What is subtitle translation?
Subtitles are on-screen text showing the dialogue and narration of a video, either translated into another language or transcribed in the original language. Subtitle translation requires accurate translation with precise timing and readability.
Detailed description
Subtitles are translated or transcribed text displayed on screen during video content, allowing viewers to follow dialogue and narration in a language different from the original audio or providing text support for the hearing impaired. Subtitling is one of the most common and cost-effective forms of multimedia localisation.
Subtitling involves several specialised skills beyond translation. Timing and synchronisation ensure each subtitle appears and disappears in sync with the corresponding dialogue. Condensation is often required because people read more slowly than they speak, meaning subtitles frequently need to convey the same meaning in fewer words than the original dialogue. Line breaks and positioning must follow conventions that maximise readability without obscuring important visual content. And reading speed must be calibrated to ensure viewers can comfortably read each subtitle before it disappears.
Different types of subtitles serve different purposes. Interlingual subtitles translate dialogue from one language to another. Intralingual subtitles (also called same-language subtitles or captions) transcribe dialogue in the same language, primarily for accessibility. SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) include additional information such as speaker identification and sound descriptions.
Technical requirements for subtitling vary by platform and distribution format. File formats, character limits, timing conventions, and placement rules differ between broadcast television, cinema, streaming platforms, and social media.
LEXIGO provides subtitling services across 171 languages, delivering subtitle files in all major formats for broadcast, digital, and social media distribution.
Why it matters
Subtitling makes video content accessible to audiences who do not speak the original language, significantly extending the reach and return on investment of video production. With video dominating digital content consumption, subtitling is essential for any organisation producing video content for multilingual audiences.
Professional subtitling also improves engagement metrics. Research shows that subtitled videos achieve higher view completion rates and better comprehension, even among viewers who speak the original language.
Related questions about subtitles
What is subtitle translation?
Subtitle translation is the translation of a video's dialogue into on-screen text in another language, timed to match the speech.
What is the difference between subtitles and captions?
Subtitles usually translate dialogue for viewers who can hear the audio. Captions are in the same language as the audio and include sound descriptions for people who cannot hear it.
What subtitle file formats are used?
The most common are SRT and WebVTT, which most video platforms accept. Broadcasters and streaming services may require their own formats or specifications.
Why are translated subtitles shorter than the dialogue?
Subtitles have to be read in the time a line is on screen, so translators condense the dialogue while keeping its meaning. Many languages also run longer than English.
Do translated subtitles need cultural adaptation?
Often, yes. Jokes, idioms, references and on-screen text may need adapting so the meaning lands with the audience.
How do you check the accuracy of translated subtitles?
Have a second linguist review the subtitles in context, watching the video, to check meaning, timing, line breaks and readability.