In today’s world, subtitles are increasingly crucial as more and more video content is being consumed online and on mobile devices, where sound may not be available or may be difficult to hear. Additionally, subtitles allow a more comprehensive range of people to access and enjoy video content, regardless of their language or hearing abilities. Subtitles are text versions of the spoken dialogue in a video or film, often displayed at the bottom of the screen.
They are essential because they allow viewers to understand the spoken dialogue in a video or movie, even if they are deaf or hard of hearing or if the audio is in a language they do not understand. Subtitles also allow viewers to watch videos and films in noisy environments or with the sound turned off.
According to a survey conducted by the streaming service Netflix in 2018, 80% of its users worldwide use subtitles or closed captions on at least some of the shows they watch. Another survey by the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) found that 80% of viewers who use closed captions or subtitles say that it improves their overall viewing experience.
In addition, a study by the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) at Rochester Institute of Technology found that 85% of deaf and hard-of-hearing people watch videos with captions and subtitles.
Importance of subtitles in a video
Subtitles are essential to us as they provide accessibility to people who are deaf or hard of hearing, breaking language barriers, allowing us to watch videos in noisy environments or with the sound turned off, making it possible to find specific information in a video, and increasing engagement by making it easier to follow the dialogue, plot and story of a video.
Subtitles also help people to learn new languages by watching videos in that language with subtitles. Overall, subtitles play a crucial role in making video content accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of audiences.
Subtitles are essential in a video for several reasons:
1. Accessibility:
Subtitles provide accessibility to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, allowing them to understand the spoken dialogue in a video.
2. Language barriers:
Subtitles allow viewers to understand a video in a different language, making it possible for a broader range of people to access and enjoy the content.
3. Searchability:
Subtitles make it possible for the video to be searched for a specific phrase or keyword, making it easier for viewers to find the detailed information they are looking for.
4. Increased engagement:
Subtitles can improve the overall engagement of the viewer and increase the watch time, as they can follow the dialogue, the plot and the story of the video.
5. Improved SEO:
Subtitles can also improve the video’s visibility on the internet, as search engines may use the text in subtitles to understand the content and context of the video, making it easier to find.
6. Enhanced viewing experience:
Subtitles allow viewers to watch videos in noisy environments or with the sound turned off, improving the viewing experience.
Overall, subtitles provide a valuable service to viewers and can significantly enhance the viewing experience for many audiences.
How to add subtitles to a video?
Adding subtitles to video includes creating subtitles it can be done in 3-5 ways:
1. Creating subtitles as srt:
First need to create timecodes using available srt tools like subtitle edit or other relevant platform while creating timestamps we need to take care of character per second, frame rate and these has to to be as platform requirement. In general netflix ttsg has to be followed for best viewer experience. We at Naarg got an amazing opportunity to create TTSG (Timetext style guide) for Indian languages for netflix.
Then creating subtitles following character limit based on language and one need to ensure the text is appearing on screen apt with dialogue timing.
Types of softwares and their compatibility to OS:
Subtitle edit is freeware most subtitlers prefer when work needs to be done offline. It is compatible with Microsoft OS.
Aegis is a subtitle and caption creation software that allows users to create and edit subtitles and captions for videos. It is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. You can download the software from given link – https://aegisub.en.uptodown.com/windows
OOOna is a cloud-based platform that allows users to create, edit, and manage subtitles and captions for videos. It supports multiple languages and allows for collaboration between team members. You can know more about it here – https://ooona.ooonatools.tv/
Limecraft is a cloud-based video production platform that offers a range of tools for creating and editing subtitles and captions. It also allows for collaboration and version control, making it useful for teams working on video projects. You can access tool from given link – https://www.limecraft.com/workflows/automated-subtitling/
Other cloud-based platforms for creating and editing subtitles and captions include Happy Scribe, Subtitle Horse, and Kapwing. Some of these platforms offer transcription services, while others focus on subtitle and caption editing.
2. Embedding subtitles to video(Hard coded):
Hard-coding subtitles into a video involves adding the subtitles directly onto the video file using a video editing software. It takes twice the time than as srt.
The steps for hard-coding subtitles include: choosing a video editing software, importing the video and subtitle files, and selecting the option to add subtitles or captions, then specifying the location and appearance of the subtitles on the screen. This method results in a video file with the subtitles permanently burned-in, which cannot be turned off or edited later.
3. Interlingual subtitling:
This is the process of creating subtitles in a different language from the original audio of a video. It involves the following steps:
- Translating the dialogue or audio into the target language.
- Adapting the translation to fit within the time constraints of the video.
- Creating subtitle files in a format compatible with the video player.
- Synchronising the subtitle timing with the audio and video.
- Reviewing and proofreading the subtitles for accuracy and clarity.
- It requires proficiency in both the source and target languages, as well as an understanding of subtitling conventions and software.
Naarg Media provides the highest quality interlingual subtitling service for videos. Having multilingual subtitlers create accurate subtitles in different languages is something we take pride in.
4. Intralingual subtitling:
This is the process of creating subtitles in the same language as the original audio of a video. It involves the following steps:
- Transcribing the audio into written text.
- Adapting the transcript to fit within the time constraints of the video.
- Creating subtitle files in a format compatible with the video player.
- Synchronising the subtitle timing with the audio and video.
- Reviewing and proofreading the subtitles for accuracy and clarity.
We at Naarg Media offer services such as Intralingual subtitles when transcribing a video’s soundtrack according to the original audio track through a complete transcription. A team of subtitle experts creates intralingual subtitles that are precise and accurate.
Contact us today to know more about our services.
Guidelines in general followed across different platforms
Guidelines for creating subtitles vary across platforms, but they generally aim to ensure that the subtitles are easily readable and accurately reflect the audio.
1. Transcribing script:
In this process we have to convert spoken words into written text. Basically it involves listening to a recording and accurately writing down every word and phrase that is spoken.
2. Creating time coded template cps (character per second) and frame rate:
In this step a time-coded template tool is used to precisely measure and time audio or visual content. Character per second (cps) measures the speed at which text is displayed in a script or subtitle. Frame rate refers to the number of individual frames displayed per second in a video. Both cps and frame rate are critical components in determining the overall quality and flow of a video production. With the right combination of cps and frame rate, content creators can achieve a smooth and seamless viewing experience for their audience.
3. Embedding text following cpl and censor, hyphen before dialogue when two speakers in the same frame.
Subtitles are always created following TTSG guidelines. Netflix guidelines are mostly one. We at Naarg got a fantastic opportunity to create TTSG (Timetext style guide) for Indian languages for Netflix. TTSG guidelines were not available till last year. Until 2021 Hindi TTSG will be implemented for all languages, which is highly impossible for all Indian languages.
Government norms regarding subtitle
In terms of governmental norms, many countries have laws and regulations for accessibility and closed captioning, especially for television and online video content. For example, the United States has the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules that require closed captions for certain video programming. These regulations aim to ensure that people with hearing disabilities have equal access to video content. It is important to check and follow the specific regulations in your country to ensure compliance.
In India, the government has set guidelines for the use of subtitles in films and television shows. According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, all films and television shows must have subtitles in Hindi or the regional language of the state where it is being broadcasted.
This is to ensure that the content is accessible to a wider audience, including those who may not be fluent in English. Additionally, subtitling is also mandatory for all foreign language films and television shows that are dubbed or telecasted in India. This helps to promote linguistic and cultural diversity in the country.
How Naarg media is helping in providing the best Subtitle translation service?
Naarg media have maintained an outstanding track record in translation services, producing the most significant outcomes for all their clients in various domains.
It has worked on over 150+ native languages for video translation and subtitling in more than 200 languages, with more than 3000 linguists, including researchers and business professionals, and has satisfied the needs of many clients. Its ability to deliver content to clients quickly without sacrificing quality makes it the top provider of multilingual translation services.
Naarg Media became the most dependable provider of international language services for multinational corporations in India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Some are Netflix, Amazon, Airtel, Tiss, Zapr, and Ebix.
There are endless benefits of working with Naarg Media Accurate contextual translation, Swift turnaround times, Better return on investment, Satisfied customers, content easy to update, Quick delivery, and affordable translation services that smooth translation services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, subtitles have significantly improved our lives by making content accessible to a broader audience. Subtitles provide a way for people who are deaf or hard of hearing to enjoy audio-visual content. They also make it possible for non-native speakers to understand spoken dialogue in a foreign language.
Additionally, subtitles are also helpful for people in noisy environments or who prefer to watch videos with the sound off. With the increasing use of video content in today’s digital age, subtitles have become essential for improving accessibility and enhancing the overall viewing experience for many people.
Reach us at info@naargmedia.com to know more about our services.