Reddit's built-in tools let you add text directly to video posts, but the method depends on whether you're using the app or the website
You can add text to a video on Reddit in two ways: by typing a caption in the post description (which appears below the video), or by using Reddit's text overlay feature if you're posting from the mobile app. The overlay method puts words directly on the video itself, the way you'd see text in a TikTok or Instagram Reel. The caption method is simpler and works everywhere — desktop, mobile app, and mobile browser — but the text sits separately from the video rather than on top of it.
Which one you choose depends on what you're trying to do. If you want context or explanation, a caption works fine. If you want the text to be part of the video itself — like a joke punchline, a label, or emphasis — you'll need the overlay feature, which is only available on the Reddit mobile app right now.
Key Takeaways
- Captions (text below the video) work on desktop, the Reddit app, and mobile browsers, but text overlays (text on the video) only work in the Reddit mobile app.
- To add a caption, write your text in the post description field before you submit, the same way you would for any other post.
- To add text directly onto the video using the mobile app, tap the text icon during the video upload process and position your text where you want it.
- Text overlays on Reddit videos are permanent once posted — you cannot edit them without deleting and reposting the video.
- Keep text overlays short and readable; small fonts disappear on mobile screens and distract from the video itself.
Adding a caption below your video (all devices)
A caption is the simplest way to add text to a video post. On desktop, go to Reddit.com, click "Create Post," select your community, and choose "Video" as the post type. Upload your video file. Below the video preview, you'll see a text field labeled "Title" and another labeled "Description" or "Body." Write your text in the description field — this is where your caption will appear when people view the post.
On the Reddit mobile app, tap the pencil icon or "Create," select "Post," choose your community, and tap "Video." Upload your video, then scroll down to find the text field where you can type your caption. The caption will display below the video thumbnail in the feed and below the full video when someone opens your post.
Captions are useful for context, jokes, or directing people to comments. They're also searchable, so Reddit's algorithm can pick up the words you use. The downside is that captions don't appear on the video itself — they're separate, so people scrolling quickly might miss them.
Adding text directly onto the video (Reddit mobile app only)
To put text on top of your video, you need the Reddit mobile app on iOS or Android. Open the app, tap the pencil icon to create a post, select your community, and choose "Video." Upload your video file. After the video uploads, look for a text icon (usually a "T" or "Aa" symbol) in the editing toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
Tap the text icon. A text box will appear on your video preview. Type your text into the box. You can then drag the text box around the video to position it where you want — top, bottom, center, or anywhere else. Most people put text at the bottom to avoid blocking important parts of the video. You can also adjust the font size and color by tapping the text box again and looking for formatting options.
Once you're happy with the placement and wording, finish uploading and post. The text is now part of the video file Reddit displays — it will appear the same way on desktop, mobile app, and mobile browser. However, you cannot edit the text after posting without deleting the entire post and uploading again.
Choosing the right text size and placement
Text overlays on Reddit videos often fail because they're too small or positioned badly. Remember that most people watch Reddit videos on phones, where small text becomes unreadable. If you're adding text, make it large enough to read at arm's length on a 6-inch screen.
Avoid putting text in the center of the video if there's action happening there — it blocks the content. The bottom third of the video is usually safest. If your video has a person speaking, put text at the bottom rather than over their face. Test your text placement by watching the preview on your phone before you post, not just on desktop.
What happens if you need to change the text later
Reddit does not allow you to edit text overlays after posting. If you notice a typo, wrong information, or bad placement, your only option is to delete the post and upload the video again with corrected text. This means you lose any upvotes, comments, and visibility the post had built up.
Because of this, double-check your text before posting. Read it out loud. Make sure the spelling is correct and the message is clear. If you're posting something time-sensitive or important, consider uploading to a private community first to test it, then delete and repost to your main community once you're certain the text is right.
Text overlays and community rules
Some Reddit communities have rules about video posts or text overlays. A few communities ban videos entirely, some require captions for accessibility, and others ask that text overlays not cover more than a certain percentage of the video. Check the community's rules (usually listed in the sidebar on desktop or under "About" on mobile) before you post.
If a community requires captions for accessibility, that usually means a text description in the post description field, not a text overlay. Text overlays don't help people using screen readers, so they're not a substitute for a written caption if accessibility is a requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add text to a video I already posted?
No. Reddit does not allow editing text overlays after posting. You would need to delete the post and upload the video again with the corrected text. Captions in the description can be edited by clicking the three dots on your post and selecting "Edit," but text overlays cannot.
Will my text overlay look the same on desktop and mobile?
Yes. Text overlays are part of the video file itself, so they appear the same way everywhere — desktop browser, mobile app, and mobile web. The text size relative to the video stays consistent, though it may appear smaller on smaller screens.
What if I want to add text but I'm not using the Reddit app?
Use a caption instead. Captions work on desktop and mobile browsers. If you want text on the video itself, you'll need to edit the video file before uploading — use a free tool like CapCut, iMovie, or DaVinci Resolve to add text, then upload the edited video to Reddit without using the overlay feature.
Can I change the color or font of my text overlay?
Yes, but options are limited. After you tap the text icon and type your text, tap the text box again to see formatting options. You can usually change the text color and sometimes the font, depending on your Reddit app version. Experiment in the preview before posting.
Is there a character limit for text overlays?
No hard limit, but practically speaking, keep overlays short. Long text becomes unreadable on small screens and distracts from the video. One to three lines is usually best. If you need to say more, use a caption in the description instead.