Subtitling and Audio Description: Best Practices to Make Your Content Truly Accessible—No Faff, No Middlemen
Long chains of outsourcing add delay and dilute quality in your subtitles and audio descriptions. Your content deserves better than passing through three vendors before an engineer even touches it. With our engineer-led in-house approach, you’ll get clearer, faster, and more accurate SDH subtitles and audio description that meet WCAG 2.2 compliance and major platform guidelines. Ready to cut the faff and work directly with the team who actually builds your accessibility? Learn more about creating accessible media.
Making Media Truly Accessible
Creating accessible media is more than just ticking boxes. It’s about reaching your audience effectively. Let’s explore how to enhance your content’s accessibility.
Subtitling Best Practices
Subtitles are crucial for making content accessible to a wider audience. You want to provide clear and concise information that complements your video. Start by ensuring your subtitles follow the standards and guidelines set by WCAG 2.2 and platforms like Netflix and BBC. For example, SDH subtitles are not just about transcription; they convey essential sound information like music cues and sound effects.
One way to improve subtitle quality is by using precise timings. Your subtitles should appear and disappear in sync with the corresponding audio. This ensures that viewers can follow along without confusion. Another key aspect is choosing the right font size and style to ensure legibility. Remember, your subtitles should be easy to read on any device. Most people think subtitles are an afterthought, but they are an integral part of your content’s accessibility.
Audio Description Script Writing
Audio descriptions offer an audio track that narrates important visual elements for those who are blind or have low vision. Start by writing scripts that are vivid and descriptive. You want listeners to understand the scene without seeing it. Use simple language and short sentences that clearly convey the action on screen.
Timing is everything. You should place descriptions during natural pauses in dialogue or sound. This ensures that they do not overlap with important audio cues. It’s also important to keep the descriptions concise so that they fit within the available time. Creating effective audio descriptions requires a deep understanding of your content’s key elements. Most people overlook the importance of this, but it’s crucial for accessibility. Learn more about audio description techniques.
Engineer-Led Solutions
Switching to an engineer-led approach guarantees quality and precision. You’re not just getting a service; you’re getting a solution tailored to your needs.
In-House Localisation Engineers
Our engineers are at the heart of every project. This means you get direct input from those who understand the intricacies of localisation. Unlike many companies that rely on a chain of outsourcing, we keep everything in-house. This control ensures that we meet your specific requirements efficiently.
Our team consists of specialists in over 60 languages, ensuring that your content resonates with local audiences. We believe that working directly with engineers allows you to communicate your vision without misinterpretation. This approach guarantees that your project is handled with the care and precision it deserves. Explore the benefits of in-house localisation.
Subtitle Quality Control
Quality control is non-negotiable in our process. Every subtitle goes through rigorous checks to ensure accuracy and compliance. Our engineers use advanced tools to check timing, spelling, and punctuation, aligning with guidelines like IMSC 1.1 and EBU-TT-D. This attention to detail ensures that your subtitles are not only accurate but also stylistically consistent with your brand.
We know that errors in subtitles can distract viewers and undermine your message. That’s why our engineers pay close attention to every detail. This meticulous process is part of our commitment to providing high-quality localisation services. Learn more about effective subtitle quality control.
Rethinking the Outsourcing Chain
The traditional outsourcing chain is slow and inefficient. It’s time to rethink how you’re getting your localisation work done.
Direct Partnership Benefits
Partnering directly with us means you’re cutting out middlemen, which speeds up the process and reduces costs. You’ll communicate directly with the engineers who craft your content. This direct line ensures that your feedback is heard and implemented quickly. It also means fewer chances for errors and delays.
By working with us, you benefit from our deep industry expertise and commitment to quality. You’ll also find that this approach leads to better results than a convoluted outsourcing chain. Most people assume that outsourcing is the only option, but direct partnerships offer a more reliable and efficient solution.
Global Localisation Partner
We offer a global reach with local expertise. Whether your project is in South America or Europe, our team is ready to handle it. We understand the cultural nuances that can make or break your content in a new market. Our engineers are not just translators; they are localisation experts who ensure your message is clear and effective.
Our global presence allows us to deliver timely and accurate localisation services, no matter where you are. Partnering with us means you get the best of both worlds: global experience with local insight. Discover how we can be your global localisation partner.
This approach to content accessibility is about more than compliance; it’s about creating a seamless experience for all users. By partnering directly with experts, you ensure that your content stands out in the global market.