Hey guys! Ever felt like your videos could reach a wider audience if they just had subtitles? Or maybe you're aiming for that professional, polished look? Well, you're in the right place! Today, we're diving deep into the world of subtitles in Adobe Premiere Pro 2020. Trust me; it's easier than you think, and the impact it can have on your content is HUGE. Let's get started!

Why Subtitles are a Game-Changer

Before we jump into the "how," let's quickly chat about the "why." Subtitles aren't just about making your video accessible to those who are hard of hearing (though that's a fantastic reason in itself!). They also:

• Boost Engagement: Many people watch videos with the sound off, especially on mobile. Subtitles keep them engaged.
• Expand Your Audience: Reach viewers who speak different languages or have trouble understanding accents.
• Improve SEO: Search engines can't "watch" your video, but they can read your subtitles. More on this later!
• Enhance Clarity: Sometimes, dialogue can be unclear. Subtitles ensure everyone understands the message.

In short, adding subtitles is a simple way to seriously level up your video content. Now, let's get to the nitty-gritty of doing it in Premiere Pro 2020.

Getting Started with Subtitles in Premiere Pro 2020

Okay, you're pumped about subtitles, right? Great! Let's walk through the process step-by-step. I promise, it's not rocket science, even if Premiere Pro sometimes feels like it is.

Step 1: Import Your Footage

This might seem obvious, but let's cover all the bases. Fire up Premiere Pro 2020 and create a new project. Then, import the video footage you want to add subtitles to. Drag and drop it onto your timeline – you know the drill!

Step 2: Choose Your Subtitle Method

Premiere Pro 2020 offers a few different ways to add subtitles, and the best one for you will depend on your workflow and preferences. Here's a quick rundown:

• Manual Entry: This involves typing out each subtitle yourself, setting the in and out points, and positioning it on the screen. It's the most time-consuming but gives you the most control.
• Transcription Service: Use a service like Rev or Otter.ai to automatically transcribe your audio. Then, import the transcript into Premiere Pro as a subtitle file.
• Speech-to-Text: Premiere Pro has a built-in speech-to-text feature (introduced after 2020, so you may need to upgrade). It's not perfect, but it can save you a ton of time.

For this guide, we'll focus on manual entry and importing transcripts since those are the most universal methods for Premiere Pro 2020 users.

Step 3: Manual Subtitle Creation

If you're going the manual route (brave soul!), here's how to do it:

1. Open the Text Panel: Go to Window > Text. This will open the Text panel, where you'll create and edit your subtitles.
2. Create a New Caption Track: In the Text panel, click the "Create New Caption Track" icon (it looks like a little page with a plus sign). Choose the appropriate settings for your project (CEA-708 is a common choice for broadcast). Ensure that the "Start at beginning of Media" checkbox is selected, otherwise the subtitles timeline will not generate from the start. This creates a new track in your timeline specifically for subtitles.
3. Add Your First Subtitle: Click the "Add New Caption" icon (it looks like a little page). This will create a new subtitle block in your timeline. Position the playhead where you want the subtitle to appear.
4. Type Your Text: In the Text panel, type the text for your subtitle. Keep it concise and easy to read. A good rule of thumb is to aim for no more than two lines of text per subtitle and no more than about 35 characters per line. Ensure the message is being delivered correctly.
5. Adjust Timing: Drag the edges of the subtitle block in the timeline to adjust its in and out points. Make sure the subtitle appears when the speaker starts talking and disappears when they stop. The keyboard shortcuts to use here are "Q" and "W". Q deletes everything to the left of your timeline cursor and W deletes everything to the right. So if you have a clip highlighted and you want to shorten the front, move the cursor to where you want the clip to start and press Q. If you want to shorten the clip on the end, move the cursor to where you want the clip to end and press W.
6. Repeat: Repeat steps 3-5 for each subtitle in your video. Yes, it's tedious, but it's also very precise.

Step 4: Importing a Transcript

If you've used a transcription service, you'll likely have a .srt or .vtt file. Here's how to import it:

1. Import the File: Go to File > Import and select your subtitle file. Premiere Pro will automatically create a new caption track with the subtitles.
2. Adjust Timing (if needed): Sometimes, the timing of the imported subtitles isn't perfect. You may need to adjust the in and out points of individual subtitles to sync them with the audio. Use the same techniques as described above for manual subtitle creation.

Step 5: Styling Your Subtitles

Okay, so you've got your subtitles in place. Now, let's make them look good! Premiere Pro 2020 offers a bunch of options for styling your subtitles:

1. Select a Subtitle: In the timeline, click on the subtitle you want to style.
2. Use the Text Panel: In the Text panel, you'll find options to change the font, font size, color, background color, and more. Experiment to find a style that suits your video and brand.
3. Consider Readability: The most important thing is that your subtitles are easy to read. Choose a font that's clear and legible, and make sure the contrast between the text and the background is high enough. A white font with a black background is usually a safe bet. A best practice here is to use a font like Arial or Verdana and give it a black background with white text.
4. Positioning: You can also adjust the position of your subtitles on the screen. The default position is usually at the bottom center, but you can move them around if they're obscuring important visuals. Be careful when moving subtitles because if you move them too far off the screen, they will disappear when exporting.

Step 6: Exporting Your Video with Subtitles

You've added your subtitles, styled them to perfection, and now it's time to share your masterpiece with the world! Here's how to export your video with subtitles:

1. Go to Export: Go to File > Export > Media. This will open the Export Settings window.
2. Choose Your Format: Select the desired export format (H.264 is a good choice for online video). Consider the following options:
   • Burned-In Subtitles: These are permanently embedded in the video. They'll always be visible, regardless of the player or platform. This is a good option if you want to ensure everyone sees the subtitles.
   • Sidecar File: This creates a separate subtitle file (e.g., .srt) that can be loaded by the video player. This gives viewers the option to turn the subtitles on or off. This is a good option if you want to provide flexibility.
3. Configure Caption Settings: In the Export Settings window, go to the "Captions" tab. Here, you can choose how you want to export your subtitles. Again, you'll have the option to burn them in or create a sidecar file. Be sure to match your choice here with what you set in the previous step.
4. Export: Click the "Export" button. Premiere Pro will render your video with the subtitles.

Advanced Subtitle Tips and Tricks

Alright, you've got the basics down. Now, let's dive into some more advanced tips and tricks to really up your subtitle game:

• Use Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn the keyboard shortcuts for creating and adjusting subtitles. This will save you a ton of time in the long run.
• Create a Subtitle Template: If you find yourself using the same subtitle style over and over again, create a template. This will save you from having to re-style each subtitle individually.
• Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Nothing ruins a video faster than typos in the subtitles. Always proofread your subtitles carefully before exporting. Have a friend or colleague take a look, too.
• Consider Cultural Context: If you're translating subtitles for a different language, be mindful of cultural differences. Some phrases or idioms may not translate well.

SEO Benefits of Subtitles

Earlier, I mentioned that subtitles can improve your video's SEO. Here's how:

• Search Engine Crawlability: Search engines can't watch your video, but they can read your subtitles. This gives them a better understanding of what your video is about, which can improve its ranking in search results.
• Keyword Optimization: Include relevant keywords in your subtitles to further boost your SEO. Just don't overdo it – the subtitles should still be natural and easy to read.
• Increased Engagement: As I mentioned earlier, subtitles can increase engagement. And higher engagement can lead to better search rankings.

Troubleshooting Common Subtitle Issues

Even with the best preparation, you might run into some snags along the way. Here are a few common subtitle issues and how to fix them:

• Subtitles Not Syncing: Double-check the in and out points of your subtitles to make sure they're aligned with the audio.
• Subtitles Not Showing Up: Make sure you've enabled subtitles in your video player or platform. If you're using a sidecar file, make sure it's in the same folder as your video file and has the same name.
• Subtitles Look Blurry: Choose a clear and legible font, and make sure the font size is large enough. Also, check your export settings to ensure you're exporting at a high enough resolution.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to mastering subtitles in Adobe Premiere Pro 2020! I know it seems like a lot to take in, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it'll become second nature. And the benefits – increased engagement, wider audience, improved SEO – are well worth the effort.

Now go forth and subtitle all the videos! And if you have any questions or tips of your own, share them in the comments below. Happy editing!