Caption Readability Checker

Readable captions are timed, short enough to scan, and split at natural language breaks. Use these examples, then run your own SRT or VTT file through the browser checker.

Examples

Readable

00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:05.000
This is the version viewers can read
without pausing the video.

Two short lines, enough time on screen, and a natural break.

Too fast

00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:03.200
This whole sentence appears for barely a moment.

The cue may be technically accurate, but the reading speed is too high.

Too long

00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:06.000
This line keeps running past the point where it is easy to scan on a phone screen.

Long lines are harder to read, especially on mobile and embedded players.

Too many lines

00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:06.000
Line one
Line two
Line three

Three-line cues cover more of the picture and become harder to track.

What the Checker Flags

Reading speed

Characters per second, using a default maximum of 17 CPS that can be adjusted to your delivery spec.

Line length

Long lines that are difficult to scan on phones, embeds, and small player windows.

Timing

Cues that are too short, too long, overlapping, or separated by almost no gap.

Fix Workflow

  1. Paste or upload your SRT or VTT file in the Caption Readability Checker.
  2. Export the flagged cue report and fix timings or text in the SRT Caption Editor.
  3. Re-check the file, then watch the final video with captions enabled.
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