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Although Instagram Reels are popular, many users skip them simply because they have the volume turned off. If you want to increase engagement and make your reels more accessible, adding captions is a great way to do it.

If you’re interested in learning how to add captions to Instagram Reels, you’ve come to the right place. This article will show you how to do it on both iPhone and Android devices.
How to Add Captions to Instagram Reels on an iPhone
Adding captions to your Instagram Reel using your iPhone is simple and can be done in two ways. The first way is using the Instagram app, and the second is using third-party online tools. We’ll provide detailed, step-by-step instructions for both.
How to Add Captions to Instagram Reels on iOS using Instagram
Adding captions to Instagram Reels using the Instagram app takes only a few steps. Instagram has a built-in feature for adding captions in numerous languages. Here’s what you need to do to use this feature on your iPhone.
- Open the Instagram app.
- Select the plus icon and open the Reel tab.
- Choose an existing reel or record a new one.
- Select “Next.”
- Tap the “Text” icon.
- You’ll see the “Transcribe words” message on your screen. After a few seconds, the captions should appear. Now you can move the captions around (most users keep them at the bottom) and customize the text’s color, size, and style.
- Tap “Done” at the top-right corner.
- Choose “Next.”
- Press “Share.”
How to Add Captions to Instagram Reels on an iPhone Using a Third-Party Tool
While Instagram’s feature for adding captions is convenient, it’s not the most accurate, and many users have noticed spelling mistakes. Unfortunately, Instagram doesn’t allow changes to these captions. So, many content creators decide to use a third-party tool for adding captions to Instagram Reels. We’ll show you how to use veed.io to add captions to your reel.
Follow these steps to use veed.io to add captions to your Instagram Reels on your iPhone.
- Open your browser and go to veed.io.
- Tap “Upload Your Video” and choose the reel to which you want to add captions.
- Go to the “Subtitles” tab at the bottom.
- Choose “Auto Subtitle” or “Manual Subtitles.” If you choose the first option, the program will create the captions for you. The second option requires you to type the subtitles manually.
- Review the captions, save your reel, and upload it to Instagram.
How to Add Captions to Instagram Reels on an Android Device
Android users will be happy to know they can make their Instagram Reels more accessible and searchable by adding captions. There are two ways to do this: by using the Instagram app, or a third-party website. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions for both.
How to Add Captions to Instagram Reels on an Android Device Using Instagram
Instagram offers a built-in feature for adding captions to Instagram Reels automatically. This means you don’t have to think about typing the text manually and ensuring it’s synchronized. Here’s how to use this feature on your Android device.
- Launch the Instagram app.
- Select the plus icon and open the Reel tab.
- Record a reel or choose one from your gallery.
- Select “Preview.”
- Tap the “Text” icon.
- The “Transcribe words” message will appear on your screen, and the captions will be ready in a few seconds, depending on the reel’s length. Once you see the captions, you can move them around the screen and change the text’s size, color, font, etc.
- Choose “Done.”
- Select “Next” and tap “Share.”
How to Add Captions to Instagram Reels on an Android Device Using a Third-Party Tool
Instagram’s built-in feature is undeniably convenient, but it often makes mistakes, and the app doesn’t allow users to fix them. Many people choose not to use it because they don’t want to look unprofessional. Plus, the feature isn’t available in all locations. Fortunately, there’s a solution: third-party tools. These tools allow creators to add auto or manual captions with no mistakes. Our recommendation is veed.io. Here’s how to use it to add captions to your Instagram Reel on an Android device.
- Launch a browser on your phone and go to veed.io.
- Press “Upload Your Video” and select the reel to which you wish to add captions.
- Tap “Subtitles.”
- Select “Auto Subtitle” or “Manual Subtitles,” depending on your preference. The “Auto Subtitle” option is more convenient because it analyzes your reel automatically and creates the text. If you notice mistakes, you can fix them quickly.
- Double-check the captions to ensure they’re correct, save your reel, and share it on Instagram.
FAQ
Why can’t I see the “Captions” option on Instagram?
The “Captions” option isn’t available worldwide. If you don’t see the “Captions” sticker, it’s most likely because you’re in a region that doesn’t support this option yet. In such cases, you can use a virtual private network (VPN) to trick Instagram into thinking you’re at another location. Or, you can use a third-party tool to add captions to your reel and then upload it to Instagram.
How can I Fix Incorrect Captions on Instagram?
Unfortunately, Instagram’s native captions are auto-generated. This means that you as the use cannot do anything to fix a caption that is generated incorrectly, besides potentially re-recording the entire video. If this is a recurring issue for you, consider trying one of the methods using a third-party app listed above.
Attract an Audience
Adding captions to your reels is an excellent way to attract more users. Captions allow your viewers to understand what you’re talking about even with the sound turned off. Don’t forget to ensure your captions don’t contain misspellings and, of course, try to keep your reels engaging and exciting.
Have you tried adding captions to your Instagram Stories before? Did you use Instagram’s built-in feature or a third-party tool? Tell us in the comments section below.
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