Hey guys! Want to learn how to create awesome subtitles in Adobe Premiere Pro 2020? You've come to the right place! In this guide, we'll dive deep into everything you need to know about adding, editing, and styling subtitles to make your videos more engaging and accessible. Let's get started!

Why Subtitles are a Must-Have

Before we jump into the how-to, let's talk about why subtitles are super important.

• Accessibility: Subtitles make your videos accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. By including accurate subtitles, you ensure that everyone can enjoy and understand your content, regardless of their hearing abilities. This inclusivity broadens your audience and demonstrates your commitment to providing equal access to information.
• Global Reach: If you're aiming for a global audience, subtitles are a game-changer. They allow viewers who speak different languages to understand your video content. By adding subtitles in multiple languages, you can tap into new markets and connect with a wider range of people. This not only increases your viewership but also enhances your brand's international appeal.
• Engagement: Subtitles can significantly boost viewer engagement. Many people watch videos with the sound off, especially in public places. Subtitles ensure that these viewers don't miss out on any important information. Additionally, subtitles can help viewers follow along with complex or fast-paced content, making it easier to understand and retain information.
• SEO Boost: Search engines like Google can't "watch" your videos, but they can read your subtitles. By including accurate and descriptive subtitles, you provide search engines with valuable information about your video content. This can improve your video's search engine ranking, making it easier for people to find your content when they search for relevant keywords. Subtitles act as metadata that enhances your video's visibility and reach.
• Clarity: Sometimes, audio quality isn't the best. Subtitles can help clarify what's being said, especially if there's background noise or if the speaker has an accent. This ensures that viewers don't misunderstand crucial information, improving their overall viewing experience. Subtitles can also reinforce key points, making your message more memorable and impactful.

Step-by-Step: Adding Subtitles in Premiere Pro 2020

Alright, let's get practical! Here’s how to add subtitles in Premiere Pro 2020. Follow these steps, and you'll be subtitling like a pro in no time!

Step 1: Import Your Video

First things first, you need to import your video into Premiere Pro.

1. Open Adobe Premiere Pro 2020.
2. Create a new project or open an existing one.
3. Go to File > Import and select your video file.
4. Drag the video onto your timeline.

Step 2: Create a New Captions Track

Next, you'll create a captions track where your subtitles will live.

1. Go to File > New > Captions.
2. In the New Captions dialog box, set the settings as follows:
   • Format: Subtitle
   • Style: Open Captions
   • Timebase: Should match your sequence settings
   • Width & Height: Should match your sequence settings
3. Click OK. This will create a new captions track in your timeline.

Step 3: Start Adding Your Subtitles

Now for the fun part – adding the actual text!

1. Select the captions track in your timeline.
2. Move your playhead to the point where you want your first subtitle to appear.
3. In the Text panel (if you don’t see it, go to Window > Text), type your subtitle text.
4. Adjust the in and out points of the subtitle clip in the timeline to match the spoken words.
5. Repeat this process for each line of dialogue in your video. It might seem tedious at first, but you'll get faster with practice!

Step 4: Syncing Subtitles with Audio

Getting the timing right is crucial for good subtitles.

1. Play your video and pay close attention to the audio.
2. Adjust the start and end points of each subtitle clip to perfectly match the spoken words.
3. Use the zoom tool in the timeline to get a closer look and make precise adjustments.
4. Consider using the waveform display of your audio track to help you visually align the subtitles.

Step 5: Editing and Styling Your Subtitles

Make your subtitles look professional by editing and styling them.

1. In the Text panel, you can change the font, size, color, and position of your subtitles.
2. Use the Effects Controls panel for more advanced styling options, such as adding a background or shadow.
3. Keep your subtitles consistent in style throughout the video to maintain a professional look.
4. Ensure your subtitles are easy to read by choosing a clear font and contrasting color.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Ready to take your subtitling skills to the next level? Here are some advanced tips and tricks that will help you create subtitles that are both functional and visually appealing.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Premiere Pro has a ton of keyboard shortcuts that can speed up your workflow. Learn and use shortcuts for creating new captions, adjusting clip durations, and navigating the timeline. This will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.

Create and Use Styles

If you want to maintain a consistent look across all your videos, create and use subtitle styles. In the Essential Graphics panel, you can save your subtitle settings as a style and apply it to all your captions. This ensures that your subtitles have a uniform appearance, enhancing your brand's visual identity.

Adjust Positioning

Sometimes, subtitles can cover important visual elements in your video. Use the Position controls in the Effect Controls panel to move your subtitles to a better location on the screen. You can also adjust the vertical position to avoid overlapping with lower-third graphics or other text elements.

Add Backgrounds and Shadows

To make your subtitles more readable, especially on busy backgrounds, add a background or shadow. In the Essential Graphics panel, you can add a solid background behind your subtitles or create a subtle shadow effect. Experiment with different colors and opacities to find what works best for your video.

Use Third-Party Plugins

There are several third-party plugins available that can enhance your subtitling workflow. Some plugins offer features like automatic transcription, real-time subtitle previews, and advanced styling options. Explore these plugins to see if they can help you streamline your process and create even better subtitles.

Best Practices for Awesome Subtitles

To ensure your subtitles are top-notch, keep these best practices in mind:

• Accuracy: Double-check your subtitles for spelling and grammatical errors. Nothing is more distracting than typos!
• Brevity: Keep your subtitles concise. Viewers should be able to read them quickly without missing any of the video.
• Timing: Ensure your subtitles are perfectly synced with the audio. Subtitles that are out of sync can be confusing and frustrating.
• Readability: Choose a font and color that are easy to read against any background.
• Consistency: Maintain a consistent style throughout your video.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced editors can make mistakes when creating subtitles. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Too Much Text: Cramming too much text into a single subtitle can make it difficult to read. Break up long sentences into multiple subtitles.
• Poor Timing: Subtitles that appear too early or too late can be confusing. Pay close attention to the timing of your subtitles.
• Inconsistent Styling: Inconsistent font sizes, colors, and positions can make your subtitles look unprofessional. Stick to a consistent style throughout your video.
• Ignoring Cultural Differences: If you're creating subtitles for a global audience, be aware of cultural differences in language and humor. Adapt your subtitles to resonate with different cultures.
• Skipping Proofreading: Always proofread your subtitles before exporting your video. Even small errors can detract from the viewing experience.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Creating subtitles in Adobe Premiere Pro 2020 doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following these steps and tips, you can create subtitles that are both functional and visually appealing. So go ahead, make your videos more accessible, engaging, and professional with awesome subtitles! Happy editing, and may your videos reach a wider audience than ever before!