How do I add captions to an Instagram Reel?

Drop your Reel into ReelCaption, fix any wrong words, and place the captions clear of the Reels overlay. Then export the MP4 and upload it as a Reel.

Will Instagram’s interface cover the captions?

Not if you keep them near the center. Instagram puts your caption, audio name and buttons along the bottom and the right edge. ReelCaption exports the captions exactly where you placed them.

Can I use my brand colors?

Yes. Set any color for the text, outline, glow and highlight pill, and override the color of single words.

Yes. Your first 2 clips, up to 60 seconds each, need no account. Sign in with Google for 5 free minutes a month, with no card. Pro is $5 a month for 100 minutes.

Captions for · Instagram Reels

Add captions to Instagram Reels

Reels often play with the sound off in the feed. ReelCaption transcribes your Reel, times every word, and lets you style the captions to match your other posts before you export an MP4 with them burned in.

Caption a video free

Step by step

1Save the finished Reel to your device without Instagram's text stickers, and drop it into ReelCaption.
2Check the transcript on the timeline and fix brand names and product names.
3Set your brand color on the text, outline or pill. Glass and metallic finishes are there if flat color looks too plain.
4Keep captions out of the bottom third of the frame, where Instagram shows your caption, audio name and buttons. Meta asks for 35% at the bottom to be kept clear.
5Export the MP4 and upload it as a Reel.

Tips for Instagram Reels

Instagram crops Reels in the profile grid. Captions near the center of the frame survive the crop.
Reels are vertical 9:16. ReelCaption keeps the size of the file you drop in, so the Reel stays full screen.
Use the same font and colors on every Reel, so your captions are recognizable before anyone reads your name.
Change the color of a single word to stress a price, a product name or the punchline.

Why ReelCaption

Set any color for the text, outline, glow and pill, so captions match your brand.
Change the size or color of a single word without touching the rest.
The export keeps your Reel's size and has no watermark.
2 clips free with no account, then 5 free minutes a month when you sign in with Google. No card.

FAQ

How do I add captions to an Instagram Reel?: Drop your Reel into ReelCaption, fix any wrong words, and place the captions clear of the Reels overlay. Then export the MP4 and upload it as a Reel.
Will Instagram’s interface cover the captions?: Not if you keep them near the center. Instagram puts your caption, audio name and buttons along the bottom and the right edge. ReelCaption exports the captions exactly where you placed them.
Can I use my brand colors?: Yes. Set any color for the text, outline, glow and highlight pill, and override the color of single words.
Is it free?: Yes. Your first 2 clips, up to 60 seconds each, need no account. Sign in with Google for 5 free minutes a month, with no card. Pro is $5 a month for 100 minutes.

Guides for other platforms

Caption your next clip in a couple of minutes.