Add captions to AI-generated video: timing, terminology and accessible meaning

A worked example: where the task becomes difficult

A fictional tutorial pronounces a package name that automatic transcription turns into an ordinary word. The final edit also removes a sentence, leaving captions out of sync. Work from the final audio track and a glossary of approved technical terms. Check the exported caption file and the player behavior, not only the text editor where the draft looked correct.

Decisions to make before implementation

Choose the intended languages, caption format and player support. Distinguish verbatim captions from translated subtitles and a written transcript. Preserve meaningful non-speech information where relevant. Keep speaker identification clear when multiple voices matter. Decide how captions are maintained when the video is updated and who verifies translations or specialized terminology.

A practical sequence for the work

Use the sequence below as a task boundary, not as a claim that the example has been executed. Work with approved inputs and the project’s actual architecture. If a required integration or permission is unavailable, keep that stage visibly incomplete rather than generating a plausible substitute result.

• Transcribe the final authorized audio and apply the approved glossary.
• Correct wording and include meaningful speaker or sound context.
• Align timing and check readable segment lengths in the actual player.
• Verify export, language selection and the updated transcript together.

A detailed brief you can adapt for your agent

Replace the illustrative context with your approved facts and controlled inputs. Keep the stated boundaries when adapting the brief. The expected deliverable matters more than a particular tool name: ask for an explanation grounded in the inspected material and evidence for the requested outcome.

Prepare captions from this final authorized tutorial audio. Use the supplied technical glossary and preserve meaningful speaker or sound context. Correct transcription before timing. Verify the exported track in the intended player and mark unreviewed translations. Do not treat a saved subtitle file as proof it is connected to the video.

Failure modes that an attractive preview can hide

A caption file can exist but never be connected to the video element. Check the visible control and loaded track. Avoid publishing a machine translation as reviewed human accuracy. Captions burned into imagery may be difficult to resize or replace; choose delivery based on the intended player and audience rather than convenience alone.

Technical references: W3C WAI: accessibility tutorials

Acceptance checks and the evidence to retain

Keep the final audio revision, reviewed caption file, language status and player checks. Update captions when editing the underlying media.

Specific answers

Common questions