As entertainment content spreads rapidly across the globe, one factor has become vital to that expansion: media localization. In a world with over 7,000 spoken languages, and where only 26% of internet users understand English, creators who localize their content effectively are winning international attention, engagement, and revenue. This is especially true for Media Localization for Global Ad Campaigns, where brands that adapt messaging and visuals for diverse audiences see significantly higher reach and impact across markets.
From Netflix Originals to web series and global advertising campaigns, localization Services has become the foundation of international success. In this blog, we’ll explore the concept of media localization, analyze 5 hit shows that made it big globally thanks to localization, and show you how VerboLabs can help you do the same.
What Is Media Localization?
Media localization is the process of adapting media content — including TV shows, movies, games, podcasts, ads, and more — for different regions and languages. It covers:
- Translation & Transcreation
- Subtitling
- Dubbing & Voice-overs
- Cultural adaptation of visuals, idioms, gestures, and storylines
- Local user interface and metadata (titles, descriptions, thumbnails)
What Is the Concept of Localization?
Localization means much more than translation. It’s about modifying content to suit the local customs, expectations, and cultural context of the target audience. It’s what transforms a story from “foreign” into “familiar.”
Why Media Localization Is Crucial in 2025
Global Reach
- Netflix now supports 37+ languages and operates in 190+ countries, offering dubs and subtitles for most of its content.
- Over 45% of Netflix Originals were non-English in 2020, with that figure expected to grow year over year.
Business Impact
- Quality localization helped Netflix grow subscribers by nearly 50% in key international markets like India, South Korea, and Latin America between 2019–2021.
- 84% of marketers report that localization positively affects revenue growth.
- Localized ads and campaigns deliver 86% higher click-through and conversion rates compared to English-only versions.
Viewer Preferences
- More than 90% of the global population prefers content in their native language, even if they speak English as a second language.
- Multimedia localization (including voice, captions, and culturally adapted visuals) increases watch time, engagement, and emotional resonance.
5 Hit Shows That Became Global Blockbusters Through Media Localization
1. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) – Spain
Localization Strategy: Originally a local Spanish drama, the show was bought by Netflix and localized into over 40 languages. It featured high-quality dubbing, subtitles, and retained Spanish cultural nuances while adding global marketing appeal.
Impact:
- Became Netflix’s most-watched non-English series for years.
- Dubbed into languages like Hindi, French, and Japanese.
- Triggered a 600% viewership increase after localization.
- Boosted global interest in Spanish-language thrillers.
2. Squid Game – South Korea
Localization Strategy: Dubbed and subtitled in 30+ languages, this Korean survival thriller was carefully localized to retain its cultural essence while ensuring global relatability.
Impact:
- Became Netflix’s biggest series launch ever, watched by over 142 million accounts in its first month.
- Helped grow Netflix’s market share significantly in Asia, especially South Korea, Japan, and India.
- Spawned regional marketing and merchandise campaigns, thanks to localized strategy.
Localization Fact: According to Variety, Squid Game earned $900M in value for Netflix — largely driven by its global appeal.
3. The Office (US version) – United States/UK
Localization Strategy: Originally a British series, the US version was a full cultural localization — new cast, jokes, situations, and pacing tailored for American viewers.
Impact:
- Became one of the most streamed shows in the US for years.
- Inspired localized adaptations in India (The Office India), Chile, and more.
- Shows that even content in the same language benefits from localization for cultural fit.
4. Lupin – France
Localization Strategy: A modern French-language mystery thriller based on Arsène Lupin, localized with dubbing, subtitling, and regional promotion strategies across the globe.
Impact:
- Ranked in Netflix’s Top 10 in over 10 countries within weeks.
- Viewership from non-French-speaking countries made up over 70% of its audience.
- Strengthened global appetite for non-English content with high production values and localization.
5. Dark – Germany
Localization Strategy: Germany’s first Netflix Original was subtitled and dubbed into over 20 languages, with a localized UI and recommendations based on regional trends.
Impact:
- 95% of viewers were from outside Germany.
- The series developed a cult following in Latin America, India, and the US.
- Became the first German-language series to reach such global heights.
What Are Examples of Localization?
- Cultural localization: Changing slang, humor, food, gestures, and visual cues.
- Voice localization: Using regionally preferred dubbing styles or celebrity voices.
- Marketing localization: Ads customized with region-specific themes, colors, and platforms.
Why Choose VerboLabs for Media Localization?
At VerboLabs, we understand that content isn’t truly global until it feels local. As one of the top media localization companies, we deliver multimedia localization services tailored for entertainment, gaming, advertising, e-learning, and OTT platforms.
What We Offer:
- 120+ languages covered by native experts.
- Dubbing, subtitling, voice-over, and script transcreation.
- Region-specific quality assurance for cultural fluency.
- Fast turnarounds and studio-grade audio delivery.
Whether you’re localizing a hit series or launching an international campaign, our expert team ensures your content resonates across borders — without losing its soul.
Final Thoughts
With more global platforms and content choices than ever before, standing out requires more than just great storytelling — it requires local resonance. Audiences crave content that speaks their language, mirrors their culture, and respects their values. That’s why Media Localization for Global Ad Campaigns has become the secret behind the most successful international marketing efforts and entertainment releases. It’s how shows like Squid Game, Money Heist, and Lupin transcended borders to become worldwide sensations — not just because they were good, but because they were adapted to feel native everywhere they aired.
Ready to Go Global? Partner with VerboLabs — your trusted expert in media and multimedia localization services.
Let’s make your next content launch a global success. Contact VerboLabs now to localize your story, your way.
Want your brand to go viral worldwide? VerboLabs offers expert Media Localization for Global Ad Campaigns—maximize reach, engagement, and impact across markets. Get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A1: Media localization tailors content to align with the cultural and linguistic preferences of the target audience, making it more relatable and engaging. Localized content often sees higher interaction rates, as audiences are more likely to engage with content that feels familiar and relevant. Source AI Global Content
A2: Brands like Coca-Cola, Nike, Airbnb, and Looklet have successfully employed media localization strategies to create impactful global campaigns that resonate with local audiences.
A3: Localization allows brands to quickly adapt and deploy content across multiple regions, ensuring timely relevance and maximizing the potential for virality.
A4: Traditional translation focuses on converting text from one language to another, while media localization encompasses adapting the entire content—language, imagery, cultural references—to suit the target audience’s preferences and norms.
A5: Brands typically analyze market data, audience demographics, and cultural relevance to determine which regions would benefit most from localized campaigns, ensuring optimal engagement and ROI.
