As a video production company, WeDoVids understands the importance of delivering high-quality video content to our clients. One often-overlooked aspect of video delivery is closed captioning or subtitles. Not only do they enhance the overall viewing experience, but they also play a crucial role in accessibility and search engine optimization (SEO).

Whats the Difference Between Subtitles and Closed Captioning?

Subtitles and closed captions both provide a text version of the audio in a video, but they serve different purposes and include different information. Subtitles are primarily for translating the dialogue of a video into another language. They focus solely on the spoken words, assuming the viewer can hear the audio but needs help understanding the language. Think of them as a tool to make foreign films accessible to a wider audience.

Closed captions, on the other hand, are designed with accessibility in mind, specifically for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. They not only include the spoken words but also other crucial audio elements like sound effects, background noises, and speaker identification. This provides a more complete experience for those who can’t fully hear the audio, ensuring they don’t miss any important details or nuances. In essence, closed captions aim to make the video understandable and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their hearing ability.

Accessibility for All

Closed captioning or subtitles provide a vital service for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. These captions can be especially useful in situations where the audio is turned down or not available, such as in noisy environments, meetings, or when watching videos on devices with low volume settings. Many people, however, do not identify as deaf or hard of hearing, but still find the captions helpful. For instance, a person may be in a situation where they need to focus on the conversation, but the audio is not loud enough. In such cases, reading the captions can be a more convenient option. This is especially true for individuals with a disability, who may face barriers in accessing information due to auditory or visual limitations.

SEO Benefits: A Double-Edged Sword

While closed captioning or subtitles provide numerous benefits for accessibility, they also have a significant impact on search engine optimization (SEO). Many platforms, including YouTube, automatically generate subtitles for videos. However, these auto-generated captions often contain errors, such as misspelled names, incorrect phrases, or inconsistent formatting. This can negatively affect the video’s SEO, as search engines like Google may struggle to understand the content and provide accurate search results. On the other hand, providing high-quality, accurate captions can significantly improve the video’s SEO, as search engines can better understand the context and content of the video.

The Human Factor: Why People Read Captions Over Audio

In today’s world, where multitasking is common, people often find themselves in situations where they need to focus on multiple things simultaneously. For instance, a person may be watching a video on their phone while walking, cooking, or engaging in another activity. In such cases, they may silence their device and read the captions instead of listening to the audio. This behavior highlights the importance of providing accurate and clear captions, as people are more likely to engage with the content if the captions are readable and understandable.

Best Practices for Closed Captioning/Subtitles

To ensure that your video delivery meets the needs of your clients and their audiences, it’s essential to follow best practices for closed captioning or subtitles. Here are a few key takeaways:

When providing closed captions or subtitles, ensure that they are accurate, clear, and consistent. This includes correcting common mistakes, such as misspelled names or incorrect phrases. Additionally, consider using a standard format, such as the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) or the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) guidelines, to ensure compatibility across different devices and platforms.

When generating captions, it’s also essential to consider the context of the video. For instance, if the video features a lot of technical jargon or specialized terminology, the captions should be formatted accordingly to ensure that the content is readable and accessible.

Closed captioning or subtitles are an often-overlooked aspect of video delivery, but they play a vital role in enhancing accessibility, SEO, and overall viewer experience. By providing accurate and clear captions, WeDoVids can ensure that our clients’ videos are more engaging, accessible, and effective. As we continue to produce high-quality video content, it’s essential that we prioritize these often-overlooked aspects, so that our clients’ messages can reach a wider audience and achieve their goals.