Subtitles and captions are both textual representations of the spoken words and sounds in a video, but there is a subtle difference between them. Subtitles include the spoken words, without any additional information about sound effects or background noises. Captions, on the other hand, are designed to provide a more complete textual representation of all the audio content in a video, including speakers, sound effects, and other relevant information.
But, if we really want to be precise, there are actually three terms here that need clearing up: open captions, closed captions, and subtitles. Let's start with standard subtitles and go from there.
Don't worry, it's not that hard and it will all make sense in a second! Let's start with the subtitles.
What Are Subtitles?
Obviously, subtitles are usually at the bottom of the screen, representing the text version of the spoken words of the video content. Unlike closed captions, subtitles are aimed at those viewers who are able to hear the original audio but have trouble understanding it.
Subtitles are usually created to help viewers who watch video content in a foreign language. That is why subtitles are used to bring foreign films closer to the viewers. Or...
But, it's not just about foreign movies. We are all aware that English has become a global language and many people from all over the world can understand video content in English to some degree. For the rest - there are subtitles.
In most cases, subtitles don't contain annotation of nonverbal language or background sounds.
What Are Closed Captions (CC)?
Closed captioning includes text within the video that may specifically be helpful for persons who are hard of hearing. For a better experience, hard of hearing viewers appreciate when closed captioning includes a description of background noises that are relevant to the story.
That is why you will sometimes see on screen text such as [doors creek] or similar. It can also include speaker identification to make the dialogue clearer.
Imagine watching the entire Star Wars saga without knowing that R2-D2 is actually expressing itself (himself? nevermind) They are usually in the same language as the audio content.
Closed captioning is a transcript of the spoken audio - both words and other background sounds relevant to the story, as well as the speaker differentiation.
Differences Between Subtitles and Closed Captions
Right. Subtitles and closed captions aren't the same. To sum up - While they may be very similar, there is a significant difference.
- Subtitles are used mainly for internationally produced content aimed to reach a global audience.
- Closed captions (CC) are there to improve the experience with viewers with hearing impairment or those that aren't able to enjoy the audio while they watch videos.
The key differences between subtitles vs closed captioning are mainly in their purpose, while there are some technicalities that differ, as well.
Captions and subtitles are a powerful user experience booster for your videos, but that’s not all. They are a necessity. According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, among others, many entities are legally required to add captions to their videos. In that way, even the deaf and those with hearing impairments can watch videos without audio on and still enjoy them.
However, adding subtitles is not just a necessity, it can also make all the difference for your video marketing. So, let's explain some of the legal requirements, as well as some marketing advantages.
Closed Captions (CC) vs Open Captions (OC)
So, we're clear on the closed captions vs subtitles, but what about open captions? What's that all about? In short, closed captioning is technically a separate file. Usually, an SRT file that you upload together with your video files. In short, this allows you to turn captions on or off. Like when you are watching YouTube or Netflix films and you, the viewer can turn them off.
Open captions are the same as closed ones, but they are not removable. More precisely, they are hard coded into the video file. For example, if you are uploading or downloading a video with open captions, you will only need one file and not two.
So, closed captioning vs subtitles - subtitles are usually for global video platforms and are used for foreign language speakers (not necessarily).
Closed captions usually include a text version of the content in the same language, and they can be turned on or not.
Open captions vs closed caption - open captions include the cues for background sounds, but they can't be turned off as they are burned into the video file and are always on the video screen.
Who Needs to Use Captions and Subtitles?
This is what the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) says about captions and subtitles.
Many entities have obligations under civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination and require the provision of accommodations, such as captioning, to ensure equal access, an equal opportunity to participate, and effective communication with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
These entities have obligations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other laws. Captioning may be required to provide access to any services that are open to the public, from concert venues and university lectures to employment, healthcare, and legal services
OK, but which entities? Here are some more detailed explanations for different industries:
- Education
- Employment and Vocational Rehabilitation
- Health Care and Mental Health Services
- Justice
- Television and Closed Captioning
- Telephone and Relay Services
- Internet Access and Broadband
That covers legal requirements, but let's talk more about all those other entities that want to use global video platforms to distribute their content and simply - get people to watch videos!
YouTubers
This is the place where online videos live. YouTube almost became synonymous for watching videos. Google is the owner of YouTube, so no wonder search engines use closed captioning and metadata to rank videos.
YouTubers need as many eyeballs on their videos, as possible, even the ones that don't hear their videos, or simply prefer to watch the videos with no audio. Captions allow you to reach that audience. But, are you brave enough to allow YouTube to make those captions for you?
Podcasters
YES! Even podcasters. Moreover, there is currently legal action taken against major podcasting platforms because they are not providing captions for their podcasts. There are some interesting pleads from the plaintiffs in this case.
Social Media Video Creators
You can always pre-recorded videos for your social media and add subtitles or captions. But, from time to time, you'll need live captions. This is also necessary for streaming services. Make sure to always test these before actually going live with them, as they can sometimes do more harm than good.
OK, but Why Do B2B Videos Need Captions?
An increasing number of companies are using videos in their branding and marketing, but also for their internal communication and training. Captions are necessary to make those types of videos for the following reasons:
Inclusion and Disabilities Act
You need to do everything in your power to be sure you are not discriminating against people based on their ability to hear. You need to create content that is accessible and inclusive.
Branding Purposes
Your brand uses specific colours, typography, and has a visual identity. It's essential that this is used across your channels so you can be recognisable. If you use a tool like Subly that allows you to brand your subtitles, you will make your videos recognisable instantly. Also, if you keep producing high-quality content, making it more on-brand will help your viewers associate your brand colours and typography with quality information.
Better In-House Communication
Remote teams and global workplaces are the reality we live and work in today. This means that teams are more diverse than ever before. Also, this means that your internal communication and training can be much more successful if you use video.
Actually, it CAN be if you add subtitles to those videos. So, closed captioning vs subtitles is the real question here. Honestly, you can do both. You can create several subtitle files in different languages to cater to all of your employees.
How Closed Captioning and Subtitling Services Work?
The best of them allow you to upload your video and they transcribe it automatically. Once you have the transcription, you have several options for what to do with it.
You can burn it into your video. Edit it and brand it. You can download it as a text file and use it as a blog post. You can translate it and turn your captions into subtitles.
Not all captioning services have all the functionalities you may need. Since captioning and subtitling requires some attention, it's always best to pick resources that are easy to work with, so you can save time and boost your productivity.
Best Captioning Resources and How to Use Them
Yes - video editing and captioning can be pretty time-consuming. It can also be quite challenging if you're not that tech-savvy. That's why you should make your life easier and pick a captioning service that does most of the work on its own. Like Subly. Here's how it works:
Upload Your Video
You can upload it from your computer, drive, or even provide the URL. Choose the video language for better results.
Instant Automatic Transcription
Once you upload the video, the transcription will happen automatically. You can format your subtitles in one, two or three lines. Apply different styles or speakers. Include closed or open captions, for example, [door bell] as a separate or inside the existing cues. Follow this guide on key captioning rules and how to caption sound effects and music.
Customize your video (Optional)
Explore the video player and all the editing options you have on your Dashboard. All of them easy to use.
Export and download your video
Download your video and your subtitles when you're ready. You can optimize it for social media networks. Check the options for downloads.
Now that you understand the difference between subtitles, open and closed captions, you also have a better grasp how you can make them work for you in more ways than one. With Subly, these things aren't just useful to you, but also very easy to make. So, stop missing out and try it now.
