How to translate videos, subtitles, and audio
Translating videos, audio, or subtitle files with Smartcat AI is a simple and streamlined process. You can upload your files, let Smartcat transcribe or link them, and then translate or edit them efficiently. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process, from creating a project to finalizing your translations, ensuring a smooth and effective workflow.
Please note that this process doesn't include being able to add burned in subtitles to your videos. In order to do so, please refer to the video translation workflow via Smartcat Drive. In the future, the burned in subtitles feature will be included within the project creation worfklow.
Step 1: Create a project
Log into Smartcat and go to your workspace home screen.
Click on "Create a Project".
Select the type of project that you want to start. In this case it will be to translate a video, audio or subtitle file. You can also indicated your project title, languages, and additional settings. Read more about project creation naming.
Please note that if you want to make adjustments to the transcript, you will have make sure to add a source language check stage to your workflow via the Additional Settings at this part of the process.
Step 2: Upload your files
If uploading a video file
Automatic transcription : If no subtitle file with the same name is uploaded, Smartcat will generate subtitles by transcribing the video.
Linked Files : If a subtitle file with the same name is uploaded, it will be linked to the video (shown as a connected line in the interface). In this case, Smartcat will not transcribe the video.
Reference File : The uploaded video serves as a reference when editing the subtitle file.
If uploading an audio file
The process works the same as video files. Smartcat will transcribe the audio if no subtitle file is uploaded alongside it.
If uploading a subtitle file
You can upload subtitle files (e.g., SRT, VTT ) directly.
If a subtitle file with the same name as an existing file is uploaded, you will be asked whether to replace the existing file or upload it as a new file.
Step 3: Project overview & file processing
After uploading, you’ll be directed to the Overview Page where your files are analyzed.
Smartcat extracts word statistics from the source file.
You can proceed with translation using Smartcat AI or assign work to linguists from the Smartcat Marketplace.
Step 4: Editing and reviewing subtitles
If your workflow includes the SLC (Source Layout Check) stage, the subtitle file will automatically open in the Subtitle Editor, allowing you to work on the text while referencing the video.
Any other file types in the project will follow the standard Smartcat workflow, meaning they must be downloaded for local processing.
At the DTP (Desktop Publishing) stage, subtitle files can be downloaded for further formatting and adjustments, ensuring they meet final production standards.
The number of pages for a subtitle file cannot be edited by the user. However, the number of pages for a standard file can be adjusted by the user.
👉 For detailed steps, read the Smartcat Subtitle Editor guide.
Step 5: Adding files after project creation
You can upload additional video, audio, or subtitle files at any time.
Go to the Files Page within your project.
Click "Upload File" and select the new file.
Smartcat will check if a subtitle file with the same name exists in the project:
If no matching file is found, Smartcat will transcribe the video/audio.
If a matching file is found, a popup will appear asking you to:
Replace the existing file.
Work with the file separately.
Use the video/audio as a reference file.
Additional Notes
Videos are only transcribed once during project creation, unless manually requested.
If you delete a file and re-upload it, Smartcat will treat it as a new file.
Currently, subtitles burning into videos is not supported —use Smartcat Drive as a workaround.