Audience: Teachers
Seesaw automatically generates closed captions and transcripts for videos, audio recordings, and screen recordings created on Chrome browsers, Chromebooks, and and iOS 26+ devices. Captions make recordings more accessible, while transcripts make it easy to review, search, and jump to specific moments in a recording.
Closed caption files that don't meet the above technical specifications can still be uploaded manually.
How do Closed Captions work?
Seesaw can automatically generate closed captions for videos, audio recordings, and screen recordings created on Chrome browsers, Chromebooks, or iOS 26+ devices.
- Upload or record a video or audio file.
- Seesaw will automatically generate captions and a transcript.
- Viewers can turn on captions using the CC button in the bottom-right corner of the video player.
Manually adding captions if you use another browser or device
You can manually add captions by uploading a WebVTT (VTT) file:
- Upload or record a video or audio file.
- On the Creative Canvas, select the video or audio file and click the [...] button.
- Tap Unlock, then choose Accessibility.
- Choose Add Closed Caption File.
- Click Upload VTT File.
- Upload your WebVTT file and select the appropriate language.
- Once captions are available, viewers can turn them on using the CC button. If multiple caption languages are available, viewers can select their preferred language.
What is a WebVTT Closed Caption File?
The Web Video Text Tracks (WebVTT) format is a file that contains a transcription of dialog and sounds in the video, along with the timestamps that dialog and sound is heard. It also supports simple formatting and custom placement of captions on the screen.
You’ll need to create one WebVTT file per video, per language you want to support. For example, if you want to support closed captions for a video in English and Spanish, you need to create two WebVTT files. Learn more about the webVTT.
How Do I Create a WebVTT Closed Caption File?
There are services and online tools for creating WebVTT closed caption files.
To create your own VTT files, check out VTT Creator. If you use a Microsoft device, check out this tutorial on how to create your own WebVTT files.
There are also paid services where professionals can create WebVTT files for you in multiple languages for your content.
Can I Add Closed Captions in Multiple Languages?
Yes, Seesaw supports uploading closed caption files in supported languages.
Can I disable Closed Captions?
To remove Closed Captioning on an item in the Creative Canvas:
- Tap on the [...] under the item.
- Select Add Accessibility Info.
- Tap the trash can icon to remove the caption file.
- Tap Save.