Approximately 40% of Instagram users watch Stories and Reels with the sound off. If your videos rely entirely on audio, you're losing nearly half your potential audience.
Why Text Overlays Matter
Accessibility: Makes content accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers.
Retention: Text gives viewers something to focus on, keeping eyes on screen.
SEO: Instagram's OCR reads on-screen text for search indexing.
Types of Text Overlays
Title Cards: Text at the start telling viewers what to expect.
Captions/Subtitles: Dynamic text following what you're saying.
Key Point Highlights: Text emphasizing important information.
Best Practices
- High contrast between text and background
- Large enough to read on mobile
- Keep text in the center "safe zone"
- Time appropriately—long enough to read
Key Takeaways
- 40% of viewers watch without sound
- Always include a title card hook at the start
- Use high-contrast, readable fonts
- Text overlays also boost SEO
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ReelRise Editorial Team
Expert insights on short-form video growth strategies, backed by AI analysis of millions of viral videos.