Have you ever thought about how it becomes possible for anyone to access your content, understand it and gain value from it? Subtitling is one of the many provisions made for this to happen. As long as you’re a content creator, you should learn more about subtitling and its benefits.
Today our Day Translations blog takes you through this essential guide for subtitling. We’ll take a look at what it is, the different types, and how it’s done.
Keep reading to find out more.
What is Subtitling?
Subtitling is the action of adding written text to audio-visual content. It is the written representation of what is being said in the video word for word. Subtitling applies to any form of video content, whether it be Hollywood movies or DIY videos on YouTube.
Subtitles first appeared in the early 1900s when most films were silent. In order for the person watching to follow along and remain engaged, they used text on-screen to relay what was taking place. Today, subtitling has transformed the way we produce content. It is regarded as a requirement in most countries to provide accessibility for everyone who wants to enjoy video content.
Almost 80% of subtitle users are part of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This means that by including subtitles as part of your content, you can engage with people who wouldn’t have usually been able to enjoy it.
What are the Different Types of Subtitling Options?
Essentially, there are three main types of video subtitles. They are:
Open Caption:
Open caption subtitles are permanently embedded into your video content. Another name for this type of subtitle is ‘hard subs’ or hard subtitles’. A great example of open caption subtitles is the display used for karaoke.
An open caption subtitle format cannot be turned on or off. It is created as part of the video and cannot be changed or altered.
Closed Caption:
You might have heard the phrase ‘Closed captions provided by …’ on some tv shows or movies. Closed caption, or CC as it is represented, is probably the most popular type of subtitle. Closed captioning can be turned on and off as the content user chooses.
The text is positioned to appear at the bottom of the screen and usually takes up 1 to 2 lines for the reader to follow along.
Subtitling for the Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing (SDH):
SDH Subtitles are similar to closed caption subtitles. They can be turned on and off and appear at the bottom of the screen. The key difference is that these subtitles are specially created for people of the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.
SDH subtitles have both the audio details being described to the viewer and what is being said. This way, the viewer has a full understanding of what’s taking place and leaves no room for guessing.
An example of SDH captioning looks like ‘soft music is playing in the background’ or ‘ loud indistinct chatter in the background’.
How Do You Add Subtitling to Video Content?
#1 – Transcribe the Content
The very first step in adding subtitles to your video content is transcribing the audio in the footage. Transcribing or transcription is writing/typing out word-for-word what is being said. There’s also the option of using transcription software.
#2 – Use Timestamps
Timestamps are markers or indicators that help the creators know when to add captions or subtitles to the video content. This helps in the process of making sure that the content being shown, matches what is being displayed on the screen.
#3 – Focus on Translation
Of course, if the text needs to be in another language, the third step of translating the text into the target language is required.
#4 – Create Subtitle Files
This is the process stage where the files are coded into files that work on video displays. At this stage, you also get the opportunity to add any new voice recordings that are required before the final output.
#5 – Video Editing
This is the final stage of the subtitling process. At this stage, the video is edited to include all captions and subtitles and any additional audio that wasn’t part of the original video file. An AI automatic video editor can simplify this process by quickly generating accurate subtitles and seamlessly integrating them into the final video.
Final Thoughts on Subtitling
We hope you learned something new about subtitles, their differences, and how important it is for accessibility.
Don’t forget that at Day Translations, we love languages. We provide professional AVT services right at your fingertips. Our team of professionals is available to assist 24/7, 365 days year. Contact us today to get started!