Captions are a critical element of any TikTok video, providing context and enhancing content for viewers. But you may need to edit your TikTok captions after posting a video, whether to fix errors, improve clarity, or update the information. Learning to edit TikTok captions allows you to optimize your videos even after they are live.
TikTok offers powerful caption editing capabilities, though the process differs depending on timing and method. With the right techniques, you can edit auto-generated and manually add captions on your TikTok videos before and after posting. This guide will teach you how to edit TikTok captions using TikTok’s built-in editing tools. You’ll learn the best practices for crafting effective captions and steps for updating captions on already posted videos. Optimizing your TikTok captions can help increase views, engagement, and sharing for your videos.
Also read: How to Post a TikTok on Instagram? >
Can You Edit TikTok Auto Captions?
YES, you can edit TikTok auto captions. TikTok automatically generates captions for its videos by transcribing videos. However, these auto-generated captions often contain errors and need further editing before you post the video. You can tap the captions to open the editing window when auto-captions are enabled on a draft TikTok video in the app. Here, you will see the text that TikTok has automatically generated based on the video’s audio. You can then edit the auto-generated captions as needed – deleting and rewriting any incorrect sections, fixing spelling and punctuation mistakes, breaking longer text sections into separate captions, and making any other necessary changes.
To automatically generate captions for your TikTok videos, the key is CapUp – an AI Caption Generator that is widely used by YouTubers, Instagramers, and TikTok users. Simply upload your TikTok video, select a preset video caption template, customize the caption style, and automatically generate captions in seconds.
Free login to CapUp and check its AI captioning features below:
Steps to add and edit TikTok auto-captions:
Step 1. Open your browser. Free login to CapUp and upload your TikTok video.
Step 2. Choose the language that aligns with the language you used in your video and click Generate Captions.
Step 3. Choose one of the top influencer templates under the Default Template option. Customize parameters like font, sound effects, emojis, etc., to your liking, and then click Save as Template.
Step 4. You can also adjust the font, color, animation effects, and sound effects under the Captions and Effects options frame by frame.
Step 5. When you’re satisfied, simply click Export to save the final TikTok video. To enhance your video, you can add a cover photo from your computer or select a frame from the video.
While you cannot directly edit a posted caption, there are three main workarounds for updating your TikTok video captions – editing captions in the TikTok app, using third-party captioning apps, and enabling auto-captions. Although not true direct editing, 3 approaches allow you to modify and improve captions after posting your video.
The simplest option is to edit the captions directly within the TikTok app. Here is a step-by-step guide to complete the process.
Step 1: Upload your TikTok video by clicking on the Plus sign on the screen.
Step 2: Tap the ‘Text’ option to expand the menu.
Step 3: Type your desired caption text. Customize font, color, borders.
Step 4: Press ‘Done’. Captions will appear as an overlay sticker.
Step 5: Tap the caption overlay to edit it. Set duration, it seems.
Step 6: Click ‘Next’ and preview before posting.
Enabling TikTok’s auto-caption feature is another option, which allows you to edit the AI-generated captions before posting.
Step 1: Launch TikTok App. Record the video and enter the editing screen.
Step 2: Tap ‘Captions’ on the right.
Step 3: Agree to terms and tap ‘Turn On Captions.’
Step 4: Auto captions will be generated. Tap on “Pencil” to edit if needed.
Step 5: Select a caption to edit. Make changes. Tap ‘Save’ button and post the video.
Although TikTok doesn’t allow editing captions directly, you can still update your captions after posting by re-uploading your video. This workaround takes just a few quick steps to save, re-upload, and re-post the same video with improved captions. Here is the process for updating your TikTok captions using the re-upload method:
Step 1: Tap on your profile icon, which is the “Me” icon on the lower right corner of the TikTok app screen.
Step 2: This will open your profile page. Find the video you want to edit the caption for and tap on the three dot “…” icon on the right side of the video thumbnail.
Step 3: A menu will appear. Select the “Save Video” option to download a copy of the video to your device.
Step 4: Now that you have the video saved, you can repost it with an updated caption. Go back to the main TikTok screen and tap on the “+” symbol at the bottom to upload a new video.
Step 5: This will open the upload screen. On the right side of the red record button, choose the “Upload” tab.’
Step 6: You will see a list of your locally saved photos and videos. Find the video you just downloaded from your TikTok profile and select it.
Step 7: After selecting the video, tap on the “Next” button in the top right corner to move to the editing screen. Tap “Next” again to access the TikTok editing tools. Here you can add text, stickers, filters, and edit the video.
Step 8: Tap “Next” a third time at the bottom right to open the posting screen.
Step 9: Update the caption text to your revised version. You can also update audience and visibility settings here.
Step 10: Post the video by tapping on the blue “Post” button. The reposted video with your edited caption will now appear in your profile. Make sure to delete the original video from your profile. Tap on your “Me” profile icon again and find the original video with the old caption. Tap on the three dot menu.
Step 11: In the menu, scroll right if needed and tap on the “Delete” option to permanently remove the video.
Further Reading: How to Remove a Filter on TikTok >
In this post, we will answer several questions about editing TikTok posts.
What should I include in TikTok captions?
Include relevant keywords, hashtags, credits, location info, questions to engage viewers, and conversational text relating directly to your video content.
How long should TikTok captions be?
Keep TikTok captions concise and scannable. Short videos may only need a phrase or sentence. Longer videos can have a 2-4 sentence summary. Avoid large blocks of text.
Can I move captions on TikTok?
Yes, reposition captions by dragging and dropping text on mobile or desktop. But auto-generated captions cannot be moved.
Captions are vital for enhancing TikTok videos. Take time to craft captions that inform, intrigue, and engage your audience. Utilize TikTok editing tools to perfect captions before and after posting. Keep text concise, position captions strategically, and include relevant hashtags. Follow the tips in this guide to create stand-out TikTok captions. Have any other caption questions? Make sure to share this post and leave a comment with your own TikTok caption strategies. Getting captions right can level up your TikTok game, so put these tips into practice to connect with more viewers!