You don’t need After Effects to make karaoke videos… just ffmpeg and spite.
Growing up in a Filipino household, karaoke was more than just a pastime—it was the soundtrack of every fiesta, family gathering, and unexpected Sunday night sing-off.
But when I first tried to make my own karaoke videos, I hit a wall: the usual apps were either clunky, expensive, or locked behind paywalls.
That’s when I turned to something many overlook—FFmpeg. With just a few commands and an SRT subtitle file, I discovered how to craft smooth, synced karaoke videos without any fancy software.
This is the power of open-source tools—giving you control, freedom, and yes, that perfect harana vibe right from your terminal.
Ready to make your own karaoke videos and impress your Tita and Tito at the next reunion? Let’s dive in.
What Is an SRT Subtitle File—and Why Does It Matter for Karaoke Videos?
An SRT (SubRip Subtitle) file is a plain-text file that contains timed text entries—essentially, the lyrics of your song paired with timestamps that tell the video player when to display each line. Unlike closed captions, SRT files are easy to edit with any text editor and widely supported by media tools, including FFmpeg. In karaoke videos, these timestamps are crucial; they ensure that lyrics appear exactly when the music hits each word or phrase, creating that satisfying sing-along flow. Think of an SRT file as your song’s teleprompter, keeping your karaoke session smooth and on beat without the need for expensive or complicated software.
How FFmpeg Burns Subtitles into Your Karaoke Videos
When you use FFmpeg to add an SRT file to your karaoke video, it doesn’t just slap the text on the screen—it “burns” the subtitles directly into the video frames. This means the lyrics become a permanent part of the video stream, viewable on any device or platform without needing a separate subtitle track. Technically, FFmpeg uses a filter called subtitles that parses the SRT file and overlays each line onto the video at the right time and position. This process is CPU-intensive, but it guarantees compatibility and perfect synchronization, making your DIY karaoke video ready for any screen—from a desktop to a humble Android phone running Termux.
Use Cases
Using FFmpeg with SRT subtitles opens up a wide range of applications beyond karaoke videos. Here are several other creative and practical use cases:
- Educational Videos with Captions
Instructors and creators can use FFmpeg and SRT files to add captions for tutorial videos. This enhances accessibility for viewers with hearing impairments and provides a better learning experience for non-native speakers. You can also customize the subtitles to emphasize key terms or steps in a process by adjusting the font size, color, and timing. - Language Learning and Translation
FFmpeg can help language learners by displaying subtitles in both the original language and a translation simultaneously. Adding subtitles in multiple languages allows learners to compare vocabulary and grammar structures. You could also use different colors or positions for each language to distinguish them clearly. - Closed Captions for Movies and Series
FFmpeg is frequently used in media production to add closed captions for accessibility. This setup allows content creators to add and customize closed captions easily without needing specialized software. It’s especially helpful for indie filmmakers or content creators who want to produce fully accessible content on a budget. - Song Lyric Videos for Artists
Artists and music producers can use this method to create lyric videos for songs, similar to karaoke videos but focused on showcasing the lyrics along with visuals. Customizing font, color, and positioning of the lyrics adds a visual appeal that complements the music style and enhances the viewer’s engagement. - Storytelling and Poetry Presentations
FFmpeg with SRT allows writers and performers to create video presentations of poetry or storytelling, synchronizing text with spoken word or background music. Different formatting options enable an expressive display of words that enhances the narrative or emotional impact of the content. - Corporate Training Videos with Annotated Text
For internal training or onboarding videos, FFmpeg can add annotations, tips, and subtitles in sync with the video content. This is ideal for emphasizing important points in a training session, providing guidelines during safety videos, or adding reminders for specific procedures. - Fitness and Exercise Guides
Fitness instructors can use FFmpeg with SRT subtitles to add captions indicating specific exercises, timings, or tips during workout videos. This keeps viewers on track with their routines, even if they need to watch without sound, and can also highlight safety tips or reminders. - Video Presentations and Speeches
Event organizers or speakers can use FFmpeg to subtitle speeches, presentations, or webinars, either for live streaming or recorded versions. This ensures that viewers can follow along even in noisy environments or when audio clarity is an issue. The subtitle formatting options can also emphasize certain points or quotes for additional impact. - Virtual Tours and Narrated Documentaries
In video tours or documentaries, creators can use FFmpeg with SRT to add location names, historical context, or narration in sync with the visuals. This can be especially useful for virtual museum tours, wildlife documentaries, or travel guides, where text adds informative layers to the visuals. - Social Media Video Content with Accessible Subtitles
For short social media videos, FFmpeg and SRT subtitles allow creators to add visually engaging captions.
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Installing FFmpeg and Preparing Your Environment for Karaoke Videos
Before diving into the creative process of making karaoke videos, setting up the right tools is essential—especially when you’re embracing open-source software. FFmpeg, the powerhouse behind countless audio and video projects, is widely available across platforms, from Linux distros and macOS to Windows and even Android via Termux. The beauty of FFmpeg lies in its lightweight footprint and command-line flexibility, making it ideal for developers and enthusiasts who value control without bloat. Alongside FFmpeg, having an editor or generator for SRT subtitle files completes the toolkit, enabling you to craft perfectly timed karaoke experiences. Getting this foundation right means fewer headaches later, and more time singing your heart out.
For Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):
Open your terminal and run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt install ffmpegThis installs the latest stable FFmpeg package from your distro’s repository, ready to handle video and subtitle processing.
For macOS:
Use Homebrew, the trusted package manager for macOS:
brew install ffmpegIf you don’t have Homebrew, brew.sh is your gateway to a smoother FOSS experience.
For Windows:
Head to the official FFmpeg website (ffmpeg.org) and download the latest static build. Extract the files and add the FFmpeg binary folder to your system PATH for easy terminal access.
For Android (Termux):
Open Termux and type:
pkg update && pkg install ffmpegPerfect for on-the-go video magic from your phone.
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Preparing SRT Subtitle Files for Seamless Karaoke Videos
Creating and fine-tuning SRT subtitle files is a crucial step in crafting karaoke videos that sing in perfect harmony with the music. These plain-text files carry the lyrics and their precise timings, acting as the invisible conductor that keeps your karaoke performance on beat. Whether you’re starting from scratch or adjusting existing subtitles, understanding how to prepare and edit SRT files empowers you to deliver a polished, engaging experience—all without relying on costly software or cloud services.
Step 1: Prepare Your SRT File
Create an SRT file with timestamps aligned to the lyrics. Each entry in the SRT file will look like this:
1
00:00:01,000 --> 00:00:03,500
When ever I see girls and boysStep 2: Use FFmpeg with Formatting Options
You can adjust font size, color, and position directly through FFmpeg commands. Here’s a sample command for embedding subtitles with customization:
ffmpeg -i input_video.mp4 -vf "subtitles=subtitle_file.srt:force_style='Fontsize=24,PrimaryColour=&H00FFFF&,Alignment=10'" -codec:a copy output_karaoke_video.mp4This command specifies Fontsize and PrimaryColour, where &H00FFFF& sets the text color to cyan. Modify Alignment=10 to control the position, where values like 8 (top) or 2 (bottom) will change the text’s vertical position.
Sample Outputs
Larger Font with Yellow Text
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "subtitles=lyrics.srt:force_style='Fontsize=32,PrimaryColour=&H00FFFF00&'" -c:a copy output_yellow.mp4Bottom Centered with Small Font
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf "subtitles=lyrics.srt:force_style='Fontsize=18,Alignment=2'" -c:a copy output_bottom_center.mp4· · ─ ·𖥸· ─ · ·
Your Gateway to DIY Karaoke Videos with FFmpeg
From the humble command line to synced subtitles, making karaoke videos with FFmpeg and SRT files proves that powerful media editing doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag—or a steep learning curve. Whether you’re a FOSS advocate, a developer, or just someone who loves a good kundiman session, mastering this technique puts you in control of your own karaoke experience. No more waiting for apps to catch up or dealing with ads and watermarks. If you found this guide helpful, join our growing community of open-source enthusiasts and tech explorers by subscribing to my newsletter. Stay tuned for more tips that empower you to create, code, and conquer.
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