To add a title to a video, place text at the start of the video, usually centered or at the top, for the first two to four seconds. The free MobileStudio Add Text to Video tool does it in any browser: type the title, choose Center or Top, set it to show from 0 to 3 seconds, and export. iMovie and Clipchamp have animated title styles if you want more flair.
The short answer
| Choice | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Length on screen | 2 to 4 seconds |
| Position | Center for a title card, top for a title over footage |
| Words | 2 to 6, specific |
| Size | Large: 10 to 14% of the frame in the browser tool |
| Style | High contrast, background box on busy footage |
Why add a title to a video?
A title tells viewers what they're about to see before they decide to scroll away. It matters most when a video is shared without context: in a chat, on a landing page, in a help article, or as an app demo. A clear title also makes the video easier to understand on mute.
How do I add a title to a video in my browser?
- Open Add Text to Video.
- Drop in the video.
- Type the title, for example "Setting up dark mode."
- Choose Center for a big title or Top to leave the action visible.
- Raise Text size to 10% or more and keep Background on.
- Set Show text from 0:00 to 0:03.
- Click Add text & export.
The title is burned into the opening frames, and the rest of the video plays without text. The audio is kept.
How do I add a title in iMovie?
On Mac, click Titles above the browser, drag a style like Centered before or above the first clip, and type your title, per Apple's iMovie titles guide. On iPhone, tap the first clip, tap Titles, and pick a style, per the iPhone titles guide. Placing a title over a black background clip makes a classic title card.
How do I add a title in Clipchamp?
Open the Text tab, drag a title style to the start of the timeline above your video, type the title, and trim the text bar to 2 to 4 seconds. Microsoft's Clipchamp guide covers the editor. See how to add text to a video on Windows for details.
What should a video title say?
| Video | Good title |
|---|---|
| App demo | "Book a table in 10 seconds" |
| Tutorial | "How to export to PDF" |
| Product update | "New: offline mode" |
| Event clip | "Launch day, Berlin 2026" |
Avoid vague titles like "Demo" or "Update." Say the benefit or the task, in the viewer's words.
Should the title be over the footage or on a separate card?
Over the footage keeps the video moving and works for social clips, where every second counts. A separate title card, text on a plain background, suits longer tutorials and presentations. For short-form video, skip the card and put a title over the first few seconds.
How big should a title be?
Bigger than body text: the title should be readable at a glance on a phone. In the browser tool, use 10 to 14%. Keep it inside the frame's safe area. More in best font size for video text, and for other text placements see how to add text to a video.
Where MobileStudio fits
Add Text to Video is one of our free tools. MobileStudio itself turns screen recordings of your app into polished demos with device frames, zooms, and backgrounds. Get MobileStudio.
Quick FAQ
How long should a video title stay on screen?
2 to 4 seconds, enough to read it twice.
Where should a title go on a video?
Centered for a title card, near the top when it's over footage.
How do I add a title to the start of a video for free?
Use Add Text to Video and set the text to show from 0 to 3 seconds.
Should every video have a title?
Videos shared without context benefit most: demos, tutorials, and announcements.
Can I animate the title?
iMovie and Clipchamp have animated styles. The browser tool shows a clean static title.
