Burned-in captions become part of the video image and remain visible. A separate subtitle or caption track can be shown or hidden by a compatible player. CastCuts renders its transcript captions into the MP4; it does not promise a separate SRT/VTT export. Choose your publishing workflow before rendering so the final post does not display conflicting duplicate text.
Separate the text’s meaning from its delivery format
W3C describes captions as synchronized text representing speech and the meaningful non-speech audio needed to understand content. Open captions are always displayed; closed captions can be toggled. The word ‘subtitles’ can mean different things across regions, including translated speech. A file extension alone does not establish accuracy, accessibility or translation quality. Decide which words and sound information your viewer needs, then choose how those words will be delivered.
Use burned-in text when appearance must travel with the MP4
CastCuts captions are rendered into the picture, so their reviewed appearance travels with the downloaded clip. The viewer cannot switch those pixels off or choose a different caption font through the player. Correct the words and inspect timing before rendering. Changing a draft after download does not update that MP4; make a new render for the change. An opening headline is another visual layer and should not be mistaken for a transcript.
Plan a separate track when the destination requires one
If your publishing requirements include selectable captions, language tracks or a separate subtitle file, prepare that deliverable through a tool and destination that explicitly support it. This CastCuts workflow does not include SRT/VTT export or automatic subtitle translation. Keep an uncaptioned render when it is useful for a separate downstream caption process. Verify that any external captions match the exact clip boundaries rather than the full episode’s original timestamps.
Check the post for two competing caption layers
A social platform may offer its own automatic captions in addition to the text already burned into your video. Review the destination preview and the published result using the controls it provides. Two versions can overlap or disagree on a name or number. Do not assume that readable on-video speech alone covers every accessibility requirement; important sound cues and speaker identification may need additional preparation. Review the actual audience and delivery requirements before publishing.
A fictional clip with two spellings of a guest’s name
Illustrative example. The people, recordings and results described here are fictional.
A creator downloads a captioned interview clip with the guest’s name checked against the recording. In the destination preview, an automatic caption layer adds a second, incorrect spelling over the first. The creator reviews the platform’s caption controls and corrects or removes the duplicate where appropriate. For another destination requiring a separate subtitle track, they prepare that file externally against an uncaptioned export of the exact excerpt.
Review the video’s captions and the publishing player’s captions as separate layers.
Check before you finish
- The publishing requirement specifies burned-in text, a separate track or both.
- Displayed speech and any meaningful sound information have been reviewed.
- Any external subtitle file matches the exact excerpt and language.
- The destination preview has no conflicting or obscured duplicate caption layer.
Practical questions
Can viewers turn off CastCuts captions in the MP4?
No. Rendered captions are part of the video image. Export without transcript captions when you need a clean picture for a separate caption workflow.
Does CastCuts download an SRT file with my clip?
This workflow provides the rendered MP4. Separate SRT/VTT export is not a current promised feature, so use another supported caption tool if your destination needs that file.
Are subtitles always translations?
Usage varies by region. State whether you need same-language captions, translated speech or both, and verify the required format instead of relying on the label alone.
Use this workflow in CastCuts
Review captions rendered into podcast video
CastCuts selects continuous 1–90 second excerpts and exports 9:16, 720 × 1280 H.264/AAC MP4 files. Automatic transcription and transcript-based suggestions support English and require review. Free exports include CastCuts branding; Pro removes it from new renders for $9 USD/month, with the same processing and storage limits. Episode media is retained for 24 hours. Keep your originals and download finished clips before expiry. Publishing is manual.