Creator Tools
TikTok subtitle safe zone
Keep your captions and subtitles clear of TikTok's UI overlays. Upload your video and see exactly where your text should go.
Preview
Top status bar
Side actions
Caption & controls
Safe zone
Drag & drop or click to upload
JPG, PNG, WebP, MP4, MOV
TikTok overlays profile picture, like/comment/share buttons and caption area. Keep text and faces in the center.
Your media never leaves your browser. All processing happens locally.
Social app interfaces change over time. These overlays are practical planning guides, not official platform guarantees.
Subtitle placement tips for TikTok
- Center your text horizontally — TikTok overlays buttons on the right side. Keep subtitles in the center-left.
- Avoid the bottom third — the caption area, sound icon and progress bar all sit in the lower portion of the screen.
- Use high-contrast text — white text with a black outline or shadow remains readable over most video backgrounds.
- Keep it short — break long sentences into 2-3 word lines. Viewers read faster and stay engaged longer.
- Test in the app — safe zone guides are practical approximations. Always preview your actual post in TikTok before publishing.
Frequently asked questions
- Where should I place subtitles on TikTok?
- Place subtitles in the center-left area of the screen, roughly between 7% and 70% from the top. Avoid the bottom 30% where TikTok shows captions and buttons, and the right 22% where action buttons appear.
- Why do my TikTok subtitles get hidden?
- TikTok overlays its own caption area at the bottom of the screen and action buttons on the right. If your subtitles overlap these areas, they become hard to read or completely hidden.
- Can I use this for captions on Reels and Shorts too?
- Yes. Switch to the Reels, Shorts or Universal platform to see the safe zone for other apps. If you post to multiple platforms, use the universal overlay.
- What font size should I use for TikTok subtitles?
- Most creators use 40-60px text on a 1080x1920 canvas. Keep text centered horizontally within the safe zone for maximum readability across devices.