Subtitles and closed captions meet different sets of needs. The difference between closed captioning and subtitlesĪs mentioned, subtitles are technically a form of captioning. With subtitles, content creators, media and businesses can reach greater international audiences. Without them, many wouldn’t be able to understand the content. For example, foreign-language films will almost always be screened with subtitles. Offering content with subtitles allows greater audiences viewing video content which was created in a different language to understand what’s being said in the original audio. Typically, subtitles serve the purpose of translating or transcribing dialogue in real-time. Subtitles are almost always displayed at the bottom of the viewing window. Subtitles are created via text which is pulled from a translation or a transcript of a script. They can greatly help international audiences to understand content created in a different language. It’s likely that audiences around the world tuned in to watch Game of Thrones with subtitles. Subtitling is a style of captioning, but is most generally used when different languages come into play. They generally appear on the top or the bottom of the video as white text in a black box. Closed captions can be selected or deselected via remote control. Closed captions are real-time captions that viewers can enable or disable at will. There is also a difference between captions and closed captions. Viewers who use captions can, therefore, follow along with a video’s plot and messaging in real-time. Captions are programmed to display on-screen in sync with the spoken text or other audio elements of a video. With captions, individuals with hearing loss can engage effectively with audio and video content. Captions can appear on the same screen as the video content, or they can be displayed on a separate, nearby monitor. They can also be used for audio-only content, such as podcasts. Captions support both pre-recorded and live video content. Captioning refers to the process of converting audio content into on-screen text. What is the role of closed captioning?Ĭaptions were originally developed as an accessibility tool for individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Here’s some helpful intel to make sure you’re using the right terminology and understand the purpose of each. We often hear people using the terms “closed captioning” and “subtitles” interchangeably and incorrectly. However, the general public now often relies on or prefers watching with captions and subtitles. Subtitles and captions have supported audience members watching in non-native languages and with hearing loss, respectively, for some time. How often do you watch video content on your TV or phone with the captions? A recent study determined that 80% of Netflix subscribers use subtitles or closed captions on the platform at least once a month.

Sdh subtitles vs cc