Desktop Subtitle Overlay: How to Get Floating Subtitles on Any App
A subtitle overlay is a floating window that displays translated text on top of whatever you are watching or listening to. It stays on screen while you work, watch, or browse. Here is how to get one on your desktop.
What is a subtitle overlay?
A subtitle overlay is a small, always-on-top window that displays translated subtitles in real time. Unlike subtitles baked into a video, the overlay floats above any application on your desktop. You can reposition it, resize it, and it works with any audio source, not just videos with existing captions.
This is the approach Seagull uses. Instead of embedding subtitles into a specific player or relying on a browser extension, Seagull creates a floating overlay that works universally. It sits on top of your browser, your media player, your meeting app, or any other window.
Why overlays are better than embedded subtitles
Embedded subtitles only work in specific apps that support them. If a video does not come with subtitle files, you are out of luck. Browser extensions only work in browsers, and they depend on the platform providing captions to translate, which most do not.
A desktop subtitle overlay bypasses all of these limitations. It captures audio at the system level and generates its own subtitles, independent of the app or platform. This means it works with content that has never been subtitled, including live streams, local files, and obscure platforms.
How to set up Seagull's subtitle overlay
Download Seagull from getseagull.com for Mac, Windows, or Linux. Launch the app, pick the spoken language and your target language, and press Start. The floating subtitle overlay appears on your screen and begins showing translated text within seconds of any audio playing.
The overlay is draggable and resizable. You can place it at the bottom of a video for a traditional subtitle experience, or park it off to the side while you multitask. It persists across app switches and works in full-screen mode on most systems. Seagull supports 60+ languages and includes a free 1-hour trial.
How to Get Started
Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. The app installs in seconds and requires no configuration.
Choose the language being spoken and the language you want to see. Seagull supports 40+ languages out of the box.
Seagull will transcribe and translate audio from any app in real time. Captions appear in a small overlay on your screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the subtitle overlay work with full-screen video?
Yes. Seagull's overlay stays on top of full-screen applications on most systems. You can position it anywhere on screen to avoid covering important parts of the video.
Can I customize the size and position of the overlay?
Yes. The overlay is draggable and resizable. You can place it wherever you want on your screen and adjust its width to fit your preference.
Does the overlay work with any app?
Yes. Seagull captures system audio and displays translations independently of the app playing the audio. It works with browsers, media players, meeting apps, and any other desktop application.
Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. 1 hour free trial included.