[FAQ]

I’ve been posting more video content on LinkedIn lately, and I know that adding captions is really important, especially since so many people watch videos with the sound off.

Could someone walk me through the best way to add accurate captions to a native LinkedIn video in 2025? I’m curious about the recommended file format, like SRT files, and I also want to better understand exactly why captions are so crucial for boosting engagement on the platform.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Jeff Bullas]

Adding accurate captions to your native LinkedIn videos is a critical step for improving both accessibility and engagement.

First, it is important to understand why they are so effective. A very large percentage of users on social media platforms, particularly in a professional context like an office, watch videos with the sound off. Without captions, your message is completely lost to this significant portion of your audience. Captions also make your content accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Furthermore, they can improve comprehension for everyone, especially for viewers watching in a noisy environment or for those for whom your language or accent is not their first. This all leads to longer watch times and better overall engagement.

Now, let us discuss how to add them. The most professional and reliable method is to upload a SubRip Subtitle file, which is commonly known as an SRT file. This is a simple text file that contains the transcribed text of your video, formatted with the precise start and end times for each line of dialogue.

The process for adding it is straightforward. First, after you have uploaded your video to a new LinkedIn post, but before you publish it, you will see an option to edit your video settings. This is usually represented by a pencil icon on the video thumbnail.

Second, when you click to edit your video, you will see an option to “Select file” or “Upload caption file” under a “Captions” tab. You would then select the SRT file you have prepared for that video from your computer.

Third, regarding how to create an SRT file, you do not need to do this manually by typing out all the timestamps. The most efficient way is to use an online transcription service. Many of these services are AI-powered and can quickly transcribe your video audio for a low cost, after which you can review the text for accuracy and export it in the SRT format. Many modern video editing software programs also have built-in features to help you create and export caption files.

An alternative method is to “burn” the captions directly into your video file during the editing process. This ensures they are always visible. However, uploading a separate SRT file on LinkedIn is often preferred as it gives the viewer the choice to turn captions on or off and can be better for accessibility and platform SEO.

In summary, captions are essential because a large part of your audience watches without sound. The best way to add them on LinkedIn is to upload a clean and accurate SRT file through the video settings before you publish your post. This simple step makes your content more accessible and dramatically increases its potential to engage your viewers.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Author]

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