Prepare the file first
Start with a clean SRT file. Remove duplicate blank lines, invisible characters, and broken cue blocks before translating. A clean file gives the model fewer chances to misunderstand the structure.
If your subtitles came from WebVTT, convert them to SRT first so the timestamp format is consistent during translation and review.
Protect numbers and timestamps
Tell the model exactly what should not change: caption numbers, timestamp lines, ordering, and the SRT arrow. These are the pieces that keep subtitles synchronized with the video.
Do not paste only the spoken text unless you plan to rebuild the subtitle file manually. Keeping the full SRT structure in the prompt makes it much easier to compare input and output.
Review after translation
AI output can be fluent but still too long for a subtitle line. After translation, preview the file and check whether lines feel readable at normal playback speed.
- Confirm the first, middle, and last caption numbers are present.
- Search for arrows that were changed or removed.
- Check names, acronyms, and product terms manually.
- Watch the video with the translated subtitles before publishing.