😔❌ You're Probably Uploading The Wrong Version Of Your UGC

Let's talk about one of the most common add-ons we see on Clip:

📝 Captions

They're a brilliant way to make content more accessible, engaging and easy to follow. But here's something we often notice...

Creators upload captioned videos as their main video, even when captions have not requested as an add-on.

Here's a little reminder:

👉 Your main video should always be the raw edited version.

That means:

• no captions,

• no text overlays,

• no sound effects,

• just your clean, edited video.

Then, if the brief includes any add-ons, upload that version separately as “Other”. It gives brands much more flexibility and saves everyone from unnecessary revisions later on.

Here are 3 things to keep in mind when creating captioned versions 👇

 📍 1. Caption Placement Matters More Than You Think

ALWAYS keep your captions inside the safe zone!

Remember that brands often use content across TikTok, Instagram Reels, Shorts and paid ads, where platform buttons and UI elements can cover parts of the screen.

Your captions should support the video, not cover it. One of the biggest mistakes creators make is placing captions too low, too high, or making them so large that they block the product.

✅ Keep in mind:

📱 Position captions comfortably above the bottom safe zone (you can find a template to use over your video as an overlay HERE)

📦 When filming, leave space for captions by keeping important details (like product labels, ingredients or packaging) closer to the middle of the frame.

👀 Before exporting, quickly watch the video and ask:
"Can I still clearly see the product and everything important?"

Planning for captions while filming makes the final edit feel much more intentional.

🎨 2. Keep Fonts Simple & On-Brand

Your captions should be easy to read, not steal the spotlight!

Unless the brand has given you specific guidelines, keep things clean and classic. Our recommendation?

✅ Use a simple system font.

✅ White text with a subtle black outline or shadow works brilliantly across most backgrounds and keeps everything easy to read.

Avoid:

❌ Calligraphy fonts

❌ Super decorative typefaces

❌ Bright colours that clash with the brand aesthetic / backgrounds

❌ Tiny text that disappears on mobile

If the brief includes branding guidelines, colours or preferred fonts, always follow those first.

Remember: If you have to squint to read your captions... your audience most likely will too - and they won’t bother :(

✨ 3. Don't Let Animations Become The Main Character

Captions should enhance the message, not distract from it!

Animated captions are a great way to add energy to a video. But sometimes, less really is more.

For example, a typing animation or word-by-word effect can work beautifully for a slower video.

However, if you're speaking quickly, showing one word at a time can become overwhelming and make it harder for viewers to keep up.

✅ A few simple tips:

🎬 Match the animation speed to your speaking pace.

💬 Keep transitions smooth and subtle or keep it simple with no animation.

👀 Watch the entire video back before exporting to check that no words disappear too quickly or flicker unexpectedly.

The goal is to make reading effortless - not turn the captions into the star of the show.

💡 One Last Tip...

If you're adding any text overlays, always remember to upload two separate versions:

✔️ A raw edited version with no captions or overlays.

✔️ A second version with the requested captions and/or text.

The text overlay version is also a brilliant opportunity to experiment with:

✨ Gentle text animations

✨ Subtle sound effects

✨ Highlighted keywords

Just remember to keep it tasteful and cohesive. When it comes to UGC editing, less is almost always more.

✅ Caption Add-On Checklist

Before uploading your next project:

☐ Is my main upload the raw edited version?

☐ Have I uploaded captions separately as the add-on?

☐ Are my captions inside the safe zone?

☐ Are the font and colours simple and easy to read?

☐ Can viewers still clearly see the product?

☐ Are animations smooth and not distracting?

☐ Have I checked all spelling, especially the brand and product names?

🚀 🛠 Ready to create?… Log in to Clip, check out the latest briefs, and start applying today!

Happy Creating,

Team Clip