
Subtitles and closed captions are often confused even though they are different in the context of video content. But how are they different? Let’s understand the battle between subtitles vs closed captions in detail. Subtitles are usually printed versions of the characters spoken by cast members in a scene, and these typically help people who may not understand that particular language. On the other hand, closed captions again involve the conversion of audible dialogue but also include additional features of sound effects and music that are important for people who are hard of hearing viewers’ intents.
Professionals in content creation, education, films, and design must know the differences between subtitles and closed captions. It is essential to choose the correct option, which will affect the reach, accessibility, and overall viewer experience. This section intends to help you understand both subtitles and closed captions so that you can make a proper decision about where to apply each tool.
What Are Subtitles?

Subtitles are text equivalent to the written dialogues that occur in a video. They are mainly used for translating spoken words into a language the viewer understands; it gives way to following conversation even if the viewer cannot understand the language used on the screen. They are often placed at the bottom of the screen and match the words spoken in a movie or video.
Types of Subtitles:
1. Standard Subtitles:
These are limited strictly to the translation of the dialogues. They are often used in foreign movies and television programs to minimize the language barrier so that as many people as possible enjoy the content. They do not convey knowledge about audiovisual cues or sounds.
2. Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH):
This includes not only the verbal message and what is said but also other contextual pieces of information such as sound effects – for example, ‘door creaks’, ‘phone rings’, and an indication of the speaker. Because of this, SDH is most useful in programs that may be hard for viewers to follow, especially when there are different speakers.
Use Cases:
Subtitles are commonly used in:
- Foreign productions to ensure its materials reach a larger circle of viewers.
- Internet streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, with videos in multiple languages for the audience.
- Educational videos and online courses, especially if the language is non-native.
What Are Closed Captions?

Definition and Function:
Closed captions (CC) are very similar to subtitles but more detailed. They provide the dialogue and other sound features such as background noise, music, and who is speaking. This is helpful for the viewer, especially those who are deaf or hard of hearing, as it informs them and gives them the whole audio experience.
Types of Captions:
1. Closed Captions (CC):
These are usually on-and-off features controlled by the viewer and are primarily in different languages. Broadcasts on television, streaming platforms, and DVDs display closed captions as part of the caption type.
Open Captions:
Unlike closed captions, open captions are displayed on the screen and are not switchable. They are ‘burned in’ to the video and can be considered when all viewers need the text, for example, in a loud environment or areas where people are unaware of the closed captioning option.
Use Cases:
Closed captions are widely used for:
- Television broadcasts to comply with the laws and regulations of barrier-free television.
- Web social applications and others like YouTube, where captions complement usability or accessibility.
- Signs at airports, hospitals, and other places where clear audio may be difficult or impossible.
Also Read:
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Key Differences Between Subtitles and Closed Captions
- Subtitles exclude the sounds made by the actors or the speaker’s identification. It involves dialogue translation.
- Closed captions translate all the audio components, including sound effects, music scores, and speaker changes.
Purpose:
- Subtitles: The primary purpose of subtitles is to translate the content into another language so that people who do not understand the language used in a program or a movie can follow it.
- Closed captions are meant for the deaf or hard of hearing, providing them with both the spoken and nonspoken elements of audio.
Technical Aspects:
- Subtitles are not mandatory for viewers, and people can decide whether they want them. They are generally reliable and can be obtained in several languages as needed.
- Closed captions are mandatory for television programs and other online videos, primarily if they are broadcast in a country with specific rules and laws for lower captions.
Visual Presentation:
- Subtitles are usually in text placed at the bottom of the screen.
- Closed captions may contain extra-textual notes about nonverbal sounds, speaker changes, and other sonic signals, which may be presented using a different typeface or placement.
Benefits of Using Subtitles
1. Language Learning:
Introducing subtitles is essential to eliminate language learners. They can bring the language as it was spoken to the learner, helping them to build up the necessary vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
2. Enhanced Understanding:
Subtitles are convenient because some viewers may need help comprehending accents, dialects, or fast speaking. They can also complement situations when the spoken language is complicated to understand.
3. Global Reach:
Subtitles benefit movie directors, YouTubers, and brands that aim to attract a global audience. They can be an excellent option for brands if they want to retain the nuance of the original language and resonate with people worldwide.
Benefits of Using Closed Captions
- Accessibility: Descriptive closed captions are essential in enhancing the understanding of the content by viewers who are deaf and/or hard of hearing. They ensure that these viewers get the show’s spoken content and everything going on in the background, such as the sound effects and music.
- Comprehension: Closed captions are helpful for people with hearing impairments, for everybody who prefers to watch the video with sound off, and for people in a boisterous environment like public transport. They also help non-native-speaking students understand what is being taught in the class.
- Legal Compliance: Most countries have set rules requiring aired programs or those on the internet to be audibly subtitled so that those with hearing impairments can also benefit from them. However, closed captions of programs and videos can go a long way in helping content providers meet these legal requirements and avert legal pushback.
When to Use Subtitles vs Closed Captions

Content-Type:
- Subtitles should be used for video content in a foreign language, which is the main focus of the content, such as movies and web courses intended for an international audience.
- Closed captions are required for content that needs to be viewed by a wider audience, including those with hearing impairment, such as educational videos, news broadcast material, and social media.
Audience Needs:
Think about what kind of information your audience needs in the present case. Consumers, especially those who are hard-hearing impaired, require closed captions while watching a video. If your primary purpose is to target the viewers who don’t know the language spoken in the show or anyone outside the country, then subtitles will suffice.
Platform Requirements:
Different platforms have different requirements for subtitles and closed captions. For example, YouTube and Netflix are two services that provide both options and allow creators to upload their caption files. These aspects will help you determine which choice best suits your content.
Common Misconceptions
Subtitles and Closed Captions Are the Same:
People often mistake the difference between subtitles and closed captions. Although they are both used to display text on the screen, they have a rather distinctive function. Subtitles mainly translate what is being said, while closed captions contain a transcription of all the sounds.
Closed Captions Are Only for the Hearing Impaired:
Closed captions are extremely useful for accessibility, for people who watch videos in noisy environments, for non-English speakers, etc. They improve clients’ understanding of the content and allow all persons to view media content.
Best Practices for Creating Subtitles and Closed Captions
Accuracy and Timing:
Subtitles and closed captions must be timed and transcribed correctly so that the viewers understand them fully. This should be done as the text and audio should be understandable enough for the viewers under proper synchrony.
Clarity and Readability:
Subtitles or captions to videos ensure they are clear, easy to read, and accessible to everyone. Such features should include font style and size so that it can be easily read, and the colour of the font should contrast with the content’s background. Do not overload the viewers with text; divide longer lines into smaller ones because that is easier to read.
Software and Tools:
Some tools available for creating good subtitles and closed captions include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Rev, and Amara. These tools support functions such as automatic transcriptions of speech to text, manual corrections, and the possibility of choosing how to align the media material on the timeline.
Conclusion
In the race of closed captions vs subtitles, who wins?
Subtitles are just as valuable as closed captions in making content more understandable, but they are not the same. Subtitles only offer translated spoken words for those who might not have understood a specific language. In contrast, closed captions offer the text as an overview of all the audio content, making the program accessible to people with impaired hearing.
It is essential to distinguish Subtitles and Closed Captions in terms of use of your content, audience, and intentions. For the international audience, or when you are working on the language translation, the best option would be subtitles. If your primary concern is accessibility, closed captions are pretty helpful.
When making videos, it is essential to consider what will benefit your audience. What should be submitted on this platform? Learn how to add accurate subtitles and closed captions to your videos to make your content available to a large audience.

Need help? Contact VerboLabs now and get a quote. Our experts will help you decide and provide the best output at your convenience.
FAQs
- What is the main difference between subtitles and closed captions?
The only distinction is that subtitles translate only the spoken words. In contrast, closed captions are a complete textual description of every sound within a video, along with the intonations and attitudes of speakers.
- Can subtitles and closed captions be used together?
Yes, some sites offer subtitle and close caption options to the audience so that they can select any option that suits them.
- Are subtitles and closed captions necessary for online content?
Though not compulsory for most videos, subtitling and closed captions increase viewer accessibility, possibility, and interaction for online content, making them a worthy addition for producers.
- How do I choose between subtitles vs closed captions for my video?
It is essential to take into account the characteristics of the target audience and the characteristics of the chosen platform. If your target audience comprises people with little understanding of your language, use subtitles. If your audience includes people who are hard of hearing, use Closed Captioning.
- What are some tools for creating subtitles and closed captions?
Some tools you can use are Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Rev, Amara, and Kapwing.