Burned-in captions
Burned-in captions, also called open captions, are subtitles rendered permanently into the video's pixels instead of supplied as a separate caption file. They show on every platform and device, including feeds that autoplay muted, which is why they are standard on social video ads. Their position must respect each placement's safe zone.
Updated
Burned-in versus closed captions
| Burned-in (open) | Closed (caption file) | |
|---|---|---|
| Always visible | Yes | Only if the viewer or player enables them |
| Editable after export | No | Yes |
| Style control | Full | Set by the player |
| Per-language versions | One export per language | One video, several files |
Placement
Most editors place captions at the bottom of the frame by default, which is exactly where vertical placements draw their interface. For Reels, Meta advises keeping the bottom 35% clear; captions should sit above that line. Test against the platform preview.
Accessibility
Captions make ads usable for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, and for anyone watching without sound. Accurate captions that match the audio word for word are part of accessible video practice, not an optional style choice.
Questions
- Do platforms auto-caption ads?
- Some offer automatic captions, but they may be off by default or inaccurate. Burned-in captions guarantee the viewer sees exactly what you wrote.
Sources
Read on 13 October 2026. Platforms change specs and policies without notice; check the source before you build to a number.