At times, the Gaussian blur is mistaken as the same as the Bokeh effect. While the Bokeh effect is the out-of-focus areas of an original image, the Gaussian blur is a blur effect of the entire image. Gaussian blur is a type of filter that reduces noise and softens details. Named after the mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss, this effect entails the application of a mathematical function that tamps down an image’s high-frequency components. When photographers or filmmakers apply a Gaussian blur to their images, the smoothed-over effect almost gives the impression of looking through a translucent screen.
In addition to the soft, blurred effect, Gaussian blurring can also be used to give an image more dynamism. The mathematical function that powers the effect allows the pixels gathered around the central point of the image to remain more intact and vibrant. As the pixels get farther away from the central point, their opacity and potency decrease, leaving the edges of the image appearing gauzy or foggy.

What is the Gaussian blur effect?

Gaussian blur can bring interest, focus, and motion to your video clips. Some excellent uses for the Gaussian blur include: <ul class='list-disc pl-10 my-6'> <li>Privacy – Use Gaussian blur to protect the privacy of your subject or a person in the background of your shot. If you have a clip of someone’s face that you do not have permission to display, you can use a Gaussian blur effect to keep your clip intact while ensuring the privacy of individuals. This same use case applies to other privacy or trademark issues and can help obscure license plates, identification numbers, or business logos.</li> <li>Reduce noise – Soften your surroundings with the help of Gaussian blur. With this effect, you can blur a busy background full of people, moving cars, or even grass swaying in the wind. Give your video a dream-like quality and focus on the critical aspects of your story simultaneously.</li> <li>Convey movement – Gaussian function can significantly alter your video to give the impression of movement. Simply adjust the direction of your blur. For example, by choosing to blur horizontally, you can give the illusion of rapid movement from the left side of the screen to the right side (think of a character riding a bike). Similarly, a vertical blur can show motion from the top of the screen to the bottom (an apple falling from a tree). With the help of Gaussian blur, you can create supplemental momentum to help give your video a more lifelike, kinetic feel.</li> </ul> With its myriad uses, it’s no wonder this effect remains wildly popular among filmmakers and cinematographers. If you want to drive movement or draw attention to the foreground, Gaussian blur can positively impact your project. Add the effect to your toolkit today with Runway.

What are the uses of Gaussian blur?

Technically, no. Gaussian blur is a specific blurring effect involving mathematical and spatial imaging strategies. You can only achieve this type of blur through digital editing. Although achieving a Gaussian blur with a camera is technically impossible, you can achieve other blurring effects while shooting. Before setting up to film, consider the following to ensure filming goes smoothly: <ul class='list-disc pl-10 my-6'> <li>Your depth of field – The best way to achieve a blurred background involves manipulating the depth of field. Set up your camera far away from your desired background, with your object of interest as close to the lens as possible to achieve precise focus.</li> <li>Your camera – Opt for a manual camera and adjust the lens appropriately before shooting. Filming with an automatic camera can lead to the camera adjusting during filming and ruining your preset focus. </li> <li>The physical logistics – If filming a scene that requires a lot of motion, mark the sequence with your crew before filming it. Doing a few test runs with the camera settings can help take pressure off of actual filming. Plus, you can look back at your rehearsal shots and identify room for improvement. </li> </ul> Even if you take all the right steps during filming, you might fall short of the captivating mix of clarity and blur that a Gaussian filter provides. Luckily, Runway’s digital studio makes adding this entrancing effect more effortless than ever. Just upload your raw footage to start experimenting with filters from right inside your browser—no ramp-up time, just instant fun.

Can you create Gaussian blur when shooting?

Though the Gaussian blur remains one of the most popular filters given its simplicity, versatility, and efficacy, different blurring methods and atmospheric filters can benefit your videos. Some of our favorites include: <ul class='list-disc pl-10 my-6'> <li>Radial blur – This incredible effect begins at a specific focal point and blurs inward or outward to create a dramatic, rotational feel—like you're staring at an object that’s spinning at lightning speed.</li>
<li>Lens distortion – Try this trippy filter to amplify the sense of distortion and unreality in your video. This powerful effect combines blurring techniques with chromatic aberration for a sense of surreal style.</li>
<li>Vignette – Reinforce the sense of drama and focus created by a Gaussian blur with a vignette effect, which plays with darkness and light to draw the audience’s attention to the center of the frame.</li> 
<li>Sharpen – If you’re creating a hyperreal production that leans more toward grittiness than dreaminess, experiment with sharpening features, which forego Gaussian softness for increased clarity throughout the shot.</li>
<li>Lens flare – There’s nothing like the power of perfect lighting. But some raw material leaves much to be desired. Tap into captivating light tricks (in a flash) with effects like lens flare, mimicking the moment the light hits your lens.</li>
<li>VHS effect – Shift from a smooth Gaussian feel to a timeworn, retro vibe with a VHS effect. Add visual interest and texture with this stylized filter that adds lines, static, and a vivid sense of nostalgia.</li> </ul> With Runway, you can feel free to experiment with all of these features—and more—to your heart's content. Thanks to our diverse selection of visual editing features, filters, and effects, you can find the perfect blur for your project or discover a fine-tuned preset that speaks to your creative vision. With one-click ease, intuitive collaboration, and in-browser access, the path to creative success has never been clearer.

What other types of blurs and filters are there?

For a long time, there's been this misconception that a blurred image is a low-quality image and has poor pixel value. But there are certain cases when the blur filter is necessary for the video or image. Add visual interest to your project by incorporating Gaussian blur into your video. With easy-to-use filters and intuitive AI tools, Runway empowers you to create a smoother, more sophisticated final product—and sharpen your creative process.

Use Gaussian blur to bring your vision into focus

Thanks to Runway’s all-in-one web-based <a href="https://runwayml.com/video-editing/" class="underline">video editing software</a>, you can edit your projects from any device without stressing about storage. Say goodbye to external hard drives and juggling multiple software. With all of your progress saved to the cloud, you can feel free to roam—and work from—wherever your story takes you.

Edit from anywhere

Source real-time feedback on your film with Runway’s simultaneous collaboration capabilities. Share, view, or edit projects together with just a simple email invite. Send a link and then link up with your trusted co-creators in our engaging editing suite; no downloading required.

Create a community

Tap into user-friendly editing functions designed to quickly get your project off the ground. With <a href="https://runwayml.com/browse/template/" class="underline">video templates</a>, editing tools, effects, and features at your fingertips, you can go from figuring out how Gaussian blur works to sharing finished content in no time. Become a Runway master, and move on to your next big thing.

Finish films fast

Take your vision to the next level with Runway’s streamlined editing suite and turn your video into a dynamic work of art. With lightning-fast, in-browser capabilities and intelligent tools such as <a href="https://runwayml.com/green-screen/" class="underline">Green Screen</a> and <a href="https://runwayml.com/inpainting/" class="underline">Inpaint</a>, your post-production process will be a beautiful blur.

Why Runway?

Looking to reduce background noise or create depth within a moving image? Apply a Gaussian blur effect to smooth over uneven pixels, censor for privacy, and express your signature aesthetic. With countless tools, filters, and effects at your disposal in our all-in-one suite, it’s never been easier to bring your creative vision into focus.

The smoothest editing process

With endless applications, Gaussian blur can help you effectively tell your story and flex your editing muscles. Heighten visual interest, hush image noise, and control the scene with Runway’s easy-to-use blurring effect.

Use Gaussian blur to create a shallow depth of field that lets your subject shine. Forget about the background—direct your audience’s attention to what matters.

Clarify focus

Apply a blur effect to give your image a sense of speed and direction and evoke the unmistakable feeling of zooming down a highway.

Convey movement

Making a surrealist feature or shielding a face from public view? Experiment with Gaussian blur to make your shot appear intentionally out-of-focus or to conceal sensitive images.

Obscure vision

Benefits

Gaussian Blur

How to Use Our Gaussian Blur Effect

Upload your video file directly to the cloud and never worry about computer storage again. From MP4 to ProRes, we've got you covered.

Import

Find our “Gaussian Blur” effect in the right-hand panel, under “Effects and Filters.” Once it’s applied, you’ll find a small slider that can be used for adjusting the intensity.

Add Blur

Once you’re satisfied with how the Gaussian Blur looks, you can continue editing or export your finished creation in a variety of resolution and formatting options.

Export

How To Put A Gaussian Blur On A Video

One of the top benefits of cropping a video is that it can remove some of the imperfections that arise during production. While every filmmaker hopes to bring pristine, flawless footage into the editing room, this is often not the case. Filming is a long, collaborative process that comes with various risks. Someone may unintentionally walk into the shot, a boom pole might dip into the top of the frame, or an extraneous object might roll in front of the camera. When you’re faced with such imperfections, a simple crop can remove any trace of error without substantially changing the resolution of your footage. Another benefit of cropping your video is that it allows you to adjust your aspect ratio easily. Given the different screen sizes available, it’s highly likely your video will be shown at various aspect ratios, including: <ul class='list-disc pl-10 my-6'> <li>16:9, known as widescreen, the aspect ratio of smartphones, laptops, and some televisions</li> <li>4:3, or fullscreen, a classic dimension used in traditional cinema and some modern independent films</li> </ul> Preparing for various screen dimensions can help make your project suitable for many different viewing situations, which can enhance its visibility, raise your view count, and widen your audience. With our in-browser editing suite, you can easily test your cropped result before displaying it on the big (or small) screen. Finally, cropping your video provides you with the opportunity to make creative and technical choices by changing the composition of your image. Maybe you’ve realized your footage is slightly off-center, or you’ve decided that an object in the left part of the shot should be the focal point. An easy crop can adjust the entire composition of the shot, drawing the viewer’s eye to a new location and changing the overall feel of the image. Whether your decision to crop your footage is practical or aesthetic in nature, this editing technique can help you maximize your impact and focus your story.

What are the benefits of cropping videos?

As an editing tool, cropping can certainly benefit your video. That said, it’s important to keep these best practices in mind while you move through post-production: <ul class='list-disc pl-10 my-6'> <li>Start small – When you’re cropping a video, it’s important to maintain the image quality of your original footage. To that end, we recommend beginning with a conservative approach. Instead of cropping most of your raw material, start by cutting away a smaller amount of the original image. </li> <li>Here’s why we avoid slashing-and-burning: During filming, the camera records a finite number of pixels. If your cropped image is a tiny fraction of the original, you’ll experience a loss of resolution when the clip is blown up to fit a bigger screen. To prevent these difficult post-production situations, try to plan shots that won’t need excessive cropping.</li> <li>Avoid extremes – Changing the aspect ratio of your footage from one extreme to another—for example, a vertical mobile phone video to a horizontal laptop dimension—can result in a loss of important details. Regarding technical aspects, cropping is more effective for making enhancements on a smaller scale. </li> <li>Be consistent – Once you’ve found the right look during the cropping process, apply the change to all the frames in the clip. For example, if you’re cropping out a boom pole that dipped into the frame, don’t forget to apply the same frame size and location to your other shots for a seamless, unnoticeable change.</li> <li>Keep a paper trail – Organization is paramount when you’re cropping. Make a copy of the original clip before editing so you can always return to your starting place if necessary. You may find that you prefer the original version or that you need to start over with the cropping and try again. </li> </ul> Ready to start cropping? Find the best framing for your project with our easy-to-use editing tools. Start with a crop and finish with our various filters and templates, multi-track audio editing, and more for bold creations that are uniquely you. Make Runway magic your own​​—anytime, anywhere

What are some tips for cropping?

When you start editing a new project, it’s important to have a workflow to stay organized. So, where will cropping fit into yours? While every editing process is different, you probably won’t begin cropping your footage until you’ve arranged a rough cut—an approximate sequence of clips that have not yet been cut precisely to the frame. By creating a rough draft first, you won’t waste any time cropping clips that are bound for the cutting room floor or trying to determine which clips you’ve already cropped. When you’re preparing to crop your footage, create a folder to store your newly cropped clips. Then, use our intuitive cropping tool to edit your rough cut before arranging them into their final sequence. While you can also crop after finalizing your sequence, cropping in the rough-draft stage allows you to confirm that you actually can remove any technical flaws before you commit to a certain cut. Once you’ve fixed any technical errors and arranged the composition to your preferences, it’s time to add in filters, subtitles, and other stylistic elements. Mix in the aesthetic choices after cropping so you can establish the basic dimensions of your footage before putting in the creative effort.

When in the editing process should I crop my videos?

The primary benefit of preset video dimensions is that they are universally accepted and formatted to fit a large number of screens. While you can create your own unique aspect ratios, be sure to try them out on various devices to confirm compatibility. Even if your unique aspect ratio is playable, the look of your video can vary from the editing booth to the screen. For a best-of-both-worlds approach, try cropping to the preset ratios and then throw in unique aspect ratios if the standard dimensions don’t align with your creative vision. No matter where you land—preset or personalized—be sure to spend some time experimenting with your editing toolkit. You’ll often find that the video you create is so much different and so much more amazing than what you initially envisioned. Juggling more editing tasks than you can count? With our lightning-fast editing tools, you don’t have to choose between speed and quality. Try on filters, explore subtitle options, and play around with aspect ratios in a matter of moments—all on our powerful AI-based editing suite.

Should I use preset aspect ratios or create my own?

One of the challenges of video cropping is adjusting the video frame. Adjust the aspect ratio of your next project to suit screens of all sizes for your new project. With Runway’s lightning-fast, in-browser editing suite, it’s easy to crop and re-crop until you find the perfect fit. Widescreen, fullscreen, or beyond, Runway magic keeps up when your best ideas crop up.

Frame your masterpiece how you want it

Edit projects collectively and receive immediate feedback with our intelligent real-time system. When you work in browser with collaborators all around the world, you can crop, cut, and enhance together at every moment. Looking for feedback before you make your final touches? Send it to a friend with a simple link or email invite.

Share in the editing experience together

From technical fixes to stylistic choices, our all-in-one video editor takes you through every step of post-production. Crop your video to the perfect dimensions, add informative subtitles and text, create an innovative soundscape, <a href="https://runwayml.com/inpainting/" class="underline">remove object from video</a>, insert a new background on your <a href="https://runwayml.com/green-screen/" class="underline">Green Screen</a> and more in our adaptable AI-powered editing suite. All the tools you need at your fingertips​​—that’s Runway magic.

Crop, then style

With everything from simple cropping and easy rotation to customizable filters and <a href="https://runwayml.com/browse/template/" class="underline">video templates</a>, our adaptable editing suite helps you tell your story exactly how you dreamed—except so much faster. Build on your foundation with cutting-edge technology and tools that empower you to experiment right away. Free your creativity in an instant, from anywhere.

Bring your creative vision to life in a flash

Adobe Premiere Pro and Filmora Video Editor aren’t the only video editing tool you can use for cropping video. How do you crop a video and achieve your boldest creative visions? Video cropping starts with a powerful <a href="https://runwayml.com/video-editing/" class="underline">video editing software</a> that delivers quick, intuitive changes in the blink of an eye. Whether you’re beginning a project anew or adding the finishing touches, Runway magic makes it easy to find the perfect framing for your story.

Remove mistakes during filming, center your image, or change the overall dimensions with our intuitive crop feature. Edit collaboratively on the go, and breathe easy with changes saved immediately in-browser. With Runway,  you can always find a fresh new angle for your project—whether you’re cropping at top speed from a collaborator’s laptop or making a new cut on your mobile phone.

Take your creativity to another dimension

How do I crop a video to match my creative vision? Simple. Runway’s wondrously fast system makes it your one-stop shop for all editing experimentation. Find the perfect dimensions for your footage and apply it to as many frames as you want with our intuitive editing tools. With an AI-based system built for speed, we’re ready for your boldest ideas.

Remove common distractions that can creep up at the edge of the frame with our simple crop function.

Clean up your footage

Edit with collaborators in our browser-based system and try your cropped video on various devices in real-time to instantly discover what works and what doesn’t.

Test on multiple screens simultaneously

Enhance your storytelling and support your creative vision with flawless, professional content that’s just a click away.

Let your creativity shine

Light Leak Overlay

How To Use

Upload your video file directly to the cloud and don’t worry about computer storage ever again. From ProRes to MOV, we've got you covered.

Use the crop adjusters in the right-hand panel of the editor to refine your crop down to the percentage, for ultimate precision

Crop Video

Once you’re satisfied with the video crop, you can continue editing or export your finished creation in a variety of resolution and formatting options.

How Do I Crop A Video

To put it plainly: Audio makes video better. Sounds and music can trigger emotions of grief or nostalgia, add rhythmic elements to visual pieces, and provide information in ways that text and dialogue can’t. In fact, when it comes to visual media, some argue that the audio is as important as the video. Think about your favorite movie, an eye-catching TV ad you saw last week, or a video file from the YouTuber who constantly tops your Recommended list. What do these media have in common? They all use audio to take their video content to the next level. Because of high-quality audio, all of these pieces of content are more than just videos. They’re experiences. The voices, music, and sound effects that creators layer in work in harmony with the visual aspect. After all, when you take a walk down the block, you don’t just see what’s around you. You hear it, too. That’s why the correct use of audio in any video project is essential—it brings the overall viewing experience that much closer to reality.

What is the benefit of adding audio to video?

There are countless examples of when to use audio file to spice up your video content. When there’s no one speaking (for example, during a high-octane chase scene, a travel vlog, or a montage), music can help you curate a narrative throughline. And even when there is dialogue, soft music and sound effects can help with pacing and engagement. Realistically, you should almost always add audio to your videos. Music and sound FX can take any visual project to the next level—whether it’s a vlog, a short film, a TikTok dance, or a marketing clip. These are pretty much the only times you wouldn’t add audio to a video clip: <ul class='list-disc pl-10 my-6'> <li>When you’re looking to capture and present only the live sound you recorded (for example, when taking footage of a concert or play)</li> <li>When you want to use the absence of sound (i.e. silence) to draw focus to a particular moment</li> <li>When you want the “unpolished feel” of the background noise captured by the camera (artists often take this approach when they add narrative, music-free moments to their music videos)</li></ul>

When should you add audio to a video?

New to the world of audio and video editing? No problem. Here are some technical terms that will help you navigate learning how to add audio to video: <ul class='list-disc pl-10 my-6'> <li>Location sounds – A location sound is anything captured on the camera during the initial shooting. A conversation between two characters, the sound of a train going by, someone playing the guitar—these are all examples of location sounds. Some of them may make the final cut, while others might be edited, improved, or removed altogether.</li>
<li>Sound effects (SFX) – The term “sound effect” encompasses most of the non-dialogue sounds in a video. From rustling leaves and babbling brooks to explosions and rocket launches, SFX helps creators add life to scenes and shorts. Creators generally take SFX from a pre-recorded library of sounds.</li>
<li>Foley – Foley is sound recorded in post-production that replaces location sounds made by characters. For example, an actor’s footsteps may be overdubbed by foley artists to give sound editors more control over the audio. Unlike with SFX, foley is usually recorded in a studio by professionals as they watch back the raw video footage.</li>
<li>Environmental sounds – Also called ambient noise, the environmental sound is almost imperceptible. Still, it’s incredibly important. It’s the sound of a room, the hum of an air conditioner, and the whoosh of cars as they speed by outside. When there’s no ambient sound in a video—for example, during a moment of dialogue—the result can be jarring. It’s almost like your characters are speaking to each other in a vacuum. To that end, environmental sounds make your scenes feel natural and real.</li>
<li>Musical score – Songs, beats, and other musical elements make up the score of a film, documentary, or TV show. There are two types of songs in a musical score. First, you have the original score; creators of feature films will often hire a composer to write music for the movie. Second, there’s the film soundtrack. This is a collection of pre-recorded songs chosen and licensed specifically for the project.</li>
<li>Diegetic sound – Have you ever seen a TV show where the main character drops the needle on a vinyl record and music starts playing? That's a diegetic sound. Any time you hear a sound that belongs to the world of the film (in other words, what the people in the video would be listening to), you’re experiencing diegetic sound.</li>
<li>Soundtrack – Put it all together, and you have the soundtrack. While you’ll most often hear the word “soundtrack” in the context of films, it’s a term used in all video production, whether you’re editing a TV series, a video game stream, or a music video.</li>
<li>Voice over - A voice-over is an audio narration, but the speaker is out of frame. It’s a storytelling technique commonly used in film and television.</li></ul>

What are some need-to-know terms for audio in video?

Audio can elevate video in so many ways. However, there are a few tricks you can use to really wow your audience. The first option is to choose an audio clip or audio effect that perfectly matches the tone of your video. Using songs with lyrics or themes that correspond with the content of your video track can create a pleasing sense of unity. To make this process go faster, it helps to stock music and audio clips in an audio library. That way, you can easily add music and any audio file quicker instead of scouring the net for multiple audio tracks. 
Another tactic is to use contrasting audio effects (also known as contrapuntal sound) to intentionally throw the viewer off. For example, if you’re filming a shootout scene between an armed fugitive and the police, the more obvious choice might be to have a high-energy rock song in the background. However, a calming classical piece would give the action-packed moment a surreal, disquieting effect. 
And sometimes, the best option for audio is no audio. If you’ve ever seen a horror film, you know that the moments of silence right before the monster strikes are just as terrifying as the ear-splitting scream that comes soon after. It’s also important to note that “silence” is another sonic aspect to be added to the soundtrack in post-production rather than just a lack of sound effects and music.

How do you use audio and video together for maximum impact?

Depending on the video’s purpose, the feel of the footage, and your budget, you might have anywhere from a single audio track to a hundred different snippets—and Runway can handle it all. If you’re editing a music video, the focus is the music. As such, your sole audio track would probably be the song you’re showcasing. 
For personal vlogs and videos, ad materials, and gaming clips, you’ll rarely surpass ten audio tracks. Factor in some background music, a voiceover, and a few sound effects, and you have your finished product. 
Longer projects and feature-length films tend to have hundreds or thousands of audio tracks. From foley and SFX to music and dialogue (both from location and overdubbed), you’ll have your hands full of audio. 
No matter what you’re creating and how many tracks you need, Runway makes editing audio and video easier than ever.

How many audio tracks should you add to a video?

If your video needs audio, you need Runway. Whether you’re adding an epic soundtrack or essential foley and SFX, Runway makes syncing audio to any video project a cinch. Click into our fresh, intuitive interface to Import and adjust music and video in tandem—without ever leaving your browser.

Amplify video projects with audio

No matter what you’re trying to do, Runway helps you do it. Spend less time fiddling with filters and effects and more time actually making art. With audio and video features all in one place, you can take comprehensive control of your creative process like never before.

Focus on creativity—not clunky software

When it comes to video production, the future is now—and we’re already living in it. With Runway’s AI-powered features and cloud-based storage, you can say goodbye to second-rate edits and heavy hard drives.

Harness the power of technology

If you have an Internet connection, you can make magic with Runway. You and your creative partners can access projects directly from a browser whenever inspiration strikes—anytime, anywhere. Quickly share project links to edit together in real-time or host an impromptu viewing party.

Collaborate seamlessly, stress-free

When you use Runway to take your next music video or movie from proposal to premier, you reduce the amount of time, money, and frustrated mouse clicks spent during editing. Creating has never been this quick, easy, or collaborative. Cue the motivational montage music. And because you can edit the video online through our platform, that means multiple users can edit the video all at once. Another benefit of an online video editing tool is the editing is reliant on the device of one video editor.

From a single audio track in a DIY music video to multi-layer soundscapes in a feature-length film, Runway helps you paint a sonic picture faster. Slot royalty-free music into your ad spot, adjust the volume during dialogue-heavy scenes, or add voiceover to your video game montage. The possibilities are infinite.

Simple audio and video editing. Together at last.

Video without audio is like a beach day without the sun. Luckily, adding sound has never been easier. Whether you currently know how to add audio to a video or not, you will soon—Runway gives you the tools you need to make masterpieces in a minute.

Generate engaging multimedia content that stimulates your audience’s senses of sight and sound.

Appeal to all the senses

Import a single voiceover track to bring clarity to your video, or create a complex soundstage in post that’s full of dialogue, ambient sound, and an original score. The choice is yours.

Add one audio track—or many

Enter into an intuitive workspace to trim clips, adjust the volume, rearrange tracks, and more—all with the click of a button.

Manipulate sound to your heart’s content

Add Audio To A Video

How to Use

Upload your MOV formatted video into Runway by using the assets manager or dragging directly into the video editor.

Simply drag and drop your audio file into the timeline. Use Beat Detection to automatically snap your videos to music, or manually trim with precision.

Add Audio

Once your composition is complete, you can export your finished creation in a variety of resolution and formatting options.

How To Add Audio To A Video

By converting a video’s audio into on-screen text, closed captioning delivers a comparable experience for those watching a video with sound and those watching without it. Along with improving your ability to communicate, captions have other uses. They promote clarity and understanding. They increase the average viewing time. Above all, they demonstrate a commitment to accessible online content for everyone.
As for usage, captions have a place in all forms of visual media. From TikToks and Instagram stories to docu-series and video game reviews, closed captioning is a must in this day and age—because no one should be left out of the latest TikTok trends or most engaging YouTube series. If you’re unsure of how to add closed captions to a video, Runway can help.

What is the purpose and use of captions?

In short, captioning videos removes the barrier to entry. When you have audio and text alongside your video, anyone can enjoy your content. Here are a few reasons to add captions to your videos: Accessibility – For some, reading the dialogue, sound effects, and music cues in a video is the best—or only—way to engage with content. Members of the hard-of-hearing community, people with auditory processing issues, and those learning the language used in the video can all benefit from captions. Improving video reach – Captions help you reach new people in more ways than one. Aside from making your videos accessible to a larger audience, captions can improve search engine optimization (SEO) if exporting your SRT with Runway. By incorporating important keywords into the script for your video (and then applying them to the video via caption), you increase the likelihood of search engine traffic landing on your content. And because videos with transcribed audio often rank higher in search results, you’ll see more views and better engagement overall.  Capturing silent video viewers – How many times have you watched a video in silence on the train, on your lunch break, or even in a public washroom? Probably more times than you can count (or care to admit), and you’re not alone. According to a 2019 poll, 69% of people are likely to watch a video with the sound off in public, while 25% continue to keep the sound off at home. If your video doesn’t have captions, these silent viewers are unlikely to stick around.

Why should you add captions to videos?

There sure is. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, captions and subtitles fulfill different roles in the world of video. Let’s look more closely at each one: Subtitles – If you’ve ever watched a foreign-language film, you have experience with subtitles. In most cases, subtitles translate the video’s dialogue from the original language to a secondary language (though you could also subtitle a video in its original language). Subtitles are particularly useful for sharing video content in other markets; however, you’ll still need to translate your script from, say, Spanish to English.
Captions – Captions take subtitles to another level. In addition to displaying speech, captions also identify the speaker and describe non-dialogue audio like music and sound effects. On many media sites, you can identify a captioned video by the “CC” icon. Both captions and subtitles have their place in digital media, but captions are the more inclusive option since they incorporate all elements of the video’s audio.

Is there a difference between subtitles and captions?

A few years ago, the answer to this question might have been, “Do it yourself. Automatic captioning tools are way too inaccurate.” The time savings that came with auto-generated captions were often squandered by having to go back and fix typos. Today, AI-powered transcription has vastly improved. For example, Runway’s automatic subtitles function is unbelievably accurate. Even if there’s a misspelled proper name here and there, it only takes a moment to go in and fix the error. Thanks to a subtitle search tool, you can find the part you’re looking for, make corrections, nudge the timing if needed, and continue editing your captioned video.

Should you transcribe videos manually or use automatic tools?

The auto-generated captions of online video players aren't always the most reliable. So as a video editor, it's better to add accurate captions on your own. Wondering how to add closed captioning to a video? To start, you’ll have to generate your captions. Runway’s subtitles feature writes out accurate captions for you in minutes and then places them neatly along the timeline of your video. Once you’re happy with your captions, you have to decide whether you want to bake them into your video or add them separately. This choice usually hinges on your video file’s ultimate destination. Option #1: Pre-export – If you’ll be posting your video to your website or sharing it on social, adding subtitles before export might make more sense. When you export your video with captions, you can rest easy knowing that your content will be accessible, no matter where it’s shared. The downside to these so-called “baked-in captions” is that your audience won’t be able to turn them off if they want to. Option #2: Post-export – Some platforms, such as YouTube and Vimeo, allow you to upload a caption file along with your video. Caption files contain all of your text, as well as cues about timing. With Runway, you can export a caption file (as an SRT file) after you’re satisfied with your captioning. Post-export captioning allows users to turn off captions if they find them distracting. The best option? Try creating one version of your video with captions built-in and another without closed captioning to use as needed.

How do you add captions to your videos?

To give all viewers the same experience, captions should always follow the video as closely as possible. Perfectly lining up the timing used to be a challenging feat, especially during moments of rapid-fire dialogue or one-after-the-other sound elements, but with today’s technology, it’s much easier. In fact, with Runway, timing your captions to the video is practically effortless. You can click and drag to shorten or extend sections and move blocks of text along the timeline in sync with the video. Whether you are uploading a YouTube video, Facebook video, Instagram video, or any other social media video, if you want to give viewers the option to read your video captions separately from the video, Runway makes that possible, too. Simply tweak your captions to your liking, then export them as an SRT file. From there, you could upload your captions to YouTube or provide a full transcription on your website.

Do captions need to be synced with the video?

Captioning videos is an essential task for enhanced accessibility—and now, it doesn’t have to be taxing or tedious. With Runway’s adoption of artificial intelligence technology and a full suite of editing tools, you can add captions and increase your video’s appeal in minutes—then spend as long as you want on customizing the font, text size, background colors, and more exciting options.

Effortlessly caption your videos

Runway’s ever-growing list of features gives you all-in-one access to a professional video editing tool. Generate captions, create green screens on the fly, add video effects, and edit audio—there’s nothing you can’t make.

Tools that do it all

Say goodbye to your overheating hard drives and your long drives to the studio. With your computer and a stable Internet connection, you can make million-dollar movies on a micro-budget from anywhere in the world.

Giant production value, tiny footprint

Share your project with any and all of your collaborators. No more uploads or downloads—or downtime. Runway lets you work in real-time with anyone on the team. Send over a quick invite link via email, and you’ll be connected with your crew for good.

Teamwork that works for you

From marketing materials to movie masterpieces, video projects come out better with Runway. Don’t be surprised when you find yourself asking, “Where has this been all my life?”

Whether you’re editing a two-hour film festival entry or a minute-long Instagram reel, Runway takes the guesswork—and the legwork—out of closed captioning. Once you’ve uploaded your video, Runway can generate a complete transcription with just one click. Sit back, sip your coffee, and watch the captions appear before your eyes.

Give your fingers a rest. Runway has you covered.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a video without closed captions these days. And there’s a reason for that: closed captioning widens your net like nothing else. Best of all, with Runway, you don’t even need to know how to add captions to a video—AI technology takes care of it.

Captions make your video content accessible to the masses—and when it comes to video views, “the more, the merrier” always applies.

Grow and engage your audience

Time is money. Save on both when you switch your captioning work from outsourced to in-browser.

Reclaim your time

Runway’s subtitle feature lets you save a transcription of your video as an SRT file, allowing you to add captions to your content before or after export, regardless of the platform you use.

Caption everything, everywhere

Add Captions To A Video

How to Add Captions to a Video

Upload audio and video files straight to the cloud and never worry about computer storage again. From MP4 to ProRes, we've got you covered.

Drag your desired clip into the timeline, and use the Subtitles feature to transcribe the audio. From here, you can choose to export the SRT file or burn captions directly into your video.

Add Captions

Once your effects are added, all that’s left to do is export! Customize formatting, download in 4K, or continue editing in Runway with more easy to use features.

How To Add Captions To A Video

When done correctly, brightening your video will not reduce the quality of the image. In many cases, brightening your video can substantially improve the clip by increasing visibility and leveling out any harsh lighting. When you’re editing digitally, brightening effectively takes the darkest values and makes them, quite simply, less dark. If you adjust the brightness of an entire clip, which has varied light levels within it, you may find that you’ve now overcorrected in some places and undercorrected in others. So, how do you account for that? With Runway, you can edit the brightness levels (as well as other important values) with complete control over the look of your final product. Or, you can save time by creating and adjusting keyframes to make big-picture edits and ensure seamless transitions. Regardless of the quality of the raw video you start with, Runway can help you enhance it to the highest degree possible. Experiment with our functional tools and discover all the different ways you can boost brightness and embrace creativity.

Will brightening my video decrease its quality?

Not at all. Brightening a video typically involves adjusting the exposure levels, but exposure is just one of the many primary qualities of an image. Boosting brightness level is a quick fix that works for many clips, but it isn't always the answer. If you wonder how to brighten a video more effectively, you can always edit other values in tandem to help correct or adjust the overall look of your footage. Some of these values include: <ul class='list-disc pl-10 my-6'> <li>Contrast – The contrast of a video is the disparity between the lightest whites and the darkest blacks of your clip. Essentially, increasing contrast makes white whiter and black blacker. You can use this tool to your advantage while brightening a video. If you’re trying to illuminate a very dark image or background when using a green screen, it can help to decrease contrast at the same time. Reducing contrast also reduces shadows and helps highlight the point of interest within the shot. Alternatively, you can increase contrast if you're looking for a sharper image with harsh bright light; just know that doing this will further emphasize any dark shadows, as well. </li> <li>Highlights and shadows – Though you should use highlights and shadows in conjunction, these tools can help you fine-tune light balance by focusing on one aspect at a time. Instead of—or as well as—brightening the whole video, try reducing shadows and boosting highlights. By assigning specific values to each quality individually, you can avoid counterproductive floods of darkness and light and focus on the granular details. </li> <li>Saturation – The saturation of the video speaks to the intensity and purity of the colors. Similar to contrast, your colors will become more vibrant and distinctive when increasing saturation levels. You can utilize saturation when brightening a video in a few different ways. By increasing saturation, the hues within your video will brighten, which may also help lighten your whole video. If you find the color within your video too overwhelming or even muddy after increasing exposure, decreasing saturation can reduce noise and focus on the point of interest. </li> </ul> As you play around with all sorts of image qualities, try and take a step back every once in a while to see how the video looks from start to finish, rather than focusing in on just one frame or sequence.

Is brightening my video the only way to improve visibility?

If it’s hard to make out individual people, objects, or landscapes in a dark video, it probably needs to be lightened. If we think about it through the lens of black and white film, in particular, you want to see the distinct values of pure black and crisp white, with varying shades of gray coloring everything in between. If your black and white footage is primarily dark with a smattering of gray values and very few white values, you’ll want to increase the exposure to find a better balance between black and white—and to ensure every aspect is easily visible to your future audience. The same applies to colored footage. If you can hardly make out the whites, light blues, soft pinks, and other light hues, you likely need to brighten your footage to see the full spectrum of color. When considering when and how to brighten video clips, try running through a quick mental checklist to see where your footage may be falling short: <ul class='list-disc pl-10 my-6'> <li>Can I make out my visual point of interest?</li> <li>Is the background clear enough to establish the setting?</li> <li>Is important detail clear/readable to the viewer?</li> <li>Are movements clear to the viewer?</li> <li>Do visible shadows work with or against the image I'm trying to portray?</li> </ul> Visual clarity is crucial when conveying images and motion on film. Luckily, with Runway's intuitive tools, you can feel confident in your editing capabilities and make the most of your footage.

How can I tell if my video needs brightening?

Changing both exposure and contrast levels can significantly improve visual clarity, though in different ways: <ul class='list-disc pl-10 my-6'> <li>Brightening – Brightening video is when you take light values and make them lighter. This allows an image's brightness to come forward and draw the eye. Though brightening can make a point of interest quickly identifiable, implementing contrast can help round out the bigger picture. </li> <li>Contrast – Contrast is the difference in light values. A highly contrasted image or video will feature the full range of white to black. Meanwhile, a low-contrast video clip will have little to no black or white values—mostly middle-of-the-road gray values. If you want images that really pop, you can bump up the contrast. If you want a more muted or subtle approach, that's when lower contrast can come in handy. Adjusting contrast makes it possible to see hard lines of value changes, thus making it easier to understand the shapes appearing on screen.</li> </ul> Knowing the difference between brightness and contrast can also help you quickly identify and weigh the values needed to improve your edited video. And while adjusting both qualities can improve visibility on their own, using them together often yields the best results for your music video, YouTube video, social media video, short film, documentary, or commercial. Thankfully, it’s easy to adjust both contrast and exposure—and much more—when editing using video templates and software with Runway.

What’s the difference between brightness and contrast?

When you try to record a video clip on an unfamiliar camera, it can be hard to determine the video quality, up until you see it on a bigger screen. Going crazy on video filters and video effects can also affect the video quality. That's because the video filters can affect the color balance and even automatically adjust brightness. Thanks to video editing, you can boost your video's visibility with ease. Upload your video to Runway and employ the use of state-of-the-art <a href="https://runwayml.com/video-editing/" class="underline">editing software</a> tools and use our video brightness editor. With our user-friendly, streamlined software, you can feel confident enhancing the visual effects of multiple types of media—all from one web-based application.

Brighten your video for better quality

Fulfill your artistic vision without sacrificing precious storage space. Runway operates entirely online and keeps your videos in the cloud. Without extra hard drives and gear to pack around, you can feel free to edit from anywhere at any time.

Enjoy web-based editing

Runway is an intuitive, easy-to-learn platform that makes editing a breeze. Navigate our full suite of post-production tools such as <a href="https://runwayml.com/inpainting/" class="underline">Inpaint</a> and <a href="https://runwayml.com/green-screen/" class="underline">Green Screen</a> removal and apply them directly to your video. With streamlined <a href="https://runwayml.com/browse/template/" class="underline">video templates</a> and software on your side, your video will be ready to export in no time.

Do it quickly, but do it right

Bring your friends along on your editing journey with Runway's collaborative creator functionality. Share your progress with friends around the world by inviting them via email to follow along or even create alongside you. Collaborate with other artists and get your creative juices flowing.

Collaborate with others

For every unique vision, Runway can help you enhance your project and prepare it for the world to see. Runway won’t just brighten your video—its easy, intuitive interface will brighten your whole day.

The ability to easily brighten media in post-production can keep you from fretting over reshoots, and racing against the setting sun on set—Runway makes that a very real possibility. Correct harsh lighting to look more natural, remove shadows obstructing the actors’ expressions, or add brightness, contrast, and other visual effects to achieve a specific cinematic aesthetic. No matter what you envision, you can make it come to life on screen.

Enhance visibility and create your vision

Understanding how to brighten dark video effectively can help the editing process run more smoothly. With Runway, you can remedy darkened visuals in a snap, so you can focus on the larger picture and take your story into your own hands.

With the click of a button, you can eliminate unnecessary shadows or soften harsh contrasts. Make your image appear clearer and sharper for your audience’s viewing pleasure.

Boost video visibility

Amplifying or tempering brightness can drastically change the thematic impression of your video. Try using sharp overexposure to signify extraterrestrial beings, heavenly bodies, or palpable dramatic tension—it’s easy to play around until you find an effect that works with your story.

Add dramatic effects

Brightening your video can help give the impression of natural rather than studio light. No matter the location or time of day of your shoot, enhancing brightness can help you establish the intended setting.

Simulate natural light

Brighten a Video

Look for our “Brightness & Contrast” option under effects. Once applied to your desired clip, you can utilize the adjustment sliders to refine the look of your video.

Brighten

Once you’re satisfied with the brightness of your video, you can continue editing or export your finished creation in a variety of resolution and formatting options.

How To Brighten A Video

In video editing, cloning refers to the process of duplicating a subject or object to create the illusion of multiple versions. While it may sound like a niche editing trick, cloning is actually common across visual media. If you’ve ever seen a movie where an actor plays their own twin, you’ve seen an example of cloning. In fact, cloning yourself in a video is like cloning yourself in real life—minus the ethical questions. When you create a video clone, you can keep it identical to the original, or you can tweak it by adding effects or rotating it. There are a few different ways to create a video clone. The quickest option—and the one that Runway’s AI uses—is to create a mask of the subject and duplicate it as many times as you want. Making a mask involves selecting the person or thing you want to clone with Runway’s Green Screen magic tool, then separating it from the background. Once you have your separated mask, you can replicate it endlessly to create multiple layers, move it around, resize it, and more.

What is cloning in a video?

Cloning has numerous purposes, but they all exist in one of two categories: practical or creative. From a practical perspective, cloning can save you time and money. Instead of finding two actors that look the same for your twin-based romcom, you can find one actor and clone him in post-production. Instead of hiring thirty extras, you can fill the space behind your main character with a handful of clones. If you need to whip up a conversational video and you’re on your own, you can clone yourself and have a spirited debate. These cloning tricks (and others like them) can help you create a Hollywood-worthy product on a DIY budget. In terms of creative uses, cloning can drive the plot, introduce psychological intrigue, and create mind-bending effects that, until fairly recently, weren’t possible in video production. With cloning, you can add a shadow figure that stalks your lead actor, build a psychedelic house of mirrors effect, or develop a dystopic sci-fi world—filled with doubles.

What is the purpose of cloning in a video?

As with most aspects of video editing, there are no rules. You can use cloning anytime you want to enhance a project. With that said, there are some classic moments where cloning can really help your video stand out. To help you turn that creative spark into a roaring fire, let’s look at a few potential use cases for video cloning: <ul class='list-disc pl-10 my-6'> <li>Emphasizing action shots – Imagine a snowboarder nailing a backflip off a 20-foot kicker or a figure skater landing a triple axel. These are incredible athletic feats—and they also go by in the blink of an eye. To make sure a specific moment makes a lasting impression on your audience, you can clone the subject of the video (the mask) and duplicate it several times. The result? Several repeating instances of a jaw-dropping moment.</li>
<li>Personifying your conscience – If a character in your film spends a lot of time talking to themselves, you could use a voiceover to let the audience in on these moments. However, for a more visually engaging option, you can try creating a clone of your character. Now, instead of simply speaking with their inner demons, your actor can interact with another version of themselves.</li>
<li>Visual interest in advertisements – Cloning can make a scene with a single actor much more compelling. Let’s say you’re making a TV spot for a yogurt company. If you want to show how delicious that blueberry yogurt is, the predictable route would be to have your actor lift a spoonful to their mouth and smile at the camera. For something more memorable, why not create a hundred clones of your yogurt enthusiast the moment the spoon reaches their lips? Now you’re implying that the yogurt isn’t just good; it’s life-changing.</li> </ul> The bottom line is that cloning allows you to subvert your audience’s expectations—and isn’t that the whole point of creating art? Use Runway to play around with cloning and see where it works for you. It’s free and easy, so you can experiment to your heart’s content.

When would you clone a subject in a video?

Cloning is a complex process. When you’re working by hand, there’s always the possibility that you’ll create a less-than-perfect rendering. All it can take is a slight slip-up—say you accidentally omit a part of your subject—to make your duplication appear unfinished. There’s also the chance that you clone your subject perfectly, but the footage behind the subject appears glitchy or blurry. However, when you clone correctly (for example, by using Runway’s foolproof AI-powered cloning tool, you can create seamless duplications that wouldn’t be out of place in a billion-dollar film. In a click or two, Runway automatically creates a mask of your subject, allowing you to clone yourself as often as you want—without the choppy backgrounds or missing parts.

Does cloning cause noticeable glitches or artifacts in a video?

Nope! At least, not if you’re using Runway. While you can use a green screen to facilitate the cloning process, Runway’s smart cloning Green Screen tool can identify and duplicate a subject in your video—regardless of the background. Whether you’re in the heart of downtown, an overgrown forest, or a bone-dry desert, you can clone your subject in a snap. That being said, you’ll find your best results occur when your background is static. A little movement is okay, but using a tripod to film your scene will ensure that your video clone looks picture-perfect. Finally, if you wish you had used a green screen, it’s not too late! Runway has a green screen feature built into its all-in-one video editing suite. Whether you want to remove the background or clone your lead actor, if you can dream it—you can do it.

Do I need a green screen to clone myself in a video?

If you’re wondering how to duplicate yourself in a video without spending days—or weeks—finessing a new technique, rest assured. With Runway, you can create and duplicate a mask in under a minute. Choose a frame where your subject appears clearly, click on them, and watch while Runway’s AI works its magic. In moments, you’ll have the ability to clone yourself, your actors, or a product. Once you have your mask, you can take your time tweaking, duplicating, and applying the clone throughout your project. Add effects to your clone with a tap, move it to another spot in the frame, or resize it by clicking and dragging. Mastering all of these actions takes only a few seconds, and applying your new knowledge is even quicker.

How long does it take to clone yourself in a video?

Have you ever wished you could create a double of yourself? With Runway, you can—on video, at least. Quickly generate one, two, or even twenty clones of a subject with Runway’s top-of-the-line AI-powered editing tools. No downloads or expertise required—simply click and clone.

Clone yourself in your videos

Your creative work should drive you—not drive you crazy. With powerful, intuitive software at your fingertips, minimize the time you spend in post-production without sacrificing quality. Leave the tedious tasks to our AI tools and enjoy inspiration and ease from everywhere.

Edit with ease

No need to clone yourself in real life to finish your work faster. Runway’s collaborative features allow you to invite creatives from around the world to view and edit your video project together. Connect in real-time on your clips to double, triple, and quadruple your impact.

Assemble your team

From subtitling and audio editing to cloning and inpainting, Runway lets you do anything you can dream up. Filter, freeze, and animate—the only constraints are in your head.

Say goodbye to limitations

Whether you’re making a quick and easy Instagram reel, a music video for your budding YouTube channel, or next summer’s  blockbuster action flick, Runway gives you the tools you need to stand out from the crowd. (Even if that crowd is made up of your clones.)

Are you looking to have a conversation with yourself in your next soon-to-be-viral TikTok? Or how about a surreal self-chase scene in your new movie? Usually, how the pros make a clone video is either use the split screen effect, create the clone effect with help from a green background, etc. With Runway’s simple cloning feature, you can push the boundaries of digital media and explore infinite possibilities. Our clone effect works well with our other video effects, so step up your music video or social media video.

Clone like a pro

Sophisticated tricks like cloning used to be well-kept industry secrets. Runway busts the door to the studio wide open, allowing you to play with professional-grade editing tools from the comfort of your browser. All double, no trouble. All you have to do is make sure to record a quality second clip for your clone effect.

Simplified video cloning allows you to make the movie magic you’ve always dreamed of. Turn yourself into an angry mob, have a rap battle with your alter-ego—the sky’s the limit.

Let your creativity run wild

No casting calls needed. Stay within budget by putting yourself in the background of every scene through clone video tools.

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