You’ve probably used them without a second thought—watching a movie in another language, scrolling social media with the sound off, or trying to follow dialogue in a noisy room. But have you ever noticed that sometimes the text includes sound effects and speaker names, while other times it’s just the spoken words?

It’s easy to assume captions and subtitles are the same, but they serve different purposes. If you’ve ever struggled to keep up with fast dialogue or wished for more context in a quiet scene, you’ve already experienced the difference—maybe without even realizing it.

So, what really sets them apart, and why does it matter? Let’s break it down.

What Are Captions?

Captions do more than just show dialogue—they make videos accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They include spoken words and crucial audio cues such as background noises, tone changes, and speaker identifications.

Additionally, captions help content creators comply with important accessibility guidelines like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 508.

Types of Captions

Closed Captions (CC) give viewers control to switch captions on or off and even adjust their appearance. Think YouTube, Netflix, or Zoom.

Open Captions stay visible all the time. They’re perfect for social media videos, events, or public places where you can’t rely on viewers to activate captions themselves.

What Are Subtitles?

Subtitles primarily translate spoken words into another language for viewers who can hear but might not understand what’s being said. Unlike captions, subtitles typically skip audio cues and speaker names. They’re great for international movies or videos aimed at a global audience.

Subtitles vs. Captions: Key Differences

Features	Captions	Subtitles
Purpose	Accessibility for Deaf/ Hard-of-hearing	Language Translation
Includes Sound Effects?	Yes	No
Speaker Identification?	Yes	No
Non-verbal Audio Cues?	Yes	No
Assumes Viewer Can Hear?	No	Yes

Why Are Captions Important for Web Accessibility?

Captions create truly inclusive content accessible to everyone. Beyond meeting legal requirements, captions help businesses avoid compliance risks and potential lawsuits.

But captions have benefits beyond compliance—they boost SEO by enabling search engines to index your video content effectively. They enhance viewer engagement, especially in quiet or noisy environments, and help non-native speakers follow along more easily, improving comprehension and retention.

Open vs. Closed Captions: Which Should You Use?

Choosing between open and closed captions depends on your content and audience.

Open Captions are excellent for social media, live events, and public displays, where activating captions isn’t practical. They ensure every viewer can immediately access your message without additional steps.

Closed Captions are ideal for platforms like YouTube or Netflix, where viewers prefer customizing their caption viewing experience. They’re also essential for educational videos, multilingual content, or professional presentations, where accuracy and personalization enhance viewer experience.

How to Add Captions to Your Digital Content

Adding captions can be straightforward, whether you choose manual or automated methods.

Manual captioning involves creating captions yourself or with professional tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or YouTube Studio. This ensures accuracy and is highly recommended for educational and professional content.

Automatic captioning services like YouTube auto-captions or platforms such as Rev.com provide quick results but may vary in accuracy. Always review and correct auto-generated captions to maintain quality and compliance.

Understanding caption file formats is also beneficial. Popular formats include SRT (.srt), widely compatible across platforms like YouTube and Vimeo, and VTT (.vtt), ideal for web-based videos with additional formatting options.

How to Add Captions

• Create or auto-generate captions.
• Review and edit carefully for accuracy.
• Export the appropriate caption file.
• Upload the caption file to your video platform

Best Practices for Creating Accessible Captions

• Prioritize Accuracy: Always proofread and edit captions.
• Ensure Readability: Choose clear fonts and ensure strong contrast.
• Be Concise and Clear: Keep captions brief but sufficient to communicate context.
• Clearly Identify Speakers: Use identifiers like [John]: to clarify speakers.
• Strategically Place Captions: Position captions without blocking essential visuals, typically at the bottom of the screen.

Captions & Subtitles: Enhancing Your Content

Captions and subtitles aren’t merely text overlays—they enhance viewer experiences, improve accessibility, and expand your content’s reach. By captioning thoughtfully, you’re making your videos richer and more inclusive.

Looking to improve accessibility on your website? At 216digital, we’re ready to help. Reach out via our contact form below and schedule an ADA briefing. Let’s explore how we can elevate your digital presence and engagement together.