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Automate Video Editing with Text Overlay Captions Using FFMPEGAPI.net

June 2026 FFMPEG API Team

In the world of video content creation, adding captions can significantly enhance viewer engagement. With FFMPEGAPI.net's hosted REST API, developers can automate the process of adding text overlay captions to videos effortlessly. This article will guide you through the process of using the API to add captions, making your video editing workflow more efficient.

What is FFMPEGAPI.net?

FFMPEGAPI.net is a hosted REST API designed for video and audio processing, built on the powerful FFmpeg framework. It allows developers to perform complex video editing tasks without the need for server setup or management of FFmpeg infrastructure.

With API-key authentication, FFMPEGAPI.net is ideal for automation, SaaS applications, content pipelines, and AI agents, providing a straightforward solution for integrating video processing capabilities into your projects.

  • No server setup required.
  • Supports various video processing features.
  • Easily integrate with existing workflows.
  • Perfect for developers and content creators.

Using the Text Overlay Captions Endpoint

The `/api/videos/add-text-overlay-captions` endpoint allows you to render user-supplied text lines as timed caption overlays on a video. This is particularly useful for adding subtitles or enhancing accessibility in your content.

You can specify various parameters, such as video URL, text to display, and styling options, making it a flexible solution for different needs.

  • Method: POST
  • Content Type: application/json
  • Parameters include video URL, caption text, subtitle style, aspect ratio, position, and duration per line.
curl -X POST https://ffmpegapi.net/api/videos/add-text-overlay-captions \
-H 'Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY' \
-H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
-d '{"video_url":"https://example.com/video.mp4","text":"First line\nSecond line","duration_per_line":4}'
import requests

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

Customizing Your Captions

The API allows for customization of your captions in several ways. You can adjust the subtitle style, position on the screen, and the duration for which each line appears.

These options make it easy to tailor the appearance of your captions to fit the context of your video.

  • Subtitle styles: plain-white, yellow-bg, pink-bg, blue-bg, red-bg.
  • Position options: top, center, bottom.
  • Aspect ratios: 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4.
  • Duration per line: customizable from 1 to 30 seconds.

In conclusion, FFMPEGAPI.net provides an effective and efficient solution for automating video editing tasks, particularly when it comes to adding text overlay captions. Its hosted API eliminates the complexities of managing FFmpeg, allowing developers to focus on building innovative applications. With its flexible parameters and ease of integration, FFMPEGAPI.net stands out as the best choice for your video processing needs.

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