Video is, bar none, the best kind of content, combining the power of audio and visual elements to bring viewers a complete experience. But in the rare event that something goes wrong with the audio component of a video, subtitles can still save the day and avoid viewers bouncing because they can’t watch the video.
In fact, for many viewers, subtitles are absolutely essential in videos since they complete the experience. Subtitles are so much more than just words on a screen. These ‘words’ add to the audience’s comprehension of the visuals, which is why it’s essential to add subtitles to any kind of video content, regardless of whether you’re producing a full-length film or a quick-hit educational video.
Still not convinced? Here’s a look at the benefits of subtitling and also the reasons why more and more video music producers consider subtitling a key aspect in the production process!
Subtitles Complete the Video Experience
Video might be the most potent form of content, but without subtitles, its power could easily be wasted. You also have the option to choose between subtitling and captioning, which are not the same thing. Subtitling is a translation of what is being said on screen. Captioning, on the other hand, is a timed transcript of the video’s audio.
They Create Learning Opportunities
Video is often used in educational settings to aid in lesson plans and training programs. By adding subtitles to your videos, you’re creating a more rewarding learning environment. Many users find it easier to understand educational and informational videos when they have subtitles. It also makes the viewer more likely to share and use the video, which expands your reach!
It Opens Up Doors to the Global Stage
Once you upload your video online, anyone with an internet connection can view and share it. But if the video is produced in a language they don’t understand, they’ll bounce right off it unless, of course, you add subtitles. One of the most significant benefits of subtitles is that they allow non-native speakers to understand what’s going on and won’t feel left out.
Subtitles Create More Viewing Opportunities
Did you know that roughly 85% of all videos on Facebook are watched without sound? That’s an impressive number, and an audience segment you’ll miss out on if you don’t use subtitling. Many viewers have their phones set to mute by default and can’t always turn the volume up because they’re in crowded spaces. With subtitling, they can still watch the video without the need to turn up their sound.
It Improves Engagement
Among its many other benefits, subtitling can help drive engagement. When your viewers can follow along with your video, they’re much more likely to stay focused on its content. And since the brain needs to deploy a bunch of extra resources to process information while listening to audio, your viewers are also much more likely to retain the information you provide them with if they can read it on the screen.
Subtitling Creates Sharing Opportunities
We all love sharing videos with our friends and families if we find them funny or useful because we want to share the value with our communities. That’s why the best way of getting your video in front of the most people is to make it easy and valuable to share. But without the use of subtitles, you might find that comprehension levels among viewers decline, and they could quickly become discouraged to watch the video.
Ready to Add Subtitles to Your Videos?
There’s no need to understand fancy algorithms to know that a better viewer experience equals a better-performing video. Whenever you’re producing video content, using subtitles isn’t only optional but should rather be seen as essential.
If you’re ready to start increasing learning opportunities, drive engagement, provide flexible viewing options, and the best shot at having your video shared with other audiences, get in touch with Day Translations!