Hey @everyone
With Snap Captions 2 around the corner, I want to share what’s changing and set expectations. Some big updates are coming, with the biggest being:
There will be a paid version of Snap Captions for the first time.
There will still be a free version, but for the first time, Snap Captions 2 will introduce a paid version as well!
Why are we moving from a Donation Model To A Paid Model?
First, I want to thank this community. You’ve played a huge role in making me realize the demand for better tools in Resolve. Without you, I wouldn’t have gone full-time into plugin development.
When we started working on Snap Captions 2, the plan was simple:
✔ Add word-by-word animations
✔ Give ourselves one-month to build it
✔ Release it for free
But then…
Early in prototyping, we realized word-by-word animations weren’t just another feature—they required a complete rebuild to meet the speed and control full-time professionals need.
Without getting “super techy-lingo,” word-by-word animations have a lot of moving parts, and full-time professionals need advanced and intuitive controls to handle those moving parts quickly and efficiently.
Which brings me to…
Why I’ve made this decision
My goal is to make Resolve editors profitable and time rich. Not having those nearly ruined my career when I first started. Those are enemy #1.
I don’t just want to build just conveniences—I want to give Resolve editors a serious competitive edge.
So…
What started as a 1-month update became a 6-month rebuild
This small update turned into a six-month full rebuild of Snap Captions from the ground up. I’ve invested more of my personal money into development in the last 6 months than I’ve received from Ko-Fi donations in the last year combined.
Simply put: if we want to make the best captioning tool for professionals, a donation model isn’t enough to sustain it.
With this change, also brings in some concerns, and fairly so… so I figured I’d spend a moment to address some of the biggest concerns.
We’re not leaving anyone behind!
I know there’s a great mix of people in this community, from:
- Beginner editors
- Full Time Editors
- Content Creators
- Production Studios
- And more
My mission is to help beginners & professionals, at any part in their journey. Just because I’m releasing a paid version of this application, doesn’t mean I’m going to stop making great stuff for beginners.
What’s Still Free?
- Every feature we originally planned to make for free (including word-by-word animation) is still free!
- Everything from Snap Captions 1, is still free in Snap Captions 2 (we’re not paywalling anything funded by the community).
- Some new features—only possible because of Paid model — are also free!
There’s more stuff for beginners, and more stuff for professionals, because we’re switching to the paid model.
How much will the paid version cost?
Snap Captions 2 will come with 2 different pricing options:
- $150 for a lifetime license
- $8 a month subscription license
Both licenses give you access to the exact same tool.
The paid version is optional
Even though Snap Captions 2 will have a paid version, it’s completely optional.
✔ Want great-looking word-by-word captions? That’s free.
✔ Need basic captioning tools? That’s free.
✔ Just getting started? There’s still plenty for you.
The paid version is built for full-time professionals who need the best time saving features and controls.
What about those who’ve given donations/bought the creator pack?
If you bought the Creator Pack: Most templates will work in Snap Captions 2. A few won’t at launch, but I’m making sure they get updated.
If you donated: Your early support means a lot, and I want you to know you’re not forgotten.
For both: I’m taking extra steps to honor our early supporters and thank them, and I’ll share more details when we launch.
To those who don’t want (or can’t afford) the paid version
If you’re a beginner, I want to be clear: I’m still here for you. My goal is to help editors at every stage of their journey.
The paid version is built for full-time professionals—it helps them save more time to do whatever they want with it.
If you’re just starting out, I’ll keep releasing content and free tools to help you.
Now… I know there will always be a few people who get upset whenever I release ANYTHING that’s not free. That’s okay—but I’m probably not for you.
We’re here to build powerful tools that help editors work faster and smarter, and that takes real resources.
Looking Ahead
I’m beyond excited for the Beta release of Snap Captions 2—it’s seriously fucking cool. 😎
I can’t wait for you to try it. Whether you use the free version or the paid one, I hope Snap Captions 2 helps you edit faster, work smarter, and create better.
Happy Editing
Orson ✌️