How To Sync Subtitles in VLC

Jul 09, 2023

By Ben PattersonBen Patterson Author Read moreJuly 31, 2023

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When watching a movie that features subtitles, you can open it with VLC. If it syncs the subtitles correctly, you can view them and hear the audio track simultaneously. However, the subtitles might appear too early or late due to a sync error. Either way, you can’t enjoy viewing a movie with subtitles if that’s the case. Fortunately, you can fix this problem directly in VLC.

If you don’t know how to do this, you’ve come to the right place. This article explains how to sync subtitles in VLC and fix the sync error if it occurs.

VLC lets you play videos or films with subtitles on Mac or Windows. It syncs subtitles to match them with the audio track or images. You can stop the subtitles from coming too fast or slowly by pressing some hotkeys on your keyboard. These shortcut keys vary based on your operating system. If you use Windows, press “G” or “H.” Alternatively, press “G” or “J” if you use Mac.

It’s only necessary to press these shortcut keys if the subtitles and the soundtrack don’t match. Here’s how to use them:

VLC will occasionally fail to delay a subtitle when you press H. It might also refuse to speed up a subtitle when you press G. If you have a Windows PC, you can synchronize the subtitles manually in VLC by following these steps:

If you have a MacOS, you might also notice that “G” and “J” hotkeys aren’t working. To speed up or slow down movie subtitles, do the following:

Most people use VLC to play videos on smartphones. If you do too, you can sync subtitles in VLC on your iPhone or Android phone.

Whether you use the “G” and “H” or “J” shortcuts, or sync subtitles manually in VLC, you’ll encounter one problem. The changes you make are temporary. If you close VLC, the changes will disappear also. Hence, you’ll sync subtitles manually when watching a movie or video with subtitles in VLC. This routine can be tiresome and boring.

Luckily, there is a way to sync subtitles and keep the changes. You can use more advanced software tools to sync subtitles and later play your videos in VLC.

The WinX HD Video Converter Deluxe can help you match Image or audio track timing with subtitle timing. It can convert and compress 4K videos using the integrated “Subtitle” feature. Also, you can add subtitles to a movie that doesn’t have them without ruining the timing. WinX HD Video Converter allows you to add subtitles in your favorite language.

Above all, it syncs subtitles forever. Here’s how to use it:

Another tool you can use to solve the VLC sync error and its inability to save changes is the VideoByte Blu-Ray Player. It can insert the subtitles you want into a movie and synchronize them permanently. Furthermore, this software tool can stream videos of any format on your computer. Thus, you can play movies and videos in it after synching subtitles.

Since VideoByte Blu-Ray Player has a simple user interface, anyone can use it. Additionally, you can access all its features with the free trial plan. After the trial period ends, you must upgrade to a premium plan to continue using VideoByte Blu-Ray Player.

Here’s how to use it for subtitle synchronization:

If you notice that the subtitles run ahead or behind the audio track or scene, one of two things is the cause. First, the settings for subtitles in VLC might be disabled. Secondly, the subtitle itself could have an error.

If you close VLC, it will delete all your subtitle synchronization changes. The only way to avoid syncing subtitles frequently is to use a third-party software tool. Choose one of the recommended tools above and use it to add subtitles to movies and videos.

When viewing a movie or YouTube video on your PC or phone, VLC will automatically sync subtitles. However, it may occasionally generate a sync error that could make subtitles run too fast or too slow. You can use hotkeys like “G,” “H,” or “J” to restore the balance between subtitle timing and audio track timing. If these fail, solve the error manually. Your last option is to use a third-party software tool to add subtitles permanently.

Did VLC speed up or delay subtitles the last time you played a movie? If so, how did you stop it? Let us know in the comments section below.

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