Closed Captions vs Subtitles: Difference and Comparison

Closed captions and subtitles may appear to be nearly similar at first sight, but the changes aren’t as minor as they appear. Choosing between the two may have a big influence on how people perceive your video projects – and it could reveal a lot more about your brand than you think.

Key Takeaways

  1. Closed captions provide a text version of the spoken dialogue and relevant non-speech sounds, while subtitles only transcribe the spoken dialogue.
  2. Closed captions cater to the deaf or hard-of-hearing, while subtitles target language learners or people watching content in a foreign language.
  3. Closed captions can be turned on or off, while subtitles are a permanent media feature.

Closed Captions vs Subtitles

Closed captions refer to text that is synchronized with the audio of a video and includes not only the spoken words but also non-speech elements like music, sound effects, and speaker identification. Subtitles refers to that only show the spoken dialogue and do not include non-speech elements.

Closed Captions vs Subtitles

Captions are employed when the visual medium is not accompanied by sound. Captions are also employed in still media, such as photographs, comic books, graphic novels, and other types of still graphic material. Without the use of audio, captions are employed to present the spectator with the viewing experience.

Subtitles are used to translate media presented in a foreign language into a language the viewer is acquainted with. Subtitles are timed transcriptions of audio files that help viewers understand the content presented on the screen by conveying the meaning behind the sound.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonClosed CaptionsSubtitles
DefinitionWhen there is no sound, closed captions are texts that accompany the visual information.Subtitles are transcriptions of audio files that are shown with visual and audio material.
ObjectiveUsed to assist viewers in comprehending visual materialThis tool is used to provide a textual translation of an audio file.
ScenarioWhen a sound is present, this expression is used.When the viewer’s native language is not English.
TypesClosed captions and open captions are the two forms of captions.Various languages have different subtitles.
UsagePhotographs, silent films, graphic novels, and other graphic media are all examples of this.Only used in movies, TV programme, and other visual media.

What are Closed Captions?

Closed captions are a written version of a television, movie, or computer presentation’s spoken part. Closed captioning was created to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but it can be used in many situations. For example, when you cannot hear the audio, you can read the subtitles in a busy environment (such as an airport) or a quiet environment (such as a hospital).

In line 21 of the vertical blanking period, closed captioning information is embedded inside the video stream ( VBI ). The text can only be seen with the use of a decoder, which can be incorporated into a television or purchased separately as a set-top box. On recent TVs, you can turn closed captioning on or off through the on-screen menu. On the other hand, open captions are a fundamental element of a broadcast that the spectator cannot turn off.

Most programs have subtitles before they are broadcast, but some programs, such as live news, require real-time subtitles. A stenographer listens to the broadcast and enters a shorthand version into software that transforms the shorthand into captions and adds the data to the television signal for real-time captioning. The new regulations will allow users to customize the size, color, and font of their captions and choose from various streams, such as a certain language.

What are Subtitles?

Subtitles are transcriptions of audio files that are shown alongside visual and audio assets. Subtitles are translated transcripts from the original audio language to the language that the viewers are acquainted with within most situations. Subtitles were first adopted in the 1930s to enable English-speaking audiences to understand international films shot in another language.

As a result, movie producers could accommodate more spectators from other nations and exhibit films in different countries. As a result, subtitles became a crucial tool for exhibiting and distributing foreign films and television shows to the world’s English-speaking population. In today’s globe, foreign-produced movies and TV shows account for over half of all movies and TV series seen in cinemas and on television. Therefore, subtitles must be provided in order to understand and get a better viewing experience when viewing such materials.

Subtitles are most commonly used to translate audio into a language that the audience can understand, but adding visual text through visual media can significantly improve the viewing experience of the deaf and hearing impaired. Subtitles are transcribed differently in different languages. Subtitles are created for other important languages, such as German, French, Spanish, and English.

subtitles

Main Differences Between Closed Captions and Subtitles

  1. In the absence of sound, closed captions are texts that accompany the visual information. Subtitles are transcriptions of audio files that are shown with visual and audio material.
  2. Closed captions are used to assist viewers with comprehending visual content. The use of subtitles allows for a textual translation of the audio.
  3. When there is no sound, closed captions are utilized. When the language is unfamiliar to the audience, subtitles are utilized.
  4. There are two types of closed captions: closed and open captions. Subtitles are cautious with the language.
  5. Closed captioning is used with images, videos, silent films, and other media. Subtitles are exclusively used in movies, TV shows, and other similar media.
Difference Between Closed Captions and Subtitles
References
  1. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/9565923/
  2. https://digital-library.theiet.org/content/conferences/10.1049/ibc.2013.0045

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023

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8 thoughts on “Closed Captions vs Subtitles: Difference and Comparison”

  1. The differences between captions and subtitles play a significant role in media accessibility and understanding. It is important to use them as needed for the target audience.

    Reply
  2. The article does a great job of explaining the differences and specific applications of closed captions and subtitles, highlighting their importance in making content inclusive and accessible.

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  3. Understanding the nuances between closed captions and subtitles is essential, and this article effectively provides a clear breakdown of their respective uses and functionalities.

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  4. This article offers a detailed comparison of closed captions and subtitles, which is extremely useful for content creators seeking to make their media accessible to diverse audiences.

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  5. The uses of both closed captions and subtitles are distinct and cater to a specific audience. The article effectively breaks down their differences.

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  6. Both closed captions and subtitles have their individual uses which are important. It is always necessary to utilize different platforms and languages when providing content.

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  7. The article presents a comprehensive and insightful comparison between closed captions and subtitles, highlighting their unique purposes and applications in media production.

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  8. The differences between closed captions and subtitles are important to understand, especially for creators who need to accommodate different audiences.

    Reply

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