With more media consumption, the need for accessible video content has never been more apparent.
According to our recent video marketing report, 79% of consumers said that video keeps brands top of mind.
As video platforms and streaming services continue to gain popularity, it becomes increasingly important to cater to diverse audiences, including those with hearing impairments and language barriers.
Closed captioning and subtitles emerge as two powerful tools that address these accessibility challenges, each serving a unique purpose and audience.
Let’s explore the world of closed captions vs subtitles.
1. Closed captioning
What are closed captions
Closed captioning, often abbreviated as CC, refers to text-based descriptions of the audio elements within a video.
Unlike subtitles, closed captions are more comprehensive, encompassing not only spoken dialogues but also essential non-verbal sounds, background noises, and even musical cues.
This all-encompassing approach aims to provide viewers with hearing impairments with a fully immersive experience, ensuring that no detail is left behind.
Let’s take an example from YouTube. The closed captions can be turned on and off.
without closed captions
with closed captions
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How closed captions work
Closed captions are “closed” by default, meaning they can be enabled or disabled at the viewer’s discretion.
Viewers have the freedom to choose whether they want to read the captions, thus avoiding any obtrusiveness for those who do not need them.
This flexibility promotes an inclusive environment where individuals with and without hearing impairments can enjoy the content together without any barriers.
Types of closed captions
608 captions
608 captions, also known as Line 21 captions, were the original closed captioning standard for analog TV.
They use a binary data format and have a character limit of 32 characters per line. 608 captions offer limited styling options and do not support multiple languages within the same caption file.
They were initially used in the United States for providing accessibility to viewers with hearing impairments.
The 608 captions usually have a classic or default appearance like in this picture.
708 captions
708 captions were introduced as an improvement over 608 captions. They use Unicode encoding for better character support and have a higher character limit of around 42 characters per line.
Unlike 608 captions, 708 captions can accommodate multiple languages within a single caption file, making them more versatile and inclusive for diverse audiences.
As digital broadcasting became prevalent, 708 captions became a part of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) standards, offering advanced features for an enhanced viewing experience.
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2. Subtitles
What are subtitles
Subtitles, on the other hand, primarily serve as a language aid for viewers who do not understand the language spoken in the video.
Subtitles provide translated text of the original dialogue, allowing individuals with language barriers to follow the storyline or information presented in the video.
How subtitles work
Unlike closed captions, subtitles are “open” and are typically displayed on the screen at all times.
This characteristic makes them accessible to language learners, international audiences, and individuals who wish to watch content in languages they are not proficient in.
Subtitles effectively transcend linguistic barriers, making video content truly global and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
To understand better, here’s a video with subtitles.
Types of subtitles
SDH (Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing)
SDH subtitles provide additional information beyond transcribing dialogue.
They include sound descriptions and speaker identification to enhance the viewing experience for individuals with hearing impairments.
Non-SDH (standard subtitles)
Non-SDH subtitles solely transcribe the dialogue without additional audio descriptions or speaker identification.
They are intended for viewers who do not understand the spoken language in the video, irrespective of hearing abilities.
3. Catering to different audiences
Closed captioning
Closed captioning’s primary goal is to cater to viewers with hearing impairments.
By including textual descriptions of all audio elements, closed captions ensure that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can fully engage with the video content, enhancing their overall viewing experience.
Subtitles
Subtitles, on the other hand, target a different audience: individuals who have no difficulty hearing but may not understand the language spoken in the video.
Subtitles offer a way to overcome language barriers and enable access to content that may otherwise remain inaccessible due to linguistic differences.
4. Legal and ethical considerations
Legal mandates
In many countries, there are legal requirements and accessibility standards that mandate closed captioning for certain types of video content, especially in broadcasting and online platforms.
These regulations emphasize the importance of making content accessible to everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities.
Embracing inclusivity
Beyond legal requirements, providing closed captioning and subtitles is an ethical choice for content creators and distributors.
It reflects a commitment to inclusivity, social responsibility, and respecting the diverse needs of viewers.
Embracing these accessibility features shows a genuine desire to foster a more inclusive digital space for all.
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That’s a wrap
In conclusion, closed captioning and subtitles represent two powerful tools to enhance the accessibility of video content.
By incorporating both closed captioning and subtitles, content creators and platforms can significantly enrich the viewing experience for a wider audience, making videos accessible, inclusive, and globally relevant.
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