How to Insert Text in a YouTube Video: A Pro’s Guide

So, you want to add text to your YouTube videos? Excellent! It’s one of the most powerful ways to enhance viewer engagement, provide crucial context, and even inject some humor into your content. In a nutshell, you can insert text into your YouTube videos using YouTube’s built-in editor, or by using more advanced video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or even user-friendly options like Filmora. Each method offers different levels of control and customization, so let’s dive in.

Choosing Your Weapon: Editing Methods

The method you choose to add text depends heavily on your editing skills, budget, and the complexity of the text you want to add.

Option 1: YouTube’s Built-in Editor

This is the simplest and most accessible option, perfect for beginners or those who need to make quick additions.

1. Upload Your Video: Log into your YouTube Studio account and upload your video.
2. Access the Editor: Once uploaded, go to “Content” in the left-hand menu, select your video, and click on “Editor” in the left menu.
3. Add Text: In the editor, look for the “Text” option (it might be under the “Cards” or “End Screens” section, or possibly have its own dedicated section depending on YouTube’s current interface). Click on it, and you’ll be able to add a text box to your video.
4. Customize: Customize the text’s font, color, size, and position. You can also set the start and end times for the text to appear.
5. Preview and Save: Preview your changes to ensure the text appears correctly. Once satisfied, click “Save” to apply the changes to your video.

Pros:

• Free and easy to use.
• No software installation required.
• Ideal for basic text overlays.

Cons:

• Limited customization options.
• Not suitable for complex animations or effects.
• Can only be done after uploading the video.

Option 2: Video Editing Software (Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Filmora, etc.)

This option offers unparalleled control and flexibility for adding text. You can create stunning animated titles, lower thirds, and more.

1. Import Your Video: Import your video file into your chosen video editing software.
2. Add a Title or Text Layer: Most video editing software has a dedicated “Titles” or “Text” panel. Create a new title or text layer and add it to your timeline.
3. Type Your Text: Enter the text you want to display.
4. Customize Your Text: This is where the magic happens. You can adjust the font, size, color, position, rotation, opacity, and more. Explore options for shadows, outlines, and gradients to make your text stand out.
5. Animate Your Text: Use keyframes to animate your text. You can create entrances, exits, and dynamic movements to draw the viewer’s attention. Consider effects like scrolling text, kinetic typography, or 3D text.
6. Adjust Timing: Precisely control when your text appears and disappears by dragging the edges of the text layer on your timeline.
7. Export Your Video: Once you’re happy with the result, export your video in a format suitable for YouTube (e.g., MP4 with H.264 codec).
8. Upload to YouTube: Upload the finished video to your YouTube channel.

Pros:

• Extensive customization options.
• Advanced animation capabilities.
• Professional-looking results.
• Can be done before uploading.

Cons:

• Requires video editing software (which may be paid).
• Steeper learning curve.
• Can be time-consuming.

Choosing the Right Software

• Adobe Premiere Pro: Industry-standard, powerful, but requires a subscription.
• Final Cut Pro: Apple’s professional-grade software, a one-time purchase.
• DaVinci Resolve: A free (with a paid studio version) option that’s incredibly powerful for color correction and video editing. Has a steeper learning curve.
• Filmora: User-friendly and affordable, a good option for beginners.

Tips for Effective Text Overlays

• Keep it brief: Viewers have short attention spans. Use only essential text.
• Choose readable fonts: Opt for clear and easily legible fonts. Avoid overly stylized or complex fonts that are difficult to read.
• Consider contrast: Ensure your text color contrasts well with the background. White text on a dark background, or vice versa, is usually a safe bet.
• Position strategically: Place text where it won’t obscure important visuals. The lower third of the screen is a common and effective location.
• Be consistent: Use a consistent font, color scheme, and text placement throughout your video to maintain a professional look.
• Use animations sparingly: While animations can be eye-catching, don’t overdo it. Use them purposefully to highlight key information.
• Proofread carefully: Always double-check your text for typos and grammatical errors. Nothing screams unprofessional like a misspelled word.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best fonts to use for YouTube video text?

Sans-serif fonts like Arial, Helvetica, Open Sans, and Roboto are generally considered the most readable for on-screen text. Serif fonts like Times New Roman or Georgia can work well for more formal or elegant videos, but be mindful of readability, especially at smaller sizes.

2. How do I create a lower third graphic?

In video editing software, create a graphic with a solid background (or a transparent background if you want to see the video behind it) and position it at the bottom of the screen. Add your text to the graphic. You can then animate the graphic to slide in and out of the frame.

3. Can I add text to YouTube Shorts?

Yes! The YouTube Shorts editor has a built-in text tool that allows you to add text overlays. The functionality is similar to adding text in the regular YouTube editor, but it’s optimized for the shorter format.

4. How do I make my text stand out?

Experiment with shadows, outlines, gradients, and glow effects. Choose a color that contrasts strongly with the background. Consider adding a background shape (like a rectangle) behind the text to make it pop.

5. Is it possible to add text in multiple languages?

Yes, but it requires more effort. You’ll need to create separate versions of your video with text overlays in each language. You can then use YouTube’s subtitle feature to allow viewers to select their preferred language. Consider creating separate video uploads that are specific to the translated text.

6. How do I add text that follows a moving object?

This requires motion tracking, a more advanced technique available in software like Premiere Pro, After Effects, or DaVinci Resolve. You track the movement of the object and then attach the text to that tracking data, so it follows along.

7. How do I create scrolling text?

Most video editing software has a “scrolling text” or “crawl” effect. You simply type in your text and specify the direction and speed of the scroll. This is great for displaying news tickers or long lists of information.

8. Can I add text to live streams?

Yes, but it’s more complex. You’ll need to use streaming software like OBS Studio or XSplit and configure it to overlay text onto your live video feed.

9. How do I change the font in YouTube’s built-in editor?

YouTube’s built-in editor offers a limited selection of fonts. Choose the one that best suits your video. If you need more font options, you’ll need to use video editing software.

10. What is the best file format for text overlays?

If you are creating graphics with transparent backgrounds, use PNG files. If you are exporting your entire video, MP4 with the H.264 codec is the most widely compatible format for YouTube.

11. How can I add animated text without using expensive software?

Free online tools and mobile apps often offer pre-made animated text templates. Look for options that allow you to customize the text and colors. While they may not be as powerful as professional software, they can be a good starting point.

12. How do I ensure my text is accessible to all viewers?

Provide accurate and detailed captions for your videos. This will help viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing understand the content. The text you add can be a great visual aid for this!

Adding text to your YouTube videos is a simple yet powerful way to elevate your content. Whether you choose YouTube’s built-in editor or dive into the world of video editing software, the possibilities are endless. Remember to keep your text clear, concise, and visually appealing, and you’ll be well on your way to creating engaging and informative videos that captivate your audience.