For subtitles and captions that stay readable across changing scenes, start with clear sans-serif text, strong contrast, a stable background treatment, and no more than two lines. Place them near the lower center unless that would cover important content, then preview the exported video on the platform where people will watch it. The best settings depend on whether text is burned into the image or delivered as a caption file.
First, decide whether you need subtitles or captions
In everyday use, “subtitles” often means dialogue text, sometimes translated into another language. Captions are synchronized text for speech and relevant non-speech audio needed to understand the video, such as a meaningful sound cue. Captions can also identify speakers when it is not clear who is talking. Terminology varies by locale and platform, so be explicit about what your file contains.
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There are two basic ways to display them. Open subtitles are burned into the video image and always visible; viewers cannot turn them off or restyle them. Closed captions are supplied separately and can be shown or hidden in a compatible player. Some players let viewers adjust their appearance, but author-controlled styling is not reliably supported everywhere. W3C WAI explains captions and subtitles and notes that player support for styling can be inconsistent.
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Use simple type and a stable background
Start with a legible sans-serif font and size it so it remains readable on the smallest screen you expect viewers to use. Section508.gov gives 18-point white text on a translucent black background as an example default—not a universal pixel-size prescription. Adapt the size to the video dimensions and destination player, then inspect it on an actual phone-sized display.
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A consistent text and background treatment is easier to follow than frequent changes in color or effects. A translucent dark box or outline can help separate text from both bright and dark footage, but test it against the video rather than assuming one treatment will work in every shot. WCAG 2.2 specifies a 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text and 3:1 for large text under its applicable text-contrast criterion and with stated exceptions. Those ratios do not, by themselves, prove a subtitle design conforms in every context. See the WCAG 2.2 recommendation for the criterion and exceptions.
Keep cues compact and readable
Section508.gov recommends no more than two lines and no more than 45 characters per line; fewer characters can be easier to read. Treat these as practical guidelines, not rigid rules for every language, video, or platform. Break lines at natural phrase boundaries, avoid awkwardly splitting names or short phrases, and leave enough time for viewers to read each cue.
Keep the text synchronized with speech and avoid distracting scrolling or flashing effects. For captions, include meaningful non-speech sounds and identify speakers when viewers cannot readily distinguish them. Do not rely on color alone to communicate who is speaking or what kind of sound occurred; use a clear text label where needed.
Position captions to protect the picture
Lower center is a familiar starting position, but it is not a rule. Move text when it hides a face, sign, label, action, or other information viewers need. WCAG 2.2 says captions should not obscure or obstruct relevant information in the video. Check the complete frame and, for open subtitles, consider how the image may be cropped on mobile devices. For closed captions, confirm the player supports the positioning you intend.
Style open subtitles or closed captions?
| Approach | Viewer control | Styling and portability | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open subtitles burned into the video | Always visible; viewers cannot turn them off. | The appearance is part of the image, so it travels with the video, but text cannot be restyled separately by the player. | When every viewer should see the same text treatment or the delivery platform does not support the desired caption styling. |
| Closed captions or subtitle file | Viewers can show or hide them; some players offer text preferences. | Appearance and positioning depend on the file format and player. Support is inconsistent. | When viewer control matters, including for accessibility, and the destination player supports the caption workflow. |
For Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, dialogue-only subtitles may not convey all relevant audio information. Use captions that include meaningful non-speech sound cues and speaker identification when needed. W3C WAI’s media accessibility guidance distinguishes the information captions need to communicate.
Check the caption file and destination platform
Caption-file formats do not carry identical styling features. YouTube Help says some supported subtitle and closed-caption formats include positioning and style information; its WebVTT documentation describes positioning support but limited styling, listing bold, italic, and underline. Check the current format guidance for the platform you use and verify the exported result there: YouTube’s supported subtitle and closed-caption files.
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W3C WAI cautions that browser and media-player support for author-positioned and styled captions is inconsistent and sometimes unreliable. Many web videos use a player’s default appearance; some players allow viewers to change text style, size, color, or position. Do not assume a closed-caption design will match a burned-in design or look identical in every player.
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- Check representative scenes. Preview subtitles over bright, dark, busy, and changing backgrounds. Confirm that text and its background treatment remain legible throughout.
- Inspect line breaks and timing. Look for overly long lines, awkward breaks, cues that appear too briefly, and text that falls out of sync with speech.
- Check placement against the action. Make sure text does not cover faces, signs, labels, or other meaningful imagery. Review the full frame and likely mobile crops if the text is burned in.
- Test the actual export in the destination player. Confirm that the format retains the styling and positioning you intended, and check viewer controls for closed captions. Styling may differ from what the editing application showed.
The WCAG 3.0 page dated 2026-09-10 is a Working Draft, not the published WCAG recommendation. It includes developing criteria for caption appearance, placement, and speaker identification. For published guidance, refer to WCAG 2.2 rather than treating draft material as a settled requirement: WCAG 3.0 Working Draft.
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