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Video content has become a pivotal tool in engaging audiences and conveying messages effectively in the digital landscape. One crucial element that can significantly amplify the impact of your videos is the strategic use of captions. Captions not only enhance accessibility but also bolster SEO, user experience, and international reach. In this blog, we will delve into the best practices for online subtitling and explore the choice between burning captions into videos or adding them via the platform itself.

Best Practices for Online Subtitling

  • Timing: Subtitles should appear and disappear precisely when the words are spoken, ensuring they are on-screen long enough to be read. Consider a maximum of two lines of text on-screen at most.
  • Meaning: When translating from another language, focus on translating meaning rather than just words to convey the message effectively to the audience.
  • Punctuation: Maintain consistency in punctuation usage within subtitles to ensure clarity and readability.
  • Speaker Identification: Use names of speakers in subtitles when multiple people are talking or when the film cuts between different speakers.
  • Sound Effects: Show sound effect captions in lowercase italics enclosed in brackets to enhance viewer understanding.

Burning In vs. Adding Captions via Platform

When deciding whether to burn captions into your video content or add them via the platform itself, consider the following factors:

  • Platform Functionality: Most major online platforms support captioning through methods like uploading companion SRT files or using auto-generated captions.
  • Accessibility and User Experience: Burning in captions can affect user experience and scalability on different devices, while adding captions via the platform allows for more customisation and control.
  • International Reach: Utilising platform-supported captioning methods ensures your videos are accessible globally without the need for alternate versions.
By following these best practices and making informed decisions about captioning methods, you can enhance the impact of your video content, improve accessibility, and engage a broader audience effectively. Whether you choose to burn captions in or add them via the platform, prioritising clarity, timing, and viewer experience is key to maximising the effectiveness of your video content.

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