YouTube's language options work differently depending on whether you want to change subtitles, the audio track, or the interface itself
YouTube videos can have multiple audio tracks and subtitle languages built in by the uploader. If a video has more than one audio track, you can switch between them during playback. Subtitles work separately — a video might have English audio with Spanish subtitles available, or Spanish audio with English subtitles. The YouTube interface (menus, buttons, labels) is a third setting controlled by your account. This guide covers how to change each one.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're watching on a computer, phone, or tablet, and whether the video actually has alternate audio or subtitles. Not every video has multiple languages — that's up to whoever uploaded it. But when they do exist, YouTube makes them straightforward to find once you know where to look.
Key Takeaways
- To switch audio tracks on a computer, click the settings gear icon during playback, select "Audio track," and choose the language you want.
- On a phone or tablet, tap the three dots menu during playback, then "Audio" or "Subtitles" to see what languages are available.
- Not every video has multiple audio tracks — only videos the uploader recorded or dubbed in different languages will have this option.
- Subtitles and audio are separate settings; you can have English audio with Spanish subtitles, or any other combination the uploader provided.
- To change the language of YouTube's menus and buttons themselves, go to your account settings and change your language preference there.
How to change audio tracks on a computer
Open the video and start playing it. In the bottom right corner of the video player, you'll see a gear icon (settings). Click it and a menu will appear with several options including "Quality," "Speed," and "Captions."
Look for "Audio track" in that menu. If the video has multiple audio languages, this option will be clickable and will show you a list of available languages. Click the one you want. The audio will switch when ready — you don't need to refresh or restart the video.
If you don't see "Audio track" as an option, the video only has one audio language. This is common for most videos on YouTube, especially user-uploaded content that was only recorded once.
How to change audio or subtitles on a phone or tablet
Start playing the video. In the top right corner of the video player, tap the three vertical dots (the menu icon). A list of options will appear.
Tap "Audio" to see what audio tracks are available, or tap "Subtitles" to see what subtitle languages exist. Choose the language you want from the list. If either option is grayed out or missing, that video doesn't have alternate audio or subtitles in other languages.
On some older versions of the YouTube app, the menu might look slightly different, but the three-dot icon is always the place to find playback options.
How to turn on subtitles or change their language
Subtitles are controlled separately from audio. A video can have subtitles in a language different from the audio — for example, English audio with French subtitles.
On a computer, click the "CC" button in the bottom right of the video player to turn subtitles on. Once they're on, click the settings gear, then "Subtitles" to see what languages are available. Choose the one you want.
On a phone or tablet, tap the three-dot menu and select "Subtitles." If subtitles aren't already on, you'll see an option to turn them on. Then choose the language from the list.
Some videos have auto-generated subtitles in many languages, created by YouTube's automatic speech recognition. These are usually less accurate than subtitles the uploader wrote themselves, but they expand the language options available. Auto-generated subtitles will say "auto-generated" next to the language name.
How to change the language of YouTube's menus and buttons
If you want YouTube's interface itself — the menus, button labels, and navigation text — to appear in a different language, that's a separate setting from video audio and subtitles.
On a computer, click your profile picture in the top right corner. Select "Settings" from the menu. On the left side, click "Language." Choose the language you want from the dropdown menu and click "Select."
On a phone or tablet, tap your profile picture, then "Settings." Scroll down and tap "Language." Choose the language you want. YouTube will reload with the new language applied to all menus and buttons.
What to do if a language option isn't available
If you want audio or subtitles in a language that isn't listed, the uploader didn't record or add that language to the video. YouTube can't create audio in a language that doesn't exist in the file — it can only show you what's there.
Some videos have auto-generated subtitles in dozens of languages, even if the audio is only in one. If you need subtitles in a language that isn't available, check whether auto-generated subtitles exist in that language — they often do, even if manual subtitles don't.
If neither manual nor auto-generated subtitles exist in the language you need, you can leave a comment on the video asking the uploader to add them, but there's no may provide they will.
Troubleshooting when audio or subtitle options don't appear
If the "Audio track" option is grayed out or missing entirely, the video only has one audio language. This is normal for most YouTube videos.
If subtitles aren't available and you don't see an option to turn them on, the uploader didn't add subtitles and YouTube hasn't generated them automatically. Some videos, especially older ones or those with unclear audio, may never get auto-generated subtitles.
If you're on a mobile device and the menu options look different from what's described here, make sure you're using the official YouTube app (not a browser). The app is updated regularly and the menu layout can change slightly between versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request subtitles in a language that isn't available?
You can leave a comment on the video asking the uploader to add subtitles, but YouTube doesn't have a formal request system. Some uploaders respond to requests, especially on popular videos, but there's no may provide. Auto-generated subtitles may eventually appear in your language even if manual ones don't.
Will changing the audio language affect other videos I watch?
No. Each video's audio and subtitle settings are independent. Changing the audio language on one video doesn't change it on any other video. The only setting that carries across all videos is the YouTube interface language, which you change in your account settings.
What's the difference between auto-generated and manual subtitles?
Manual subtitles are written by the uploader or a translator and are usually more accurate. Auto-generated subtitles are created by YouTube's speech recognition software and can contain errors, especially if the audio is unclear, has accents, or includes technical terms. Both are useful, but manual subtitles are generally better quality.
Can I read a video with a different audio language?
YouTube's terms of service don't allow downloading videos. You can watch with any audio language or subtitle combination available on the site, but you can't save the video to your device.
Why does a video have audio in multiple languages?
Uploaders add multiple audio tracks when they want to reach audiences in different countries. A filmmaker might record in English and Spanish, or a content creator might hire someone to dub their video into another language. Each audio track is a separate file built into the video.