Burned-in captions: what they are & how to hardcode subtitles

Burned-in captions — also called burned in captions, open captions, hardcoded subtitles, or hardsubs — are not a separate file. They are pixels. Once exported, they cannot be toggled off, translated automatically, or restyled without re-rendering the video.

Burned-in vs closed captions

• Burned-in: always on, full style control, survives cross-posts and downloads.
• Closed (SRT/VTT): toggleable, accessible, multi-language, better for long-form players.
• Best practice for marketing: burned-in MP4 for social + SRT archive for accessibility.

When burned-in captions are useful

• TikTok, Reels, Shorts, X, and LinkedIn feeds where the message should be visible immediately.
• Cross-posting one captioned MP4 across multiple platforms.
• Brand-controlled fonts, colors, animation, and safe-zone placement.
• Videos where viewers commonly watch without sound.

How to make burned-in captions

1. 01Finish the video edit first.
2. 02Generate a word-timed transcript (SoCaptions, Whisper, or similar).
3. 03Pick a readable preset — outline or box for busy backgrounds.
4. 04Check safe zones at /tools/safe-zone-preview.
5. 05Export MP4 with captions rendered in.

For the full decision tree and accessibility considerations, see burned-in captions vs closed captions. To compare delivery formats, see SRT vs VTT vs ASS.

FAQ

What does 'burned-in' mean in captions?

'Burned-in' means the caption text is rendered directly into the video pixels during export — baked in, like burning something into wood. The captions become part of the image and cannot be removed, restyled, or toggled off after the file is exported. This is why they're also called open captions or hardcoded subtitles.

What is the difference between burned-in and closed captions?

Burned-in captions are pixels in the video frame — always visible, not toggleable, full styling control. Closed captions are a separate text track (SRT, VTT) delivered alongside the video — the viewer can toggle them on or off, switch languages, and change appearance. For social media, use burned-in because closed caption tracks are often hidden. For YouTube long-form, accessibility compliance, and translation, use closed captions or deliver both.

Are burned-in captions the same as open captions?

Yes — burned-in captions, open captions, hardcoded subtitles, and hardsubs all mean the same thing: text permanently rendered into the video frame. The terminology varies by industry. 'Open captions' is the accessibility term. 'Burned-in' is the production/post-production term. 'Hardcoded' is the encoding term. They all describe captions that are part of the image, not a separate track.

Do burned-in captions hurt ADA compliance?

Do not rely on burned-in captions alone when an accessibility requirement applies. Requirements vary by context, and a separate caption track is generally easier for viewers and assistive technologies to control. Keep an accurate SRT or VTT alongside the burned-in version and verify the applicable standard for your audience.