Caption safe zones by platform

The general rule for vertical video (9:16)

On TikTok, Reels and Shorts the interface mostly covers the bottom strip (description, music, name) and the right column (buttons). The top usually carries little text, though some apps show tabs or a search button.

So the safest area for captions is the middle of the video and the lower-middle, without dropping into the last fifth of the screen. CueSprint's Bottom preset places the block about 22% above the lower edge on vertical videos.

TikTok

The description and song name can take several lines at the bottom, and the buttons form a column on the right. Keep captions horizontally centred with a margin from the right side. A maximum width of 90% of the video, as CueSprint uses, helps keep short lines clear of the button column.

Instagram Reels

Reels has a layout similar to TikTok, with the description at the bottom and buttons on the right. The video may also be cropped in the profile grid, which shows only the centre: centred captions stay visible on the cover.

YouTube Shorts

Shorts shows the title, channel and subscribe button at the bottom and the buttons on the right. Avoid the bottom strip and keep captions in the centre or just below it.

Horizontal YouTube (16:9)

On horizontal videos the player bar appears at the bottom only when the viewer interacts. You can place captions near the bottom edge; if the viewer also turns on YouTube's captions, they will show over or under yours, so avoid duplicating them.

Check before you post

Apps change their interface often. Before posting something important, upload the video as a draft or private and watch it on your phone. If something covers the captions, go back to CueSprint, move the position slider and export again: your video stays in the tab as long as you don't close it.