Subtitling

Subtitling is the process of transcribing spoken dialogue into written text on screen, helping convey the essence, emotions and peculiarities of the speech while complementing the visual narrative.

As any cinema fan will tell you, subtitles can make or break any visual experience.

Whether you need subtitles for the video’s original language, or translated in the language of your choice, we make sure that the new on-screen text preserves the original meaning and tone of the content, while helping viewers understand the video better.

Why is subtitling important?

• Accessibility. Subtitles make any content more inclusive and accessible for the widest audience possible, including viewers who are hard of hearing, or deaf.
• Intercultural exchange. Subtitling lets content creators share their work with the global audience. Professional subtitle translation means that a film created by a French director will be enjoyed by Japanese viewers or a Korean TV series can find its audience in Lithuania.
• Improved language learning. Subtitled content is a valuable source for those who are learning a new language. It provides a wider context for dialogue, improves comprehension, and helps boost vocabulary.
• Better understanding of video content. Combining visuals and sounds helps us remember information better. When viewers read subtitles while listening to the dialogue, they are more likely to understand it, and remember it.
• Cost-effectiveness. Compared to dubbing, subtitling is a more budget-friendly way to enter new markets in the entertainment industry.
• Authenticity. Dubbing replaces the original voices and sounds, whereas subtitles add to the original voices of the characters, sounds, and other nuances, thereby preserving the authenticity.
• Flexibility. With subtitles, viewers can follow the story and comprehend the subtleties of the content, even when viewing in a noisy or sound-restricted environment.

We have the tools and the talent to broaden your content’s appeal using subtitles. Get in touch today to discuss your options.

Who needs subtitling services?

Subtitling services are usually required by:

• Film and TV show producers
• Broadcasting platforms
• Educational institutions
• Companies and corporations
• Advertising agencies
• Governmental agencies
• Conference and event organizers
• Social media content creators
• Museums and cultural institutions
• Video game creators
• Legal and life science professionals
• Individuals.

Subtitling services have never been more in demand, due to the ever-growing global demand for content.

The subtitling process

Here’s how a typical subtitling project works. We’ve established our own bullet-proof process to ensure accuracy, legibility and effective rendering of original content, as well as its meaning and goal:

1. Content analysis. We start by analyzing original content to fully understand the context, tone of voice and specific requirements.
2. Transcription. Before translation, the speech is transcribed. In this step, the main sound effects and other important sound references can also be included.
3. Translation. Transcribed content is then translated into the target language, keeping in mind the goal of the original content, nuances and tone of voice.
4. Adaptation. Due to screen limitations, the translation may need to be shortened or adapted to fit into easy-to-read sections. The text is also synchronized with the action on the screen.
5. Synchronization. Translated and customized subtitles are synchronized with the audio and video elements to ensure that they appear and disappear in sync with the spoken content.
6. Review & quality control. A thorough content review is conducted to double-check for errors, synchronization issues, and potential improvements.
7. Representation & integration. Depending on the chosen method, subtitles can be either ‘embedded’ into the final video (open captions) or presented as a separate file (closed captions).
8. Final review. Once the video is subtitled, one final review ensures that everything is displayed properly and subtitles are synchronized with the original audio track.

Each subtitling process may vary based on the tools used, specific project requirements or client preferences. However, the goal always remains the same – to deliver clear and accurate text in a timely manner that improves the viewer’s experience.

FAQ

What kind of videos can you subtitle?

We can create subtitles for a wide range of videos, from short social content to feature films. Previously we have subtitled commercials, online seminars, education programs and product demonstrations. We also translate speeches, instructive videos, discussions, and other subtitles.

What languages can you subtitle?

We work across more than 50 languages, from English, German, French and Spanish to Hindi, Yiddish, Thai and Vietnamese. We can create subtitles in any language you need, even if that language does not appear on our list.

Are subtitle translation and subtitling the same?

Although they sound similar, subtitle translation and subtitling are not the same!

Subtitle translation is the translation of a video footage (spoken and written content) from one language into another, ensuring that the translated subtitles preserve the original meaning, tone of voice and other quirks.

Subtitling includes not only translation but also the synchronization of translated text with sound, to make sure that subtitles appear on the screen at the right time. Even though translation is a very important aspect of subtitling, the latter encompasses extra technical and timing aspects.

What subtitle file formats do you support?

Subtitle files can be created in various formats, each with their own unique specifications and purposes. Among the most frequently used formats are:

• SubRip (SRT) – broadly applied in various platforms
• WebVTT (VTT) – used for web video players
• Advanced SubStation Alpha (ASS) and SubStation Alpha (SSA) – known for their styling capabilities
• Timed Text Markup Language (TTML) – used for more complex subtitling needs.

While the majority of our clients prefer to deliver SRT files or video files with embedded subtitles (open captions), we can advise on the ideal file formats for your requirements.

How much does subtitling cost?

The cost of subtitling is usually based on the length of the video or the number of words or lines in the subtitle file. The complexity of the language and the specifics of the content can also influence the final cost.

We always take into account the specific requirements of the project and evaluate them separately. In this way, we ensure the highest quality of service while keeping costs competitive.

Want to know exactly how much subtitling services would cost you? Contact us, we will assess your needs and provide you with the best solution that fits your budget and business needs.

How long does it take to translate subtitles?

Each case is different. The duration of subtitle translation depends on the length of the video, the complexity of the content and the specific languages.

To give you a better idea, a professional translator can process about 250-300 words per hour. However, additional time is required to synchronize, review, and edit subtitles. A typical 60-minute video can take from several hours to several days to ensure the accuracy and quality of the translation process. Nevertheless, we always work with your deadlines to complete the tasks.

How do you ensure the accuracy and quality of translated subtitles?

Quite simply, we call upon our biggest asset – our experienced team of translators, each highly skilled in the languages they work with. In addition, we pay extra attention when reviewing and proofreading, to catch and cure any possible errors. The technologies we use also help maintain translation consistency, and our close collaboration with clients ensures that the translated content fits perfectly in the context and serves a purpose.

How do you handle industry-specific or technical content when translating subtitles?

To ensure the accuracy and precision of such content, subtitle translation is carried out by translators with special knowledge in the relevant field. If necessary, they can team up with specialized experts in any specific field. Industry-specific or technical content also involves the use of specific vocabulary and rigorous quality control. This ensures that industry-specific terms are translated correctly while maintaining their intended meaning and relevance in the target language.

Can you prepare subtitles for live events and broadcasts?

Absolutely. We have a wealth of experience generating subtitles during live events and broadcasts, to improve the overall experience for the audience. To discover more about this service, get in touch with us today.