How to add auto captions to a video with LUME Cortex
Updated
Quick answer
In LUME Cortex, auto captions are added on their own after you import the video and the app cuts the pauses. You just review the text, fix names and terms, and export. It works on every plan, including Free. On the Pro and Agency plans, AI also helps you write the post caption.
Lots of people watch short videos with the sound off, and on-screen captions keep them watching. LUME Cortex adds those captions on its own, in the same app where you cut the pauses and export, so you don't have to type line by line.
This article covers two kinds of text: the captions on the video, which Cortex generates automatically, and the post caption that goes under your Reel. Both are explained below.
How auto captions work
Captions are one of the editing stages in Cortex: import, cut pauses, captions, motion graphics and export. After the app removes the silences, it adds the spoken text to the video. Your job is to review and adjust, not to write from scratch.
Button names inside the Mac app can change between versions, so the steps below describe what to do at each stage.
Step by step
- Open LUME Cortex on your Mac and import the video you recorded in vertical format.
- Wait for Cortex to cut the pauses. The captions are added automatically, already in sync with the trimmed video.
- Watch the whole video while reading the captions. Fix proper names, brand names, technical terms and misheard words.
- Check the motion graphics and the pacing so the text doesn't clash with other elements on screen.
- Export the captioned video. On the Pro and Agency plans, you can also schedule it straight to Instagram.
Tips for better captions
- Clean audio: record close to the mic and away from noise. The clearer the speech, the fewer fixes.
- Say names clearly: names of people, companies and products are the ones that most often need a fix.
- Review at the end: after changing the cut, watch again to make sure captions and speech still line up.
The post caption, with AI
On the Pro and Agency plans, Cortex's AI helps you write the post caption and the on-screen text. The limit is 100 requests a day per person. The free version doesn't include AI; compare plans in the LUME Cortex guide.
Next steps
The full editing flow is in how to edit a short video for Reels on Mac. To send the finished video to your Instagram schedule, see how to schedule Instagram Reels from LUME Cortex. LUME Hub's post calendar has its own section under Content.
Frequently asked questions
Are LUME Cortex auto captions free?
Yes. Captions are added automatically on every plan, including Free. On the free version, the exported video carries the Cortex watermark.
Can I fix the captions before exporting?
You can, and you should. Cortex adds the captions so you only need to review and adjust: check names, technical terms and similar-sounding words before you export.
Does AI write the post caption?
On the Pro and Agency plans, Cortex's AI helps you write the post caption and the on-screen text, with up to 100 requests a day. The free version has no AI.
Do I need a separate captioning app?
No. Pause cutting, captions and motion graphics all happen in the same app, and on the paid plans the video can go from Cortex straight to your Instagram schedule.
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