Adding text to your video is a quick and effective way to make your videos more accessible and engaging. Depending on the complexity of your video, you have a few options.
In this blog, we’ll not only show you how to do it, but we’ll also provide expert tips for making it look good. Let’s dive in!
TLDR: Adding text to your video in Animoto is fast and simple. All you have to do is upload or start a project, add your media, and drop in your text. You can perfectly sync your text with the audio, add dynamic background shapes, and choose from multiple text animation styles.
How to add text to videos
Creating engaging videos means more than just great visuals—it means making your message stick. While auto-captioning tools on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels help with quick accessibility, sometimes you need more control to achieve a truly polished, professional look.
That's where a tool like Animoto comes in. It goes far beyond simple captions, giving you the power to perfectly brand and design every word that appears on screen.
Ready to turn basic text into a dynamic visual element? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to add styled text to your videos using Animoto.
How to add text with Animoto
Animoto makes it easy to add text to your video that looks cohesive and professional. It goes a step beyond most auto-captioning tools by letting you adjust the size, font, position, color, and style of your text.
Here’s how it’s done:
Step 1: Upload or start a video.
Start by signing up for a free Animoto account. You can upload an existing video, choose an expert-made template, or start a new project from scratch.
Step 2: Add your media.
Now it’s time to add the photos and video clips you’d like in your video. Just drag and drop it into your project, trim, and edit as you like.
Learn more about editing videos in Animoto here.
Step 3: Add your text
Add a text box and paste or type your text. You can adjust the position, size, and color of your text now. For emphasis, you can also use bold and italics.
Step 4: Make it stand out
Make sure it’s legible by choosing a contrasting color, legible font, and background elements. Animoto has different text animation styles, including ones with highlights. You can choose whatever style fits your video, knowing that you can always add elements behind your text to make it stand out.
Step 4: Time it just right
Open up your timeline to adjust when your text appears and disappears. Just find your text box, drag and drop the bumpers on the end, and place it on your timeline at just the right moment.
Bonus: Design it!
There are so many ways to incorporate your text into your video. Beyond just choosing the right font and color, you can use elements to create dynamic backgrounds and draw your viewers to your message.
We have tons of tips for creating professional lower third designs in this guide.
Auto captions
TikTok and Reels offer built-in auto-captioning tools to make adding text easy.
Here’s how to use them:
- Step 1: Record a new video or upload a pre-recorded clip from your phone's gallery.
- Step 2: Proceed to the editing screen
- On TikTok: Look for a dedicated "Captions" button on the side or bottom toolbar.
- On Instagram Reels: Tap the Sticker icon (the smiley square) and select the "Captions" sticker.
- The app will automatically analyze the audio and generate the text.
- Step 3: Tap the generated text to open the editing window. Correct any misspellings, proper nouns, or transcription mistakes.
- Step 4: Use the styling options to adjust the captions' appearance:
- Font: Choose a clear, legible style.
- Color: Select a color that contrasts well with the video background.
- Background: Add a background or shadow to ensure maximum readability (essential for moving footage).
- Drag the captions to a position where they won't cover important visuals (usually the bottom center).
- Step 5: Tap "Done" to lock the captions and post your video!
Pro tips for adding text to video
Now that you know the how of adding text, let’s focus on the art of making it look great. These concise, actionable pro tips will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure your on-screen text work with, not against, your visuals.
Tip 1: Keep it short and sweet
With video, the power is in the visuals. Remember, it’s not a slideshow! Text should only be used to reinforce your message and add context to the visuals.
As a rule, try to use no more than 2-3 words per second for simple marketing videos. For trainers and how-tos, you can add a bit more. If you’re ever wondering if you’re using too much text, follow the next tip below.
Here’s a promo video template that does it well:
Tip 2: Give them enough time to read it
Don’t overwhelm your viewer or leave them wondering what they just saw! Leave your text on screen long enough for them to read it twice.
Here’s a well-timed template as an example:
Tip 3: Use multiple fonts
Create visual hierarchy by using multiple fonts throughout your video. We recommend sticking to two: one for titles, and one for descriptions. This will help break down your text visually while adding variety to your design.
We recommend pairing serif and non-serif fonts together to clearly differentiate between titles and subtitles. Animoto now has over 70 fonts to choose from, or Pro+ users can upload their own font to match their brand.
Here are some examples using multiple fonts from our collection:
Creating a video in a right-to-left language? Animoto also supports Arabic, Hebrew, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Japanese, and Korean characters.
Tip 4: Ensure high contrast and readability
Your text should be easy to read at a glance. This means selecting a legible font, or using artistic, cursive fonts sparingly, and choosing contrasting colors.
If you don’t have much contrast between your text and the background, you can insert a contrasting element behind it.
Here’s a template that uses multiple fonts but prioritizing legibility by using contrast:
Tip 5: Use text to reinforce key information
This is a general rule of thumb for deciding how much text you’ll use, and what it should say. Ultimately, text in videos should be used to reinforce your message–it shouldn’t be the entire message.
You can use a voice-over with on-screen text to strike a good balance.
Instead of writing out every detail, try bullet points with key takeaways instead.
This…
“To use the new AI Subject Line Generator, first click the green "Generate" button located directly beneath the subject line field. This will open the new window. Then, you must input a minimum of 50 characters describing your email's main topic—for example, "Our new summer sale on all tech gadgets will be live this Friday." Finally, hit the blue "Create Options" button, and the AI will provide three subject lines you can choose from, which you can then modify if needed.”
Becomes this:
- Click "Generate": Access the tool below the subject line.
- Add Topic: Briefly describe your email's content (50 character minimum).
- Choose & Edit: Select one of the three AI-generated options.
Tip 6: Consider mobile viewers
About 70% of all video content is viewed on a smartphone. Always check your text size on a mobile screen.
What looks clear and readable on your laptop might be too small and illegible for viewers watching on their phones.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of a video created in landscape and vertical, both with perfectly-sized text:
Tip 7: Alternate text & background colors
For more variety, consider swapping the background colors and text colors between blocks. This will help you create a video that’s more engaging, and just as cohesive.
Here’s an example:
Tip 8: Add design elements for emphasis
Last but not least, make your text come alive by using elements for emphasis. Emojis, underlines, colors, circles, and stars can all help you to highlight the most important parts of your message.
Animoto’s element library contains a variety of shapes to help you underline, encircle, and highlight your text.
FAQs: Adding text to video
Make your message stand out with Animoto
Adding text to your video isn't just about transcription; it's about optimization and accessibility. Whether you choose the speed of auto-captioning for quick social posts or the design flexibility of Animoto for professional-grade content, on-screen text is your best friend.
By following these expert tips, you ensure your message is seen and understood by the broadest possible audience.
Don't let poor design choices or small text stop your viewers. Embrace these strategies to make your next video not just engaging, but truly unmissable.
