VIDEO EDITING

Best fonts for subtitles in 2025

Best fonts for subtitles: our top picks for readability and style in 2025

We've all seen it: a great video completely ruined by unreadable subtitles. Whether on a smartphone in bright daylight or projected in a conference, the wrong font can ruin the viewer's experience in a matter of seconds.

As professional video editors, we know that subtitle typography isn't just a detail. It's a strategic design decision. In this guide, we share our top 2025 picks for subtitles fonts, tested and approved in real-world editing contexts. We compare classics with bold alternatives, and explain what really works (and what's best avoided).

Sapien at ipsum nullam mattis tristique odio.

Why font choice is essential for subtitles

Adding subtitles to a video, using the right font, is not just a question of aesthetics. It's a key element of effective communication.

A well-chosen font enhances legibility, enabling viewers to follow the content effortlessly, even when the dialogue flows quickly or the video is viewed on a small screen.

It also enhances accessibility with good contrast and clear letterforms, making your content more inclusive for all audiences.
Thoughtful typography reduces visual fatigue, especially on longer videos, keeping your audience engaged for longer.

Finally, beyond function, font choice influences perception: clean, modern typography reinforces the tone and visual identity of your video, giving your work a polished, professional appearance.

Professional criteria for choosing a great subtitle font

Here's what we look for before approving a typeface for subtitles:

Legibility at small sizes - good x-height, clean shapes
Clear characters distinction - no confusion between "I", "l" and "1".
Regular visual rhythm - no distracting curves or irregular spacing
Editing software compatibility - works with Premiere, Resolve, Yuzzit, etc.
Appropriate licensing - avoid copyright problems

Our 2025 top picks: the best fonts for subtitles (tested & approved)

Classics (solid but sometimes bland)

Arial: universal, neutral, functional. But... uninspired.
Roboto: modern, efficient, ideal for small screens.
Open Sans Soft: very easy to read, but don’t size it too small.

Stylish yet reliable alternatives

IBM Plex Sans: good balance between tech style and clarity.
Montserrat: ultra-legible and modern. Our favorite for 2025.
Source Sans Pro: professional, discreet, rock-solid.

To stand out (without sacrificing legibility)

Redonda: geometric yet warm. Perfect for dynamic montages.
Komet: minimalist, rounded, uncluttered.
Fenwick: personality + readability = winning combo.

Fonts to avoid (really)

Comic Sans: just... no.
Papyrus: outdated and difficult to read.
Handwritten fonts: too noisy, too ornate, too slow to read.

Real-life testing: what really works on screen

To evaluate these fonts rigorously, we subjected the same set of subtitles to various real-life scenarios: YouTube videos on computer and mobile, vertical formats for Instagram and TikTok, and projections on TVs and projectors.

Verdict: Montserrat and IBM Plex Sans consistently come out on top. Fenwick is excellent in bold, but better suited to short content with high aesthetic value.

Bonus: our favorite subtitle presets in Yuzzit

Need fast results? Here are our favorite settings:

Montserrat Bold, 40px, 80% spacing, black background at 60% opacity
IBM Plex Sans Medium, 36px, semi-transparent rounded frame

Conclusion: the 3 golden rules

Prioritize clarity: subtitles must be instantly legible
Opt for neutrality: the best font is the one you don't notice
Always test in real context: what looks good on the timeline might fail on TikTok.

The best font for subtitles is the one you don't notice, because it just works.

Frequently asked questions

What font size should I use for subtitles in video editing?

There's no universal size, but a good base is between 36px and 48px for HD video. Always test your subtitles in the final output format: what looks legible in Premiere or Yuzzit may look tiny on a smartphone screen. For mobile-oriented content (such as TikTok), use a slightly larger size and avoid placing the text too low.

Are there specific fonts for accessibility?

Yes, fonts like Arial, Roboto and Source Sans Pro are widely recommended for accessibility thanks to their clean shapes, clear letter distinctions and even spacing. In addition, strong contrast between text and background (e.g. white on black with slight opacity) is essential for viewers with visual impairments.

Can I use custom fonts in Yuzzit?

Absolutely. Once the font is correctly installed on your system, Yuzzit will recognize it. Just make sure you have the right license if you're working on commercial projects or for clients. Avoid fonts that are too rare, as they may not display correctly on all devices or during export if they are not burned.

What's the best subtitle font for videos on social networks?

For platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok or YouTube Shorts, opt for bold, high-contrast fonts that remain legible even at small sizes. IBM Plex Sans Medium works particularly well. Use a text background or drop shadow to ensure legibility on highly dynamic images.