Options for Captions and Subtitles

Captions and subtitles are similar (they both appear as text on the bottom of the screen), but they aren't the same. Captions are a transcription of dialogue, while subtitles are a translation into an alternative language.

Why caption?

  • The Equalities Act 2010 states that creators must produce accessible material for people with a disability.
  • Captioning video is considered a ‘reasonable adjustment’ to make for people with a registered disability.
  • Also beneficial for students who have English as a second language.
Image
CLOSED CAPTIONS

Image
Closed Captions are separate text files that can be turned off or on using a ‘cc’ button. Most video streaming sites support it. Closed Captions have their own file formats such as .srt.

OPEN CAPTIONS

Image
Open captions are text which are a ‘burned on’ part of the actual video, and can’t be turned off. This often requires additional video editing.


Options for Captions and Subtitles

Captions and subtitles are similar (they both appear as text on the bottom of the screen), but they aren’t the same. Captions are a transcription of dialogue, while subtitles are a translation into an alternative language.

Why caption?

The Equalities Act 2010 states that creators must produce accessible material for people with a disability.
Captioning video is considered a ‘reasonable adjustment’ to make for people with a registered disability.
Also beneficial for students who have English as a second language.

CLOSED CAPTIONS

Closed Captions are separate text files that can be turned off or on using a ‘cc’ button. Most video streaming sites support it. Closed Captions have their own file formats such as .srt.

OPEN CAPTIONS

Open captions are text which are a ‘burned on’ part of the actual video, and can’t be turned off. This often requires additional video editing.ImageImageImage