You might have heard about distinction between "closed" and "open" captions.
Are they basically the same, or not ?
This article will guide you through the differences between these two types of caption, what each type entails, and the best scenarios for using them.
What's all the fuss about closed and open captions ? Let's see :
Closed captions are text overlays on a video that you can turn on or off. They are designed to make video content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Closed captions display dialogue and describe non-verbal sounds like music and sound effects. This helps you understand everything that’s happening in the video.
Closed captions are common on TV broadcasts, streaming platforms, and online videos. They are embedded in the video file but are only visible when you choose to activate them.
For instance, on YouTube, you can turn closed captions on or off using the settings menu.
Open captions are different because they are always visible on the video. They are "burned" into the video track, meaning you can’t turn them off. This ensures that the captions are always available, no matter what platform or device you’re using.
Open captions are often used in public screenings, social media videos, and on platforms that don’t support closed captioning. Because open captions are always visible, they can be particularly helpful if you don’t know how to activate closed captions or if you’re using a device that doesn’t support them.
For example, on Instagram and TikTok, creators often add captions directly to their videos during the editing process.
Let's make a comparison table recap of their difference :
Choosing between closed and open captions depends on the viewing experience you want to provide to your audience :
Closed captions give your viewers the flexibility to turn captions on or off as needed. This is especially useful in environments where viewers might prefer to watch without captions, such as at home or in a quiet setting. Closed captions are ideal if you want to give your audience control over their viewing experience.
They are also suitable for content distributed on multiple platforms and devices, as many of these support closed captioning options.
Open captions, on the other hand, are always visible. They are embedded directly into the video, ensuring that all viewers see them regardless of the platform or device. This is particularly useful for public screenings, social media videos, or any scenario where ensuring that captions are always visible is crucial.
If your audience includes viewers who might not know how to activate closed captions or who use devices that do not support them, open captions are a reliable choice.
Closed captions require specific technical capabilities from the platform or device. They use separate caption files, such as SRT files, which are linked to the video. This allows for easy updates and customization of the captions without altering the video file itself.
Open captions do not require special technical support from the platform or device, as they are burned into the video. This ensures consistent display across all viewing platforms, but it also means that any updates or changes to the captions require re-editing the video.
Consider your content type and target audience when deciding between closed and open captions. For content on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TV broadcasts, where viewers might appreciate the flexibility to toggle captions, closed captions are a better fit.
If your content is likely to be viewed in environments where ensuring captions are always visible is critical, such as public screenings or social media, open captions are the way to go.
At Checksub, our intelligent caption editor is designed to streamline your workflow and enhance your video's accessibility and impact:
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