How to Translate Subtitles with AI

Subtitle translation combines language work with timing and display constraints. An SRT file contains cue numbers, start and end timecodes, and subtitle text. An AI translator should edit only the text fields unless the workflow explicitly manages timing. If timecodes shift, cues can appear too early, overlap, or remain on screen after the scene changes. A literal translation may also be longer than the source and exceed the line or reading-speed limits set by a platform, broadcaster, or client. Those rules vary, so check the delivery specification rather than assuming one universal character limit. Review each cue while watching the video, not only in a spreadsheet. Dialogue may depend on who is speaking, what is visible, humor, pronouns, and how the line connects to the next cue. Captions for accessibility may also include speaker identification and relevant sound cues, depending on the required format. Maintain a glossary for names and recurring terms. AI can produce a fast draft, but a bilingual reviewer should check tone, omissions, and timing. Do not rely on back-translation alone; it may fail to reveal a subtitle that is awkward or culturally wrong. Preserve the original file and compare against the exported video. If the content is for an official release, follow the platform’s current subtitle and accessibility requirements. Correct translation is only part of a usable subtitle track; viewers also need readable, synchronized text.