Subtitles vs. closed captions
Whether you’re watching a movie or attending an online lecture, text on screen can help viewers follow along more easily. However, closed captions and subtitles aren’t the same thing. Each serves a different purpose and provides distinct benefits to various audiences.
What Are Closed Captions?
- Definition
- Closed captions (CC) are text versions of the spoken dialogue, as well as non-speech elements such as background music, sound effects, and speaker identification.
- Target Audience
- Primarily created for viewers who are Deaf or hard of hearing.
- The detailed sound cues and tone annotations give context missing in purely spoken form.
- Visibility
- Closed captions can be turned on or off by the viewer.
- Widely used in broadcast TV, online streaming platforms, and public screenings to comply with accessibility regulations (e.g., FCC requirements in the U.S.).
- Audio Descriptions
- In addition to dialogue, closed captions often include phrases like [music playing], [dog barking], or [door slams], giving context and atmosphere.
What Are Subtitles?
- Definition
- Subtitles are text translations or transcriptions of spoken dialogue. They typically don’t include extra details like sound effects or speaker labels.
- Target Audience
- Mostly used by viewers who can hear but need help understanding the spoken language—often because it’s a foreign language, or the speaker has a distinct accent.
- Language Translation
- Subtitles often involve translating one language to another. For instance, an English film with Spanish subtitles caters to Spanish-speaking viewers.
- Limited Sound Cues
- Subtitles usually focus on what’s being said, omitting cues like background noises or music descriptions. The assumption is that viewers can hear these sounds, just not follow the language.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Closed Captions | Subtitles |
|---|---|---|
| Includes Sound Effects | Yes (e.g., [door creaks], [laughter]) | Rarely (mainly dialogue) |
| Speaker Identification | Often provided | Typically omitted |
| Intended Audience | Deaf/Hard of Hearing | Hearing viewers needing language support |
| On/Off Control | Usually optional | Usually optional |
| Common Use Case | Accessibility compliance | Foreign language translation |
Why It Matters
- Accessibility & Inclusivity
- Closed captions fulfill the needs of viewers who can’t hear the audio.
- Subtitles help bridging language barriers for hearing audiences.
- Regulations & Requirements
- In many regions, CC is mandated for TV broadcasts and online streaming to accommodate people with hearing impairments.
- Subtitles are typically provided at the content creator’s discretion or to increase international reach.
- User Experience
- Providing both options can cater to a wider audience—people may want or need translations, or rely on descriptive sound cues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a video have both subtitles and closed captions at the same time?
Yes. A single video can offer multiple tracks—one for closed captions (containing sound cues) and another strictly for subtitles (dialogue translation). Viewers choose whichever track best meets their needs.
Are subtitles and closed captions interchangeable in all situations?
Not exactly. If an organization aims to comply with accessibility guidelines for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing viewers, they need closed captions, not just subtitles that omit important non-verbal elements.
Is there a difference between “Open” and “Closed” captions?
- Closed captions can be switched on or off by the viewer.
- Open captions are permanently visible on-screen and cannot be turned off.
Do subtitles ever include speaker identification or music notes?
Sometimes, but typically not. Subtitles are mostly dialogue-focused and assume the viewer can hear background sounds.