In the ever-evolving world of multimedia, Captions, and Subtitles emerge as vital textual aids, ensuring video content reaches a wide-ranging audience. Nevertheless, in recent times, a fog of uncertainty has descended over these two, giving rise to a pivotal query: “What sets Captions apart from Subtitles?”
The distinction between captions and subtitles has become an increasingly pertinent topic of discussion in the multimedia landscape. Both serve as indispensable tools in enhancing content accessibility, but comprehending their differences is essential for content creators and viewers alike.
Many experts have weighed in, attempting to provide distinct but often partially correct definitions for “Captions” and “Subtitles.” Why is this so? Captions and Subtitles are more intricate than most people realize, which is well disclosed in the article, which discusses differences closed Captions vs Subtitles in Multilingual Content. While they may seem interchangeable, understanding the distinctions between Captions and Subtitles is an essential step in determining the most suitable option for your video content.
What are Captions?
Subtitles were introduced in the early 1970s for the convenience of deaf and hard-of-hearing television viewers. Over time, they became a mandatory requirement for broadcast television in the United States.
Captions represent a textual transcription of video dialogue, sound effects, and music. They are intended primarily for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers but have gained popularity with all audiences.
By default, Captions are displayed as white text over a black background, but viewers can often adjust their appearance depending on where media files are being viewed. The placement may vary, but for readability, Captions are typically centered at the bottom of the screen. When graphics or text appear in the lower third of the video, Captions are usually positioned at the top of the screen.
What are Subtitles?
Subtitles were introduced in the 1930s when silent films transitioned to “talkies” or films with spoken dialogue, aiming to engage foreign audiences who did not understand the film’s language.
Subtitles provide a textual translation of video dialogue. Traditionally, Subtitles assume that the viewer can hear but may not understand the language. An exception is Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing, which assume that the viewer cannot hear the sound or understand the language.
Subtitles can have various styles, but they often feature white or yellow text outlined in black or with a black shadow. Subtitles also frequently mimic the appearance of Captions. Their placement varies but is commonly centered at the bottom of the screen for ease of reading and translation. When graphics or text appear in the lower third of the video, Subtitles are usually positioned just above the content.
Why are Captions Sometimes Called Subtitles and Vice Versa?
Captions and Subtitles have gained notoriety for being confused with each other, and there are several reasons for this confusion. Let’s briefly explore how global terminology differences and the broader use of SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) contribute to the CC and Subs discourse.
Global Terminology Differences
Outside the United States and Canada (e.g., in the UK, Ireland, and most other countries), subtitles for video are typically considered one and the same. In other words, using the term “video subtitles” doesn’t differentiate between subtitles used for language translation and subtitles used to assist deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers.
The globalization of video content in corporate, educational, and entertainment sectors has significantly impacted how viewers use the terms “captions” and “subtitles.” Viewers may find it challenging to discern the difference between them, especially when various entities label their available text files with regional preferences for synchronization.
Because of the aforementioned globalization of video content, Captions and Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing are now often confused. It’s easy to understand why—they both serve the deaf and hard-of-hearing audience and often appear identical.
However, SDH and Subtitles are different. Initially, SDH was developed for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences who didn’t understand the language. But in recent years, SDH has been used in place of traditional Subtitles on platforms that don’t support regular Subtitles. Sometimes, platforms may call them “SDH,” while in other cases, they may be labeled as “CC.” There are even instances where they can be called both, such as “CC/SDH.”
Closed Captions vs. Subtitles: Which is Better?
When it comes to choosing between Captions and Subtitles, it all depends on your preferences. While both have specific advantages and use cases, your choice should align with the reason for adding them to your content. If you want to enhance the accessibility of your videos, Captions are a suitable option. Alternatively, when it comes to sharing content across different domains and markets, Subtitles help language speakers understand your videos.
In any case, adding Subtitles to your videos is a straightforward process that offers numerous benefits to all viewers, not just those who speak a different language or have hearing impairments. In fact, over 80 percent of people who watch videos with Subtitles do not require them.
