Closed captioning is the text version of a video’s dialog and sound effects. It is an important accessibility feature that helps those with hearing impairments or non-native English speakers follow along with audio content. But not many know that closed captioning can also be helpful for those who want to watch a video in a noisy environment or when the sound is turned off.
This article will explore everything you need to know about closed captioning, from creating captions for your videos to the different file formats and software options available.
What is Closed Captioning?
Closed captioning provides written transcripts of a program’s audio content, making it accessible for deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers, as well as those who speak a different language from the one in which the audio is broadcast. It can also be beneficial for viewers who prefer to watch television programs without sound.
Closed captioning provides a more comprehensive experience for viewers by displaying the action and dialogue occurring on screen. What was once restricted to television programs is now commonly used on web-based videos as well. Different techniques can be employed to add closed captions onto videos, which often varies based on the video format or the viewer’s preferences.
In order to use closed captioning, viewers must have a television or other device that is capable of displaying closed captioning information as big companies hire a closed captioning service that provides them with a high-quality captioning file or even made the full process of captioning themselves.
What Types of Closed Captions are There?
The four main types of closed captioning include live, offline, real-time, and post-production. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Live Captioning
Live captioning is the process of transcribing audio in real time as it happens. This type of captioning is often used for events such as live broadcasts of sporting events, news programs, or other live shows.
One advantage of live captioning is that it doesn’t require any advance preparation. The downside is that since it’s done in real time, there is always the potential for errors.
Offline Captioning
Offline captioning is the process of transcribing audio after it has been recorded. This type of captioning is often used for pre-recorded videos, such as movies, television shows, or educational videos.
One advantage of offline captioning is that it allows for more time to ensure accuracy. The downside is that it can be more expensive and time-consuming than other types of captioning.
Real-Time Captioning
Real-time captioning is a hybrid of live and offline captioning. It involves transcribing audio as it is being recorded, but with a slight delay. This type of captioning is often used for events such as conferences, webinars, or other live events that are being recorded.
One advantage of real-time captioning is that it doesn’t require any advanced preparation. The downside is that, like live captioning, there is always the potential for errors.
Post-Production Captioning
Post-production captioning is the process of transcribing audio after it has been recorded and edited. This type of captioning is often used for movies, television shows, or other videos that have been edited.
One advantage of post-production captioning is that it allows for more time to ensure accuracy. The downside is that it can be more expensive and time-consuming than other types of captioning.
Which Type of Closed Captioning is Right for Me?
The type of closed captioning that is right for you will depend on your needs and preferences. If you need captions for a live event, live captioning may be the best option. If you need captions for a pre-recorded video, offline captioning may be the best option. And if you need captions for a live event that is being recorded, real-time captioning may be the best option.
How Do I Add Closed Captions to My Video?
There are a few different ways to add closed captions to your video. One way is to use a captioning service. Captioning services can provide you with a captioning file that you can then upload to your video platform. Another way is to create the captioning file yourself using a software. And finally, you can also use a closed captioning company to create the captioning file for you.
No matter which method you choose, adding closed captions to your video is a simple process. And by doing so, you can make your video more accessible to a wider audience.
