SoCaptionsvsTikTok auto-captions
TikTok generates captions automatically when you tap the captions sticker in the upload screen. They're free and instant. But they live in TikTok's player, not the file — the moment you cross-post or save the video, they're gone.
Side by side
- Free and instant for TikTok-only creators
- Decent accuracy on clean English audio
- Native to TikTok's UI
- Captions don't live in the file — cross-posts to Reels, Shorts, LinkedIn, X start from zero
- Style options are limited and generic — no brand control
- No way to download a captioned MP4 with the platform captions baked in
- Burned-in captions survive every cross-post — one MP4 works everywhere
- Brand-controlled font, color, position
- Word-level edit and one-click presets
You only post on TikTok, your brand doesn't need captioned styling, and one platform is enough.
You cross-post to Reels, Shorts, LinkedIn, or X — or you want consistent brand styling on every clip.
TikTok auto-captions are fine if TikTok is your only home. The moment you publish anywhere else, burned-in captions from SoCaptions pay for themselves on the first cross-post.
Frequently asked
Can I download a captioned TikTok with the captions in the file?+
No. TikTok's player overlays captions; the saved/downloaded MP4 has no captions in the pixels. Use SoCaptions to render captions into the file before posting if you want them everywhere.
Are TikTok auto-captions accurate?+
85–90% on clean English audio. Drops on accents and technical vocabulary, similar pattern to other ASR.
Should I use TikTok captions or burn them in?+
Burn them in if you cross-post. Use TikTok's captions if TikTok is your only platform and you don't need brand styling.