The Dos and Don'ts of Creating Subtitles for Comedy Videos

Have you ever watched a hilarious comedy video on YouTube and wished you could share the jokes with your non-English speaking friends? Or maybe you just wanted to add a touch of humor to your favorite movie scene by creating your own subtitles? Subtitling can be a fun and creative way to add a whole new layer of enjoyment to video content, but there are some important dos and don'ts to keep in mind if you want to make sure your subtitles hit the right comedic notes.

At TrollSubs, we've been creating fake subtitles for the past few years and we've learned a lot along the way. So without further ado, let's dive into the dos and don'ts of creating subtitles for comedy videos.

Dos

Do Keep It Short and Sweet

When it comes to subtitles, less is often more. People are watching the video, not reading a book. So make sure your subtitles are concise and to the point. Use short sentences and don't try to fit too much text on the screen at once. And remember, timing is everything. Your subtitles should appear and disappear in a way that feels natural and doesn't detract from the comedy.

Do Use Puns and Play with Words

Wordplay is one of the most popular forms of comedy, so don't be afraid to get punny with your subtitles. Use homophones, double entendres, and other word-based jokes to get a laugh. Just make sure your puns are relevant to the video content and don't feel forced.

Do Use Fonts and Colors to Enhance the Humor

The font and color choices for your subtitles can be just as important as the text itself. Use bold fonts for emphasis, and experiment with different colors to make your subtitles stand out. You can also use different fonts and colors to differentiate between different characters speaking in the video or to further enhance the humor.

Do Keep the Translation Accurate

If you're subtitling a video in a language you're not fluent in, make sure to get the translation right. Accuracy is key when it comes to making your subtitles funny. You don't want to misinterpret a joke in the original content and end up with a flat, unfunny joke in your subtitles.

Do Test Your Subtitles

Before you hit the upload button, test your subtitles to make sure they hit the comedic mark. Show them to friends or family members and see if they find them funny. You can also watch the video with your subtitles a few times to see how they flow with the content.

Don'ts

Don't Overuse Slang or Jargon

While slang and jargon can be funny in the right context, they can also be exclusionary. If your video has a broad audience, try to keep your subtitles accessible to everyone. Avoid using slang terms that might not be universally understood, and stick to clear, concise language.

Don't Use Translation Software

Translation software might seem like a quick and easy way to create subtitles, but it can lead to some serious mistakes. Machine translations can be clunky, awkward, and sometimes downright inaccurate. Plus, they won't be able to capture the nuances of the original joke that make it funny. Stick to using humans to translate your subtitles, even if it takes a bit more time and effort.

Don't Use Pop-Up Text or Fancy Animations

While flashy animations might look cool, they can distract from the content of the video itself. Opt for simple, clean subtitles that don't take away from the comedy. And try to avoid using pop-up text that blocks important parts of the video.

Don't Overdo the Grammar

While grammar is important when it comes to subtitles, don't focus too much on making every sentence grammatically perfect. Sometimes a more colloquial, informal tone can be funnier than a strictly grammatical one. And don't worry too much about punctuation either. The occasional typo or missing comma can add to the humor of subtitles, as long as it doesn't detract from the clarity of the text.

Don't Force the Jokes

This one might seem obvious, but it's worth stating explicitly. If you're struggling to come up with a funny subtitle for a particular joke or scene, don't force it. Trying too hard to be funny can lead to cringey, unfunny subtitles that detract from the video content. Instead, focus on finding the humor in the original content and letting the jokes come naturally.

Creating subtitles for comedy videos can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to keep the dos and don'ts in mind. By keeping your subtitles short and sweet, using puns and wordplay, testing your subtitles, and avoiding machine translations, you'll be well on your way to making hilarious subtitles that add an extra layer of humor to any video. So go forth and start subtitling – the comedy world is waiting for you!

Additional Resources