If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ll notice a trend. Where once people shared text, then text with images, now it’s all about the video. Video is so important, in fact, Forbes said that it’s “where we all need to be.” Videos continue to be THE most popular type of content, they say. Your short videos may drive up viewership on social media, and your long videos may live forever on YouTube, but there’s one BIG thing you may have forgot: the importance of subtitles on your videos.
Social Media Demands Subtitles
I don’t know about you, but I watch videos with no sound, at least the first time I watch it. There’s nothing worse than opening your social media in a quiet place, and having a video blasting at top volume. Now, while there are still some people who like to share their audio content with everyone around them, most people turn their sound off, like me. As a result, I tend to scroll past a lot of video content on my feed if it doesn’t have subtitles.
Subtitles are important for any video where the message isn’t readily understandable through the action alone. While video content gets 25% more engagement than any other form of media, it won’t be effective if your viewer can’t follow it while sneakily watching videos at work. Adding subtitles ensures that your message is reaching everyone who sees your video, not just those with headphones on.
Subtitling For Accessibility
Now, not everyone with a pair of headphones will be able to understand your video anyhow. Subtitling has long been an important accessibility tool for the Deaf and hard of hearing. Without subtitling, these communities lose much of their access to video content. Subtitles go a long way to fostering inclusivity.
Another way subtitles promote inclusivity is when they are translated. Not everyone watching your content speaks English, no matter where in the world your company is located. Offering subtitles in a variety of languages opens doors to a whole host of additional markets, and a lot of potential customers that may have otherwise missed out.
How do I add subtitles to my videos?
Adding subtitles is easier than you think. It just involves sending a quick message to UNO Translations and Communications. We can subtitle your video in English, and in over 250 other languages. Whatever your target market, we’ve got you covered! We even provide multilingual voiceover talent, if you’d like a secondary audio for your video. Get in touch, and let’s get your videos reaching the widest possible audience!
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