Captionly adds animated, translated captions to video in 99+ languages. Pricing starts at $2 per video, with plans from $19/month. Features and verdict.
Researched and fact-checked by Bartu Cavusoglu · Updated October 26, 2026
Captionly is a web-based tool that adds animated, burned-in captions to video. A user uploads a file, and the service transcribes the speech, translates it if needed, and returns an MP4 with the captions rendered into the picture. The site lists support for 99+ languages and says pay-per-use needs no signup.
The product is aimed at creators who publish to TikTok, Reels, Shorts, YouTube and LinkedIn. The site says it is built in Portugal and was in beta at the time of review, with videos listed as free for a limited period.
The site describes a three-step process. First, the user uploads a video in any format and any language, up to 500 MB. Second, the AI stage runs: Whisper transcribes the audio, GPT highlights what matters in the text, and the service translates the captions when requested.
Third, the user downloads a captioned MP4 and posts it. Captionly says no editor is required and that processing takes under 30 seconds per minute of video. Output is described as optimized for each of the platforms the company names.
The core feature is automatic caption generation with animated styling. Four presets are offered: TikTok Classic uses white bold text with a yellow keyword highlight, Bold Impact uses heavy white text with a thick black outline, Neon Hype adds neon green on punchlines, and Karaoke illuminates each word as it is spoken.
Beyond styles, Captionly includes automatic translation across 99+ languages and MP4 download on every plan. Pro adds priority rendering and custom fonts and colors. Business adds API access, team seats and webhooks. The site says more caption styles are coming.
Captionly is a web tool that transcribes a video, optionally translates it, and burns animated captions into an MP4. It is aimed at creators posting to platforms such as TikTok, Reels, Shorts, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Pay-per-use costs $2 per video with no signup. Monthly plans are Starter at $19 for 20 videos, Pro at $49 for 60 videos and Business at $99 for 200 videos.
The site describes a beta period during which all videos were free for a limited time. The pricing page also shows a Free during beta notice. Check the site for current terms.
No. The site states that pay-per-use requires no signup, and the homepage offers a try-now option without registering.
The site lists 99+ languages and says captions can be translated automatically. Auto translation is included in every plan shown.
There are four presets: TikTok Classic, Bold Impact, Neon Hype and Karaoke. Pay-per-use and Starter include TikTok Classic only, while Pro and Business include all styles.
Yes, API access is listed on the Business plan at $99 per month, along with webhooks and team seats. The site also links to API docs.
The site says any video format is accepted, up to 500 MB per upload.