How to proofread TikTok's auto captions before you post
TikTok can generate captions from your speech automatically, and many viewers rely on them because they watch without sound. Auto captions are good, not perfect, and a wrong word in a caption is permanent once people screenshot it.
What auto captions usually get wrong
Names of people, brands and places. Slang, mixed languages and regional accents. Numbers and prices ('fifteen' versus 'fifty'). Words spoken quickly at the end of a sentence.
Technical terms in your niche are often turned into similar-sounding everyday words.
A two-minute check
After generating captions, tap Edit and read them with the sound on, line by line. Fix every proper noun and number first, then anything that changes the meaning.
Break long lines so each caption shows a short phrase. Short captions are easier to read while the video moves.
Speak for the captions
Clear pronunciation and a short pause between sentences help both viewers and the caption engine. If you say a brand name, spell it in the on-screen text as well.
Avoid talking over loud music. If the music is louder than your voice, the captions will miss words.
Why it is worth it
Captions make videos usable for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers and for anyone watching muted on a bus. They also give TikTok text it can understand when matching your video to searches.
Frequently asked questions
What do auto captions most often get wrong?
Names of people, brands and places, slang and mixed languages, numbers and prices, quickly spoken sentence endings, and technical terms from your niche.
How do I check auto captions before posting?
Tap Edit and read them line by line with the sound on. Fix proper nouns and numbers first, then anything that changes the meaning, and break up long lines.
Why do my auto captions miss words?
Often because music is louder than your voice. Speak clearly, pause briefly between sentences, and avoid talking over loud music.