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Subtitles make your videos accessible and searchable. Wikio generates subtitles automatically using AI transcription and lets you edit, translate, and export them in standard formats. Studio panel showing Subtitle and other featured apps

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Generate subtitles

Wikio can create subtitles from any video with spoken audio.
1

Select an asset

Open the video you want to subtitle from your library or project.
2

Run the subtitle workflow

Click Workflows and choose Generate subtitles. Select the spoken language if Wikio doesn’t detect it automatically.
3

Review the result

Once processing completes, subtitles appear in the timeline below the video player. Each segment shows the text and its timecode.
Processing time depends on video length. You’ll receive a notification when subtitles are ready.

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Edit subtitles

Click any subtitle segment to edit its text. Changes save automatically.
  • Split a segment: Place the playhead where you want to divide, then click the split icon.
  • Merge segments: Select two adjacent segments and click merge.
  • Adjust timing: Drag the segment edges in the timeline or edit the timecode directly.
  • Delete a segment: Select it and press Delete or use the context menu.
Editing subtitles does not alter the original video file. Subtitles are stored separately and applied during playback or export.

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Translate subtitles

Wikio can translate your subtitles into multiple languages.
1

Open subtitle settings

With subtitles visible, click the Languages dropdown above the timeline.
2

Add a language

Select Add translation and choose the target language.
3

Review and refine

AI translation runs automatically. Review the translated segments and make adjustments where needed.
You can maintain multiple language tracks for a single video. Viewers choose their preferred language in the player.

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Sync adjustments

If subtitles drift out of sync, use the player’s offset controls:
  • ⌥ Alt + , shifts subtitles earlier by 50 ms
  • ⌥ Alt + . shifts subtitles later by 50 ms
For larger corrections, select all segments and drag them together in the timeline.

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Export subtitles

Export subtitles for use in other platforms or for archival.
  1. Click Export in the subtitle panel.
  2. Choose a format:
  1. Click Download to save the file.

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Burn-in subtitles

To permanently embed subtitles into the video:
  1. Open the Export menu on the video asset.
  2. Enable Burn-in subtitles and select the language track.
  3. Choose your output format and resolution.
  4. Export the video.
Burned-in subtitles cannot be turned off during playback but ensure compatibility with any player.

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Best practices

  • Review AI output: Automated transcription handles most speech well, but review names, technical terms, and accents.
  • Keep segments short: Aim for one to two lines per segment so viewers can read comfortably.
  • Use consistent styling: If you customize fonts or colors, apply the same style across all videos for brand consistency.
  • Translate early in the workflow: Adding translations before client review lets stakeholders approve all language versions together.

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Troubleshooting

  • Subtitles not generating: Ensure the video has audible speech. Silent or music-only videos won’t produce results.
  • Poor transcription accuracy: Check that you selected the correct spoken language. Background noise can also affect quality.
  • Sync issues after export: Verify the export frame rate matches the original video.