Keep text out of the picture
Descript and HeyGen hand subtitles over as SRT and VTT files, Kapwing handles both too, and SceneMixer leaves captions off its videos on purpose. From 4 source pages, read 2026-09-25; no maker pays to be listed.
Both approaches keep text in its own layer, where it can be switched on, corrected and translated.
Burned-in text also runs into a model limit: generated lettering is unreliable, which is SceneMixer's stated reason for leaving it off.
Add captions at the end of the pipeline, not at generation.
The same rule helps with translation. A series released in several languages needs one picture and several subtitle files, not several renders. Keeping text out of the picture from the start makes that a matter of adding files rather than regenerating shots, and it leaves room to correct a line after release.
Check each platform's accepted subtitle formats before delivery; SRT is the safest default.
Timing matters as much as text: a subtitle file drifts if the cut changes after it was made.
| Tool | Hook | What the documentation says |
|---|---|---|
| Descript | Subtitles | Subtitles exported as a separate SRT or VTT file |
| HeyGen | Subtitles | Captions generated as SRT and VTT files for translated videos |
| Kapwing | Subtitles | Subtitles downloaded as SRT, and SRT or VTT files uploaded |
| SceneMixer | Subtitles | Captions deliberately left off the video, to be added at the platform |
Inclusion rule. Readings from the register used on this page. Order. The order the text takes them in.
1As the documentation puts it
Export your subtitles from Descript as an SRT or VTT file.
Descript, help centre: export subtitles
Captions are generated in SRT and VTT.
HeyGen, developer documentation: video translation
export an SRT file from Kapwing using the "Download SRT" button
Kapwing, help article on SRT files
Captions are the exception and are deliberately left off the video
SceneMixer, AI drama for TikTok and Reels page
- Page headerSubtitles exported as a separate SRT or VTT file
- CaptionsCaptions generated as SRT and VTT files for translated videos
- Help articleSubtitles downloaded as SRT, and SRT or VTT files uploaded
- CaptionsCaptions deliberately left off the video, to be added at the platform