> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://captions.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Caption a Video in Multiple Languages at Once

> Generate caption tracks in multiple languages simultaneously in Captions, then export per-language SRT files or create separate language exports.

Instead of making separate videos for each language market, Captions lets you generate captions in multiple languages at the same time, so you can serve international audiences from a single project without duplicating your work.

## Captions vs. dubbing: which do you need?

**Multi-language captions** keep your original audio and add translated text on screen. The viewer reads the translation while hearing your voice. Use this when your original voice is part of your content, when you want to maintain authenticity, or when you're uploading to a platform that supports multiple subtitle tracks (like YouTube).

**Dubbing** replaces your audio with an AI-generated voice in the target language. Use this when you want full localization, where the viewer hears the video in their own language. See the [Dub a Video guide](/help/guides/multilingual/dub-video) for that workflow.

## Generate captions in multiple languages

<Steps>
  <Step title="Import your video and generate captions">
    Open a new or existing project in Captions. If you haven't already, tap **Captions** to auto-generate your primary caption track. Make sure the transcription is accurate before proceeding.
    <Tip>Review and correct your English captions first. Since translations are generated from the transcript, any errors in the source will carry over into every language.</Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open caption language settings">
    In the captions panel, find the language selector. Instead of choosing a single language, select **Multiple languages**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your target languages">
    Select the languages you want to generate, for example English + Spanish + Portuguese, or any combination. Captions will generate all selected tracks simultaneously.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review each language track">
    Switch between language tracks to review the translations. Pay particular attention to idioms, cultural references, proper nouns, and calls to action, as these are the areas where AI translation is most likely to need a small correction.
    <Tip>If you have a native speaker in your network, a quick review pass takes 2-3 minutes and catches anything that sounds unnatural.</Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export your captions">
    You have two export options:

    **Export as video:** choose which language track is active at export time. The captions are burned into the video in that language. Repeat for each language to create separate video files per market.

    **Export as SRT:** export a separate SRT file for each language. Upload these to YouTube, LinkedIn, or any platform that supports custom subtitle uploads. This lets one video serve multiple language audiences on a single upload.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Use cases

**YouTube with multiple subtitle tracks:** upload one video, then add each language SRT file as a separate subtitle track in YouTube Studio. YouTube will show viewers the subtitle in their preferred language automatically.

**Separate exports per language market:** create one export per language and post each version to its target audience, either on separate accounts or as separate posts.

**LinkedIn and other platforms:** export SRT files and upload them natively through the platform's subtitle settings to reach international professionals in your network.

## Tips

* Always review translations before posting, especially for idioms, humor, and cultural references that don't translate literally
* SRT export is the most flexible option. It works with any platform that accepts external subtitles
* For YouTube, adding subtitle tracks in multiple languages can improve searchability in those language markets
* If you're posting to TikTok or Reels (which don't support multiple subtitle tracks), create separate exports per language

## What's next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Dub a Video" icon="language" href="/help/guides/multilingual/dub-video">
    Replace audio with an AI voice in the target language.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reach Non-English Audiences" icon="earth-americas" href="/help/guides/multilingual/reach-non-english">
    Strategy guide for growing an international audience.
  </Card>

  <Card title="International Subtitles" icon="globe" href="/help/guides/multilingual/international-subtitles">
    Add and manage translated subtitle tracks.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Export settings" icon="arrow-up-from-bracket" href="/help/docs/settings/export">
    Export formats, resolution, and SRT file options.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>