CONTENTS

    Remove captions from video

    avatar
    EchoTik
    ·January 7, 2026
    ·10 min read
    Remove captions from video
    Image Source: unsplash

    You may want to remove captions from a video for many reasons. Some people think subtitles are distracting. Others do not need them to understand the video. Here are some common reasons:

    1. You want to watch a video without bothering others.

    2. Hearing changes can make subtitles less helpful.

    3. Some people do not need captions for every video.

    4. Neurodivergent viewers may prefer a clear video screen.

    5. Strong accents or good language skills can make subtitles unnecessary.

    Hardcoded captions are built into the video. Softcoded captions are in separate files or tracks. Knowing which type you have helps you decide the best way to remove captions from your video.

    Key Takeaways

    • Find out what kind of captions your video has. Hardcoded captions stay on the video and you cannot take them off. Softcoded captions can be turned off easily. - You can use cropping, overlay, or AI tools to get rid of hardcoded captions. But these ways might make the video look worse or cause problems. - If your captions are softcoded, just turn them off in your media player. You can also delete the subtitle tracks with video editing software.

    Remove captions from video

    Remove captions from video
    Image Source: unsplash

    Hardcoded vs. softcoded captions

    Before you try to remove captions, you need to know what type you have. Hardcoded captions are part of the video itself. You cannot turn them off. Softcoded captions are separate. You can turn them on or off as you like. Here’s a quick look at the differences:

    Type of Caption

    Description

    Hardcoded Captions

    Permanently embedded into the video, always visible, and cannot be turned off or edited.

    Softcoded Captions

    Separate files that can be toggled on or off by the viewer, allowing for customization.

    • Hardcoded captions are always visible and cannot be removed.

    • Softcoded captions can be toggled on or off by the viewer.

    If you want to remove captions from video, you need to figure out which type you have first.

    Remove hardcoded captions

    Hardcoded captions can be tricky. Since they are part of the video, you cannot just turn them off. But you still have some options to remove captions.

    1. Cropping

    You can crop the part of the video that shows the captions. Most captions appear at the bottom. Cropping cuts out that area.

    Steps:

    1. Open your video editor (like 123APPS or CapCut).

    2. Import your video.

    3. Use the crop tool to cut out the bottom where the captions appear.

    4. Preview the video to check if you removed all the captions.

    5. Export the new video.

    Pros:

    • Simple and fast.

    • Works with almost any video.

    Cons:

    • You lose part of the video.

    • Sometimes, important visuals get cut off.

    • The video may look odd or have a strange shape.

    Limitation

    Description

    Loss of Content

    Cropping removes parts of the video that may contain essential visual information, affecting viewer experience.

    Reformatting Requirements

    Cropping can lead to unnatural aspect ratios, necessitating additional tools for reformatting.

    Inconsistent Results

    Cropping may not effectively remove subtitles due to inaccuracies in subtitle positioning and size.

    Quality Trade-offs

    Applying a blur does not remove text but makes it unreadable, which can compromise video quality.

    2. Overlay or Blur

    You can cover the captions with a colored box or blur effect. This hides the text but does not remove it.

    Steps:

    1. Open your video in an editor like CapCut or Filmora.

    2. Add a shape or blur effect over the captions.

    3. Adjust the size and position to cover all the text.

    4. Export the video.

    Pros:

    • Quick and easy.

    • Keeps the rest of the video intact.

    Cons:

    • The covered area may look strange.

    • The text is still there, just hidden.

    3. AI-powered Tools

    AI tools can help with removing hardcoded subtitles. These tools use smart algorithms to erase text and fill in the background.

    Tool Name

    Description

    Supported Formats

    UnWatermark

    Removes captions and watermarks using advanced algorithms.

    MOV, M4V, MP4

    VidAU.ai

    Offers AI image inpainting for caption areas and supports 49+ languages.

    MOV, MP4, M3U9

    123APPS

    Web-based tool that crops out caption areas for precise trimming.

    MP4, MOV, MKV

    Steps (using a tool like Filmora):

    1. Open Filmora and select 'New Project'.

    2. Import your video and drag it to the timeline.

    3. Use the 'AI Object Remover' tool to highlight the caption.

    4. Click 'Remove' to eliminate the caption.

    5. Export the video with your preferred settings.

    You can also try AniEraser, Fotor, Vmake.ai, or UnWatermark for similar results.

    Pros:

    • AI tools can make captions disappear almost completely.

    • The background looks natural in many cases.

    Cons:

    • Sometimes, the area may look a bit blurry or odd.

    • Not all tools work with every video format.

    • Some tools may require payment or have limits on free use.

    Tip: Always back up your original video before you start removing hardcoded subtitles. This way, you can try different methods without losing your original file.

    Remove softcoded captions

    Softcoded captions are much easier to handle. Since they are not part of the video, you can remove captions from video without changing the video itself.

    1. Disabling in Media Players

    Most video players let you turn off subtitles.

    Steps:

    1. Open your video in a player like VLC or Windows Media Player.

    2. Look for the "Subtitles" or "Captions" menu.

    3. Select "Disable" or "None".

    Pros:

    • Fast and easy.

    • No need to edit the video.

    Cons:

    • Only works when you play the video on your device.

    • If you share the video, others may still see the subtitles.

    2. Removing Subtitle Tracks with Editors

    Some videos have subtitle tracks inside the file. You can use editors to remove them.

    Steps (using VLC or HandBrake):

    1. Open the video in VLC.

    2. Go to "Tools" > "Track Synchronization" or "Subtitle" menu.

    3. Uncheck or remove the subtitle track.

    4. Save or export the video.

    Or, in HandBrake:

    1. Open HandBrake and load your video.

    2. Go to the "Subtitles" tab.

    3. Remove all subtitle tracks.

    4. Export the video.

    Pros:

    • Removes subtitles for everyone.

    • Keeps the video quality.

    Cons:

    • You need to re-save or re-export the video.

    • Some editors may not support all video formats.

    3. Deleting External Subtitle Files

    Sometimes, subtitles come as separate files (like .srt or .ass).

    Steps:

    1. Find the subtitle file in the same folder as your video.

    2. Delete or move the subtitle file.

    Pros:

    • Very simple.

    • No need to edit the video.

    Cons:

    • Only works if the subtitles are external files.

    • If you play the video on a different device, subtitles may reappear if the file is present.

    4. Using YouTube Studio or Canva

    If you uploaded your video to YouTube or Canva, you can remove captions from video right on the platform.

    Steps (YouTube Studio):

    1. Go to YouTube Studio.

    2. Select your video.

    3. Go to "Subtitles" and delete the subtitle track.

    Steps (Canva):

    1. Open your video project.

    2. Click on the captions or subtitles.

    3. Delete or hide them.

    Canvas Studio offers auto-captioning for videos you upload directly, which helps with accessibility. But it does not support auto-captioning for YouTube-linked videos. You need to download and upload videos to use this feature. Downloading from YouTube is often not allowed, and adding captions by hand takes a lot of time.

    Pros:

    • Easy to manage captions for your own uploads.

    • No need for extra software.

    Cons:

    • Only works for videos you control.

    • Some features may not work with linked videos.

    Removing hardcoded subtitles takes more effort than softcoded ones. But with the right tools and steps, you can get a clean video without unwanted text.

    Remove subtitles from video

    Online tools for removing subtitles

    You might want to remove subtitles from video without downloading anything. Online tools make this very easy. You can use them in your browser on any device. These tools use AI to help erase subtitles fast. Many people like them because they are quick and simple.

    Here’s a table with some popular online tools and what makes them special:

    Tool Name

    Features

    Pros

    Cons

    Best For

    KreadoAI

    AI-powered, supports many languages, works with moving/static backgrounds

    High accuracy, fast, easy interface

    Sometimes shows color artifacts

    Professional editors and content creators

    Unwatermark

    AI detection, auto background fill, no install needed

    Free, super easy, no signup

    Results can look blurry

    Casual users needing quick subtitle cleanup

    Vmake AI

    Cloud-based, fast AI, great for short videos

    Quick, beginner-friendly, no install

    Not ideal for complex edits

    YouTubers, TikTok creators

    Blur Video

    AI removal, supports many formats, auto background restore

    No registration, simple workflow

    Struggles with complex backgrounds

    Users needing quick subtitle removal

    GhostCut

    AI removes subtitles, captions, text overlays; supports many formats

    Fast, cloud-based, easy interface

    Free version limits video length/quality

    Content creators and social media editors

    Most online tools work in a similar way. You upload your video, pick the area with subtitles, and let the AI do the work. Here’s how you can use a tool like AniEraser, Vmake.ai, Fotor, or Unwatermark:

    1. Upload your video to the tool.

    2. Pick the spot where the subtitles show up.

    3. Check the preview and export your new video.

    You do not need to install anything. You just need internet. These tools work for both hardcoded and softcoded subtitles. If you want to remove captions or delete subtitles from videos fast, online tools are a great pick.

    Tip: Online tools are great if you want to remove subtitles from video quickly and do not want to learn hard software. You can finish in just a few clicks.

    Software solutions to remove the subtitles from a video

    Sometimes, you want more control or need to work offline. Desktop software gives you more choices. You can use programs like VLC, HandBrake, YouTube Studio, or Canva. Each one helps you remove captions or remove subtitles from video in a different way.

    • VLC Media Player lets you turn off softcoded subtitles. Open your video, go to the "Subtitles" menu, and pick "Disable." If you want to delete subtitles from videos forever, you need to remove the subtitle track and save the video again.

    • HandBrake is good for removing soft-coded subtitles. Open your video, go to the "Subtitles" tab, and remove all subtitle tracks before exporting. HandBrake only works with outside text subtitle files, like .srt, for soft subtitles in m4v files.

    • YouTube Studio helps you manage subtitles for your own uploads. Go to the "Subtitles" section and delete any tracks you do not want. This is good if you want to remove the subtitles from a video you uploaded yourself.

    • Canva lets you edit videos online. You can click on the subtitles and delete them in your project. This works best for videos you made or uploaded to Canva.

    Removing soft-coded subtitles is usually simple. You just delete or unselect the subtitle file. Hardcoded subtitles are harder. They are part of the video itself. You need special tools or AI to remove them without losing quality.

    Note: Desktop software can feel hard if you are new to video editing. You get more features, but you might need to watch a tutorial.

    Comparing online tools and software

    You might wonder which way is best for you. Here’s a quick comparison:

    • Ease of Use: Online tools are easy. You do not need to install anything. You just upload your video and follow a few steps. Desktop software gives you more power, but it can be confusing at first.

    • Effectiveness: Both online tools and software can remove captions and subtitles. Online tools are best for quick jobs. Software is better for big projects or when you want more control.

    • Video Quality: Online tools use AI to fill in the background. Sometimes, you might see blurry spots where the subtitles were. Software can keep the video quality high, but it takes more time to learn.

    If you want to remove captions or remove subtitles from video without trouble, try an online tool first. If you want more options or need to work offline, desktop software is a good choice. Removing soft-coded subtitles is always easier than hardcoded ones. You can delete subtitles from videos in just a few clicks if they are soft-coded.

    No matter which way you choose, you can remove subtitles from video and enjoy your content how you like.

    You can remove captions from video forever with online tools or software. Make sure you save a copy of your video before you start. If you want to remove embedded subtitles, check if they are hardcoded or softcoded first. When you remove embedded subtitles, remember to think about accessibility and the law.

    Common mistakes to avoid:

    • Not thinking about captions until the end

    • Adding too many captions

    • Bad color contrast or putting captions in the wrong place

    Legal Consideration

    Description

    Copyright Law

    This means only copyright owners can decide what happens to their videos. Fair use rules can also matter.

    DMCA

    Some rules make it risky to remove captions because of anti-circumvention laws.

    Accessibility Laws

    You should follow rules like the ADA to be fair to everyone.

    Fair Use Doctrine

    Sometimes, you can add captions for accessibility without breaking the law.

    Aspect

    Closed Captions

    Open Captions

    Viewer Control

    You can turn these on or off, so users get to choose.

    These are always on, so everyone can see the information.

    Customisation

    Users can change how captions look to see them better.

    These always look the same, so some people may have trouble seeing them.

    Device & Platform Compatibility

    Some devices may not show closed captions, depending on the platform.

    These work everywhere and show up right on any device.

    Legal Compliance

    Groups must use closed captions to follow laws like the ADA and CVAA.

    Open captions are not required by law, but they help everyone see the video.

    Try different ways to remove embedded subtitles until your video looks good. You can use online tools or software to remove embedded subtitles and make your video easy to watch.

    FAQ

    How do I know if captions are hardcoded or softcoded?

    You can try turning off subtitles in your video player. If they stay on, they are hardcoded. If they disappear, they are softcoded.

    Can I remove subtitles from mp4 videos without losing quality?

    Yes! If the subtitles are softcoded, you can remove them with tools like HandBrake. Hardcoded subtitles need AI tools, which may blur the video a bit.

    What is the fastest way to get rid of subtitles?

    Online tools work fast. You just upload your video, select the subtitle area, and download the new file. No need to install anything.

    See Also

    Effortlessly Eliminate Subtitles From Your Videos