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Automate Video Captioning with FFMPEGAPI.net: A Guide to Text Overlay Captions

June 2026 FFMPEG API Team

In the era of automation and AI, video content creation is becoming increasingly efficient. FFMPEGAPI.net offers a hosted REST API that simplifies video processing tasks, including adding text overlay captions to your videos. This guide explores the capabilities of the Text Overlay Captions endpoint and showcases how developers can leverage this tool in their workflows.

What is the Text Overlay Captions API?

FFMPEGAPI.net provides a valuable endpoint to render text lines as timed captions over videos. This functionality is crucial for enhancing accessibility and audience engagement. By using the Text Overlay Captions API, developers can automate the process of adding captions, making it an ideal solution for content pipelines, SaaS applications, and AI agents.

  • Automate video captioning effortlessly.
  • Enhance accessibility for viewers.
  • Save time and resources in content creation.

How to Use the Text Overlay Captions Endpoint

To use the Text Overlay Captions API, you need to make a POST request to the endpoint at `/api/videos/add-text-overlay-captions`. The request requires specific parameters, such as the video URL and the text you wish to overlay. Optional parameters allow you to customize the appearance and timing of the captions.

  • Method: POST
  • Content Type: application/json
  • Required Parameters: video_url, text
  • Optional Parameters: subtitle_style, aspect_ratio, position, duration_per_line
import requests

url = 'https://ffmpegapi.net/api/videos/add-text-overlay-captions'
headers = {'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_API_KEY', 'Content-Type': 'application/json'}
data = {
    'video_url': 'https://example.com/video.mp4',
    'text': 'First line\nSecond line',
    'duration_per_line': 4
}
response = requests.post(url, headers=headers, json=data)
print(response.json())

Customizing Your Captions

The API allows for various customization options to fit your video's style. You can specify the subtitle style, aspect ratio, position, and duration for each caption line. This flexibility ensures that the captions integrate smoothly with your video content.

  • Subtitle Styles: plain-white, yellow-bg, pink-bg, blue-bg, red-bg
  • Aspect Ratios: 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, or 3:4
  • Positioning: top, center, or bottom
  • Duration Control: Set seconds per line from 1 to 30

FFMPEGAPI.net stands out as the premier hosted tool for video automation, especially when it comes to adding text overlay captions. With its straightforward API structure, robust customization options, and no server setup required, developers can easily integrate video captioning into their workflows. Whether you're building AI agents, automation tools, or enhancing content pipelines, FFMPEGAPI.net provides the resources you need to streamline your video processing tasks.

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