Reddit's built-in tools let you add text directly to video posts on mobile and desktop, though the options differ by platform
When you upload a video to Reddit, you can add text overlays before posting using Reddit's native editor. On mobile (iOS and Android), the Reddit app includes a text tool in its video editor that appears after you select a video. On desktop, the web version offers similar text options during upload. The text you add becomes part of the video file itself — it's not a caption or subtitle, but visible text layered over the footage.
The process is straightforward: upload your video, tap or click the text icon in the editor, type your message, position it where you want, adjust the size and color, and then post. Reddit saves your changes to the video before it goes live. This is different from adding a title to your post (which is separate) or using captions in the Reddit app's native video player.
Key Takeaways
- Reddit's mobile app has a text tool built into the video editor that appears after you select a video file to upload.
- Desktop Reddit also includes text editing during video upload, though the interface is simpler than the mobile version.
- Text you add becomes part of the video itself and will appear the same way to everyone who watches it.
- You can change text color, size, and position before posting, but you cannot edit the text after the video is live — you would need to delete and reupload.
Adding text on the Reddit mobile app
Open the Reddit app and navigate to the subreddit where you want to post. Tap the compose button (usually a pencil icon or plus sign at the bottom), then select "Video" or "Images & Video." Choose the video file from your phone's storage. Once the video appears in the editor, look for the text icon — it typically looks like a "T" or "Aa" and sits in the toolbar above the video preview.
Tap the text icon and type your message in the field that appears. You'll see the text overlay on the video preview. Use the formatting options to change the text color (tap the color circle), adjust the font size (usually a slider), and reposition the text by dragging it across the video. Some versions of the app also let you change the font style or add a background box behind the text to make it more readable.
After you've positioned and styled your text, review how it looks on the preview. If you need to add more text, tap the text icon again — Reddit allows multiple text elements on a single video. Once you're satisfied, add your post title and choose the subreddit, then tap "Post" to upload.
Adding text on desktop Reddit
Go to the subreddit where you want to post and click the "Create Post" button. Select "Video" as your post type. Upload your video file from your computer. After the video loads into the editor, look for a text or formatting option in the toolbar — on the redesigned Reddit, this is usually labeled "Add text" or appears as a text icon.
Click the text tool and type your message. The text will appear on the video preview. Desktop Reddit's text editor is more limited than mobile — you typically get fewer color and size options, and positioning may be less precise. Adjust what you can, then add your post title and submit. If the desktop interface doesn't show a text tool for your video, try uploading through the mobile app instead, as desktop support for video text editing varies by browser and account age.
Positioning and styling your text
Text placement matters because it needs to stay visible and not cover important parts of your video. Drag your text to the position you want — most people place text at the top or bottom to avoid blocking the main content. If your video has movement or scene changes, position text where it won't interfere with action happening in the background.
For color, choose text that contrasts with the video behind it. White or bright text works well over dark backgrounds; dark text works over light backgrounds. If your video has mixed lighting, add a semi-transparent background box behind the text (if your app version offers this) to ensure readability. Increase the font size enough that the text is readable on a phone screen — small text that looks fine on desktop can become illegible when viewed on mobile.
What happens after you post
Once your video is live, the text overlay is permanent and part of the video file. You cannot edit the text without deleting the post and uploading a new version. If you notice a typo or want to change the wording, you'll need to remove the original post, edit the video file on your phone or computer, re-add the text, and reupload it. This means you'll lose any upvotes, comments, or engagement on the original post.
The text will appear the same way to everyone who watches the video, whether they're on mobile, desktop, or using a third-party Reddit app. Some third-party apps (like Apollo or RIF) may display videos differently, but the text overlay itself will always be visible since it's baked into the video file.
Alternatives if the text tool isn't working
If the text icon doesn't appear in your video editor, your app may be outdated or your account may not have access to the feature yet. Reddit rolls out features gradually, so newer accounts or older app versions sometimes lack the text tool. Update your Reddit app to the latest version from your phone's app store and try again.
If updating doesn't help, you can add text to your video using a separate app before uploading to Reddit. Apps like CapCut, InShot, or Adobe Express let you add text overlays, adjust timing, and export the edited video. Then upload the finished video to Reddit without using Reddit's text tool. This approach gives you more control over text styling and animation, though it requires an extra step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I edit the text after I post the video?
No. Once the video is live, the text is permanent because it's part of the video file itself. To change the text, you must delete the post, edit the video on your device, and reupload it. You'll lose any upvotes or comments from the original post.
Will the text show up the same way on all devices?
Yes. Since the text is embedded in the video file, it appears identically on phones, tablets, desktops, and third-party Reddit apps. The text won't disappear or reposition based on screen size.
Can I add text to a video I already posted?
No. You can only add text during the upload process, before the video goes live. If you want text on an existing post, delete it and reupload with the text added.
What if the text tool doesn't show up in my app?
Update your Reddit app to the latest version. If it still doesn't appear, try uploading on a different device or using a video editing app to add text before uploading to Reddit. Reddit rolls out features gradually, so some accounts get access before others.
Can I make the text animated or change it at different points in the video?
Reddit's built-in text tool doesn't support animation or timing changes. For animated text or text that appears at specific moments, use a video editor like CapCut or InShot to add those effects before uploading to Reddit.