From a business perspective, setting a fixed price for video localization is a little difficult. The average cost of localization can change based on the length of the video, guidelines, expectations and rules of the market, and overall market demands. This guide explains common pricing models, cost factors, possible extra charges, and how to compare video localization quotes.
What Is Included in Video Localization?
Video localization can cover several different services:
- Translation and adaptation of the script
- Transcription, when a script is not available
- Subtitles and captions
- Voice-over or dubbing
- On-screen text and graphics
- Audio and timing adjustments
- Quality checks and final delivery
Why Is There No Single Video Localization Price?
The price of video localization can vary depending on various factors, such as the length and the translated language, the expertise of the team, the text and graphics involved, and the QA process involved. It is even possible for one agency to quote two different prices for two videos with the same length, but different guidelines and translated languages.
What Does Video Localization Cost by Service Type?
How Much Does Video Subtitling Cost?
VerboLabs’ published guide gives an indicative range of 5–15 per minute for subtitling. A more recent GoLocalise guide lists translated subtitling from around £15 per minute, while Rev currently lists global subtitles starting at $6.49 per minute for some languages. The quote can include transcription, translation, timing, formatting, burned-in subtitles, and QA, depending on the provider.
How Much Does Video Voice-Over Cost?
Voice-over involves translating and adapting the script, selecting a suitable voice, recording the audio, editing it, and reviewing the final output. Published rates vary considerably. GoLocalise, for example, lists voice-over from a basic studio fee of £400 per studio hour, plus applicable usage licensing. The number of speakers, recording requirements, usage rights and language can all affect the final cost.
How Much Does Video Dubbing Cost?
Dubbing requires more production work than standard voice-over. It may involve casting, multiple voice artists, studio recording, timing, mixing and additional review. VerboLabs’ published guide gives a broad indicative range of 50–150+ per minute for lip-sync dubbing. GoLocalise currently lists full dubbing from around £60 per finished minute as a starting point. Full lip-sync dubbing can cost more when the audio needs to closely match the speakers’ mouth movements.
How Much Does On-Screen Text and Graphics Localization Cost?
Text inside title cards, lower thirds, screen recordings, captions, and motion graphics may need to be recreated or replaced. The cost depends partly on how the original video was created. Editable project files can make the process easier, while flattened graphics may require additional design or editing work.
What Factors Affect Video Localization Cost?
When reviewing a quote, check these factors:
- Video length: Longer videos generally require more translation, timing, and production work.
- Number of languages: Each language adds another round of translation and, where needed, recording.
- Localization method: Subtitles, voice-over, and dubbing have different production requirements.
- Number of speakers: Multiple voices can increase casting and recording costs.
- Graphics: Recreating or replacing visual elements adds production work.
- Turnaround: Rush projects may carry additional charges.
- Quality requirements: Review, linguistic QA, and in-context checks can affect the scope.
Are There Hidden Costs in Video Localization?
Not every provider charges these separately, but buyers should ask about them before approving a quote.
Possible additional charges include transcription, graphic recreation, extra revision rounds, additional voice artists, rush delivery, platform-specific exports, usage rights, and source-file preparation.
Minimum project charges may also apply to smaller assignments.
How Should You Compare Video Localization Pricing?
Do not compare quotes using only the per-minute figure. Check what each provider has included. Look at the translation process, voice talent, QA, revisions, turnaround, file formats, project management, and security requirements.
What Should You Ask a Video Localization Provider Before Hiring Them?
Ask:
- What exactly is included in the quoted price?
- Is the project priced per minute, word or hour?
- Are transcription and QA included?
- Who records the voice?
- How are revisions handled?
- Can you review relevant samples?
- Which file formats are supported?
- Can the provider handle multiple languages?
Should You Choose the Cheapest Video Localization Option?
Not necessarily. A low initial quote can become expensive if the output needs major corrections or re-recording. Consider the expected audience, content type, pronunciation, timing, brand consistency, and amount of post-production work before comparing the final cost.
What Is the Best Video Localization Approach for Your Budget?
The most ideal approach for video localization depends on the guidelines and expectations of the market and client. There are various elements, such as text, audio, graphics, dialects, and cultural references, that are adapted from one market to another. Working on all these and the overall QA process highly impacts the overall budget and costing of the localization process. You can choose an agency that can help with all these factors and deliver the best quality within your budget and timelines.
How could VerboLabs Help You Get the Right Video Localization Scope for Your Budget?
VerboLabs is a localization and translation agency with expertise in Dubbing, Subtitling, Localization, and Translation in over 120+ languages. With an expert team of linguists and QA specialists, they can easily adapt a content from one language to another, while ensuring that the cultural references, dialects, graphics, and texts are all adapted accurately as per the market needs. Instead of choosing a service only by its per-minute cost, businesses can share the video length, target languages, preferred localization method, and delivery requirements with VerboLabs to discuss the required scope and request a quote.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of video localization can be determined on the basis of the service, the length of the video, the number of languages it is localized in, production, and the final quality of the video. Moreover, brands can negotiate their prices based on other factors such as market expectations, the service provider’s expertise in localization, understanding of the language, and overall QA process.
Expand your global reach with VerboLabs! Get accurate, culturally adapted localization services to connect with new markets. Contact us today for expert solutions!
FAQs
Published examples range from around 5–15 per minute for subtitling to 50–150+ per minute for lip-sync dubbing, while voice-over can be priced by studio or session hours.
It may be calculated per video minute, source word, studio hour, or project. The method depends on the service and provider.
Price is the amount quoted for a specific service. Cost refers more broadly to the resources involved in completing the localization, including translation, recording, editing, and QA.
In general, dubbing can cost more than subtitling, as it generally includes synchronization of the audio with visuals, text, graphics, and lip-sync, while subtitling is simply adding text on the screen.
AI-based tools can reduce production time for some tasks, but the final cost depends on the workflow, human review, quality requirements, and the service being purchased.
Share the video, runtime, source language, target languages, required service, and delivery requirements. The provider can then assess the actual scope and provide a project-specific quote.
