How do WebVTT captions differ from burned-in captions?
Choose between a separate timed-text track and text rendered directly into video pixels.
How do WebVTT captions differ from burned-in captions?
Captions can be delivered as a separate track or permanently rendered into the video. The right choice depends on the player and destination.
Understand the delivery options
WebVTT is a timed-text format used with web media tracks. A supported player can expose captions as a selectable track. Burned-in captions are part of the video image and remain visible wherever that video is played; viewers cannot turn them off independently.
Plan for editing and distribution
A separate track can be corrected without re-rendering the video when the platform supports it. Burned-in text generally requires a new render to change wording or styling. Keep an editable caption source even when exporting burned-in text. Test the actual destination: support for separate tracks, styling, and language selection varies. Verify readable placement and playback behavior rather than choosing solely from the file extension.
Further reading: MDN WebVTT documentation.
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