When watching a video on an online streaming platform like Netflix, HBO Max, YouTube, or even social media like Tik Tok and Twitter, you probably have seen a text appearing on the screen describing what the people in the video are saying. Most people would consider this text a subtitle. However, it could be a closed caption. But how can one know how to spot if it is a subtitle or closed caption? What are the differences between them? To understand it, it is vital to know what they are.
What is a subtitle?
Subtitles are lines of dialogue usually displayed at the bottom of the screen in movies, television programs, video games, or other visual media. They can be transcriptions of the screenplay, translations, or information to help viewers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing understand what is shown.
It is necessary to notice that it is a form of textual translation that differs from dubs, which have new audio recordings added, and burned-in subtitles, which are displayed on the screen at all times. Subtitles may be either open or closed; open subtitles refer to any text that appears as part of an image (like in the corner of an image), whereas closed subtitles use standard title-safe areas at the top and bottom of the image to display their text. However, some fonts and programs don’t allow much typographic flexibility in how subtitles are presented onscreen, so they’re often limited regarding position and formatting options.
An easy way to think of subtitling is as an extension of your video production. In other words, it’s like adding a new layer of information to your images and sound. Subtitles can help people understand what’s happening visually in situations where hearing isn’t possible.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in 1990, helped make physical structures accessible to all. It mandated captioning for public television, and a new standard was born, so it helped to make films, TV shows, and other videos more accessible and inclusive.
What is a closed caption?
Closed captions (CC) are text that appears on the screen showing what the characters are saying, just like the subtitles. However, it doesn’t include speech elements exclusively. Legally, it is required in the U.S for most video content, and its position on the screen can change, so it doesn’t obscure any visual element.
So, what’s the difference between closed captions and subtitles?
Subtitles only include speech elements, like dialogues, which can be the speech’s transcription or translation. Yet, CC is a bit different since it also brings non-speech features, like sound effects, music, etc. That’s why CC is more inclusive and accessible.
CC is used for many reasons, but mostly to help people that are either deaf or have hearing-related issues. CC doesn’t need to be a transcription; it can also be a translation.
There are several types of closed captioning services, such as CCSL script, DL, AB, and more. Although many companies are specialized in producing CC, few have the experience that Back to the Paper has. Go to their website and request a quote to see it for yourself.
