Answer first
Start with a timestamped Instagram transcript and export SRT for broad editor compatibility or VTT for web video players. Do not copy a plain text transcript into a caption track and expect timing to survive; the timestamps are the part that connects words to the video. If you need to generate subtitles from mp4, use the video audio track as the source and keep the timing attached.
SRT or VTT?
- SRT: a simple numbered caption format supported by many editing and publishing tools.
- VTT: designed for web video and supports cues used by HTML video players.
- TXT: best for notes, search, or drafting, not timed captions.
Keep the timing, improve the reading
- Export with timestamps enabled.
- Split long sentences at natural pauses, not in the middle of a name or phrase.
- Keep each cue short enough to read before it disappears.
- Replay the video with captions on and fix cues that arrive early or late.
- Review names, numbers, and quoted speech before publishing.
Why a transcript is not finished captions
Transcription answers “what was said.” Captions also require timing, line breaks, readable pacing, and sometimes sound descriptions. Treat the transcript as the accurate starting layer, then perform a separate caption pass.
Final check
Load the exported SRT or VTT beside the original Reel. If the first and last words align and the middle cues remain readable without crowding, the file is ready for your caption editor or web player.