Real estate video music and subtitles: a clear brief
Brief captions, branding and licensed music, then check the final property video on a phone.
Property Photo Match editorial team · Updated 7 November 2026
Plan real estate video subtitles, music and branding before the first edit. That makes it easier to produce a video that works in its intended channels and accurately carries the agent’s message.
Define what the text needs to do
Distinguish subtitles for spoken words from feature captions, room labels and closing contact details. A spoken introduction may need accurate subtitles. A silent property montage may instead use a small number of factual captions. Adding every available detail can make either version difficult to read.
Give the editor approved spelling for the agent, agency, street and suburb. Include a current logo file if branding is part of the scope. Ask whether a clean version without text is included for later campaign use, rather than assuming it will be supplied automatically.
Review speech and captions together
Read the subtitles while listening to the final audio. Check that the words match, timing is comfortable and important names are correct. Automatic transcription can be a starting point, but the campaign still needs a person to check the result.
Watch a phone-sized version with sound off as well. Can a viewer understand the main message? Does text remain visible against both bright windows and dark rooms? If the platform adds controls or its own captions, check that they do not obscure the important parts of the image.
Ask about music use
Tell the studio where the video will be published and whether it may be used in paid advertising. Ask which music licence covers those uses. The Attorney-General’s copyright guidance recommends checking the applicable permission or licence; a track being easy to find does not establish that it is available for every campaign.
Keep any supplied music-licence information with the final files. If the agency later wants a different platform or an extended advertisement, check the scope before reusing the soundtrack. Do not send the editor a commercial song with an assumption that it can be cleared within the original booking.
Consolidate the final review
Choose one approver and return a single list of changes, ideally with timecodes. Separate corrected spellings and facts from new creative directions. That helps the editor work from a clear brief rather than conflicting messages from several people.
Tell our team whether you need subtitles, feature captions, an agent recording and branded versions when you enquire. We can then confirm the actual deliverables and review process before filming.
Planning a property campaign?
Tell our team the property location, media required and file deadline. JR Photo & Video fulfilment, with scope and availability confirmed before booking.