper. These subtitles were then typed on an expensive character generator, which cost around €35,000, by a typist, after which the translator would spot the in and out cues on the same device. Reading Speed and Time Constraints This process led to a qualitative improvement, as the translator or subtitler was now confronted with an overwhelming amount of text for a very limited viewing time. Reading speed became a critical factor. A subtitler must account for limitations in time and space. Since reading is slower than listening, the subtitle must match the viewer’s reading speed. The target audience’s age also influences reading speed. Subtitles for older viewers are displayed longer than those for younger audiences. Text Compression and Character Limits A full subtitle of up to two lines is typically shown on screen for about five to seven seconds. During this time, much more can be said than what fits into a subtitle. On average, a subtitler has around 43 characters per line, including punctuation and spaces. This limit can vary depending on character width, for example a ‘W’ is wider than an ‘i’. It is crucial for the subtitler to condense spoken text without losing meaning, often restructuring sentences to fit. This may confuse viewers who partially understand the source language, but it is a necessary compromise. Cultural Adaptation and Interpretation A viewer without knowledge of the source language will easily understand the subtitle within the time it is displayed. A skilled subtitler condenses the text without losing meaning, detail, or nuance while adapting the translation to the viewer’s cultural context. It is far from the literal translation many assume it to be. The question every subtitler constantly asks is: How would someone of the same age and from the same social class say this in the target language, given the same circumstances as the original? Apparent Mismatches and Viewer Perception The combination of grammar and reading speed can, in extreme cases, result in a subtitle that seems to contradict the spoken word: the subtitle says "Yes," while the speaker says "No." Subtitles appear on screen precisely when the speaker starts the sentence and disappear as soon as the words are spoken. The display time varies depending on subtitle length, always ranging from 1.5 to 7 seconds. Because almost all subtitlers master this technique, many viewers mistakenly believe they understand the source language, especially if they claim they "never read the subtitles." The Prep Unit Era From the mid 1980s onwards, most subtitlers worked on a so called prep unit. This relatively expensive equipment was loaned or rented to subtitlers so they could work from home, reducing the strain on the expensive and cumbersome character generator at the subtitling company. Many subtitlers also purchased their own prep unit. A complete setup consisted of a small character generator, a computer with its monitor, a video monitor or TV, a modified VCR, and various peripherals. Using Timecode for Subtitle Timing For each translation job, a subtitler received a VHS tape from the client with a transparent or black timeline on screen. This running clock, called the timecode, was not only visible on the screen but also transmitted to the computer as an audio beep or via hidden image lines. This had a purpose: it made entering the in and out cues easier, 16 or 18 digits per subtitle. 00:01:12:24 (when using frames) | 01:23:07;120 (when using milliseconds) Using the timecode signal, the entire timecode could be entered into the timecode field with a single keystroke, similar to modern digital workflows. This setup also enabled subtitlers to check their work by playing the VHS tape with the running timecode and ensuring the subtitles appeared at the correct time. This process, known as rehearse mode, allowed for accurate synchronization. Submitting and Processing the Final Translation After completing the translation, the subtitler submitted a floppy disk containing a file with the translation and in and out cues. This file could then be further processed for subtitled video copies, TV broadcasts, or other media, such as DVDs. A DVD disc could contain up to 42 subtitle or language tracks. The Shift to Modern Workflows Today, the prep unit has been replaced by the combination of a PC and specialized subtitle editing software. Modern subtitlers no longer receive a VHS tape but instead download the digital video file from a client's server, making the workflow faster, more efficient, and more flexible.

History of Subtitling

Step‑by‑Step Guide Sign Up and Log In Create your account at subtitling.net and add credits to get started. Pricing is €0.25 per video minute with a minimum of €1. Upload Your Video Upload your video file to our platform. Our AI will process it and generate high quality subtitles automatically. Already have an ? Upload it and we will embed the subtitles into your video. Wait for Processing Processing time is approximately 3 times the length of your video, depending on the complexity of the dialogue. When processing is complete, you will receive: A subtitle file ( ) with text and timecodes A video ( ) with burned‑in subtitles Edit the Subtitles (Optional) Go to My Videos and click the Edit Subtitles button on your video. Our built‑in editor lets you correct text and adjust timecodes directly in your browser. No experience required. Save your changes and we will automatically render a new hardcoded video for you. You can do two re‑renders for free. Read more about editing SRT files →. Reading‑Speed Optimization (Optional) Need better control over subtitle pacing? We offer automatic text shortening to match international reading‑speed standards. Perfect for dense or fast‑paced content. Learn more about reading‑speed optimization →. Need Professional Help? Looking for something our automated tools do not cover? We partner with a network of independent subtitlers and subtitling companies. These experts can assist with longer videos, translations, post‑editing, and more. Submit a ticket → and you might even find a favorite editor in our community. Industry experts are also welcome to apply for a free membership in our subtitling network. Supported Languages Source (Input) Languages Croatian • Czech • Dutch • English • Estonian • Finnish • French • German • Icelandic • Indonesian • Italian • Latvian • Lithuanian • Norwegian • Portuguese • Romanian • Slovak • Slovenian • Spanish • Swedish Target (Output) Languages Arabic • Chinese • Dutch • English • French • German • Hebrew • Hindi • Indonesian • Italian • Japanese • Korean • Norwegian • Portuguese • Russian • Spanish • Swedish • Thai • Turkish More languages are being added soon. Only Pay if You’re Satisfied Your peace of mind matters to us. AI quality can sometimes vary, so if you are not satisfied with your purchase, simply contact our friendly support team within two days for a hassle‑free refund. Learn more about refunds →.

How Do I Generate AI Subtitles?

You might not own a credit card. In that case, there are several ways to add funds to your account. Bank Transfer Contact us first if you want to transfer money through your bank. Apple Pay or Google Pay On mobile: Log in to subtitling.net on your phone or tablet and add funds using Apple Pay. On desktop: Use Google Pay to add funds. iDeal If iDeal is supported in your country, you can use it to add funds. ₿ 4. Cryptocurrency Prefer to pay with crypto? Submit a ticket → to contact us for details.

What If I Don't Have iDeal or a Credit Card?

Post‑editing subtitles is not always required, but if you want to make changes, here is how to do it. Step 1: Open the Built-in Editor Go to My Videos on our website. Once subtitle generation is complete, click Edit Subtitles on your video. The editor opens with your subtitles pre-loaded and your video ready to preview. Tip: You can also click Import .srt inside the editor to load your own file, or Download .srt to save the subtitles to your computer. Step 2: Edit and Burn into Video Make the necessary changes to the text or timing directly in the editor. Click Save progress at any time to keep your edits for later. When you're happy with the result, click Burn into video. We will render a new hardcoded video for you (2 free revisions per video). You will be redirected to My Videos once the process starts, where you can track progress. Correct SRT Formatting When editing your subtitles, correct formatting is crucial for smooth playback. Ensure there are no overlapping timecodes Add a blank line underneath each subtitle block Tip: If you add or delete subtitles, you do NOT need to keep the numbering in sequence. Any numbering works. Example

Post‑Editing SRT Files and Proofreading

Reading speed optimization is particularly effective for translated subtitles. What Is Reading Speed Optimization? We can automatically shorten subtitles to improve readability. The majority of viewers can read only a certain amount of characters per second (CPS). We accomodate the change of the reading speed. Full‑text subtitles (left image) These subtitles are complete transcriptions of everything spoken in the video. They require viewers to read quickly, which can be overwhelming, especially during fast‑paced dialogue. Reading speed optimized subtitles (right image) These subtitles are designed according to international industry standards. They are edited for clarity and pacing, making them easier to follow without sacrificing meaning. The amount of compression required is determined by how many characters per second (cps) a viewer can comfortably read. 15 cps: Slow, for relaxed reading or younger audiences 17 cps: Balanced, ideal for general viewers 20 cps: Fast, for viewers comfortable with quicker reading For most audiences, 17 cps strikes the right balance between clarity and pace. Watch Reading Speed Optimization in Action See how reading speed optimization shortens and simplifies the text when the dialogue is fast or dense. You might think: "That’s not exactly what was said!"* That is okay and intentional. Reading speed optimized subtitles prioritize clarity over word‑for‑word accuracy, making them easier to follow. This approach is especially effective for translated content or when the sound is off. Since 79% of viewers watch videos without audio, clear and concise subtitles help boost viewership, even if they do not exactly match the spoken words. Your browser does not support the video tag. Note: These subtitles were automatically generated and have not been edited by a human. Why It Is Ideal for Translated Subtitles While sometimes reading speed optimized subtitles in the same language can feel slightly odd, this is not an issue with translated subtitles, where the wording is naturally different. Slight variations are no longer noticeable or distracting.

Reading Speed Optimization in AI Subtitles

We are dedicated to providing high quality services and ensuring you have a positive experience with us. If something is not quite right, we are here to help. No Stress, No Worries Refunds If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, let us know. We believe in hassle free refunds because your peace of mind matters to us. How It Works: Easy Process: Simply submit a ticket → to contact our friendly support team within 2 days of your purchase. Full Refund: We will process your refund swiftly, so you can focus on what matters most to you. ⚠️ Please Note: Our refund policy applies only to products and services purchased directly from subtitling.net. For products and services provided by third parties, please refer to their respective refund policies. We recommend contacting the third party provider directly for assistance. We are always here to answer any questions and support you through the process. Your trust and satisfaction drive us forward.

Refunds

Looking for something our automated tools do not cover? We partner with a network of independent subtitlers and subtitling companies. These experts can assist with longer videos, translations, post‑editing, and more. How to Get Help Simply submit a ticket → and you might even find a favorite editor in our community. For Subtitling Professionals Are you an experienced subtitler? Industry experts are welcome to apply for a free membership in our SUBTITLING.NETwork →. Try Us for Free Want to test our service first? Submit a ticket → and we will happily provide you with free credits for testing.

Special Requests

The SRT format is the most widely used subtitle format and works with almost all video players and editing software. Tested for Compatibility We have tested our SRT files in various software applications. If needed, you can easily convert your SRT file using subtitling tools → . Fixing Common Issues Problems with using our SRTs are often caused by differences between Mac and Windows systems. If you encounter a problem: Open the SRT file in our SRT text editor . Save it under a new name. Change the encoding (we recommend UTF‑8). Learn More Want to know more about the SRT format? Read the full article on Wikipedia → .

SRT: The Most Common Subtitle Format

While AI has transformed the field of subtitle creation, learning the art of subtitling can still be incredibly valuable, especially for post editing. Interested in Learning? If you are interested, submit a ticket → , and we will provide you with information about available subtitling courses.

Subtitling Course

As we focus on the quality and expansion of our AI service, we welcome the assistance of professional subtitlers and subtitling companies for tasks our automated platform does not yet cover. Opportunities for Subtitlers For services we do not yet offer, such as longer videos, translations, post-editing, and manual assistance, we provide opportunities for others to take on these requests through our ticket system. How to Become a Member A user submits a service request (ticket). Members of our network receive the request in their inbox. You can contact the requester directly and agree on terms. Subtitling.net is not involved beyond introducing the two parties, and we do not receive any fees or commissions for this service. Policies and Guidelines Before joining, please review: Terms of Service Disclaimer Privacy Policy Ready to Join? If you are interested in becoming part of our network, submit a ticket → and tell us who you are and what you can offer our clients. _We reserve the right to choose the members in our network._

Subtitling Network

79% of video's are watched with the sound off. Adding subtitles can increase viewership by up to 82%. Subtitles: The Ultimate Video Cheat Code Subtitles keep your audience watching longer, even when videos are played in silence. They enhance accessibility and ensure your message always gets across. A Simple Way to Boost Video Performance Subtitles are one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase the view rate of a video, yet they are still often overlooked. One of the most surprising insights to come from analysing video content is how often this best practice is still ignored. Read the full article 👉

Why Subtitles Boost Video Performance

We provide a hardcoded video with burned-in subtitles for your convenience. However, if you prefer to watch the video using the separate .srt subtitle file, the popular [VLC Media Player] is an excellent option. Automatic Subtitle Loading in VLC If the video and the .srt file have the same name and are saved in the same folder, VLC will automatically display the subtitles when the video starts. Example: Manually Loading Subtitles in VLC If the video and the .srt file do not match in name or are stored in different locations, you can load the subtitles manually. Step‑by‑Step: Open VLC Media Player and start playing your video. In the top menu, click Subtitle. Select Add Subtitle File. Browse to the location of your .srt file and select it. The subtitles will now appear on your video. Editing Your Subtitles Need to make changes to the subtitle text? Read here how to adjust the contents of the SRT →

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