Translating Videos & Audio

Want to offer video and audio content in other languages? Here are your options.

Translation Options for Video

Option 1: Add Subtitles (Easiest)

Keep the original audio, add translated subtitles.

Tools:

• VEED.io — Online, easy subtitle generator
• Kapwing — Free tier available
• CapCut — Free, mobile-friendly
• Descript — Transcription + subtitle editing

Process:

1. Upload your video
2. Auto-generate English subtitles
3. Translate subtitles (many tools offer this)
4. Review and adjust timing
5. Export with burned-in subtitles

Option 2: Add Voiceover (More Work, Better Results)

Replace or overlay with translated audio.

Process:

1. Get the transcript (included or generated)
2. Translate the transcript
3. Record new voiceover in target language
4. Replace original audio in video editor

Recording options:

• Record yourself
• Hire a voice actor (Fiverr, Upwork)
• Use AI voice tools (see below)

Option 3: AI Voice Translation (Automated)

Use AI to create translated voiceovers.

Tools:

• ElevenLabs — High-quality AI voices, voice cloning
• Rask AI — Automated video translation
• HeyGen — AI video translation with lip-sync
• Papercup — AI dubbing platform

Note: Quality varies. Review results carefully.

Translation Options for Audio

Option 1: Create Subtitled Video Version

Convert audio to video with translated subtitles:

1. Create a simple video (static image or slides)
2. Use the audio as background
3. Add translated subtitles
4. Now you have a video product

Option 2: Record Translated Version

1. Get/create transcript of the audio
2. Translate the transcript
3. Record new audio in target language
4. Edit for quality

Option 3: AI Voice Translation

Use AI to generate translated audio:

1. Descript — Transcribe, translate, regenerate
2. ElevenLabs — Create AI voiceover from text
3. Murf.ai — Text-to-speech in multiple languages

Step-by-Step: Adding Subtitles with VEED

1. Go to veed.io
2. Click "Upload a File"
3. Upload your video
4. Click "Subtitles" → "Auto Subtitles"
5. Generate English subtitles
6. Click "Translate" and select target language
7. Review and edit the translated subtitles
8. Click "Export"

Step-by-Step: Recording New Voiceover

What You Need

• Transcript (translated)
• Decent microphone (even phone quality works)
• Quiet recording environment
• Audio editing software (Audacity is free)

Process

1. Get the transcript: Use Descript, Otter.ai, or the included transcript
2. Translate it: Use DeepL or professional translation
3. Record: Read the translated script clearly
4. Edit: Remove mistakes, adjust pacing
5. Replace audio: Use video editor to swap audio tracks

Tools Reference

Transcription (English)

Translation

AI Voice Generation

Video Subtitle Tools

Quality Considerations

Subtitles

• Review timing (words should match audio)
• Check translation accuracy
• Use readable font size
• Consider burned-in vs. optional subtitles

Voiceovers

• Match the pace of original
• Maintain professional tone
• Use native speakers when possible
• Test audio quality before full production