Video Accessibility: Why Subtitles Matter More Than Ever

Video content dominates the internet, but for millions of people, much of it remains inaccessible. Subtitles and captions are the key to unlocking video content for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers—and the benefits extend far beyond accessibility.

The Scale of the Issue

The numbers are staggering:

• Over 460 million people worldwide have disabling hearing loss
• 15% of the global population experiences some degree of hearing loss
• In the US alone, 48 million people have hearing difficulties
• Age-related hearing loss affects 1 in 3 people over 65
• These numbers are expected to increase as populations age

When you publish video without subtitles, you're excluding a significant portion of potential viewers—not because your content isn't valuable to them, but because they simply cannot access it.

Beyond the Deaf Community

While subtitles are essential for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, they benefit many others:

• People with auditory processing disorders
• Non-native speakers who read the language better than they hear it
• Viewers with ADHD who benefit from multiple input channels
• People with autism who may prefer reading to audio
• Anyone in noisy environments or situations requiring silence
• Users with temporary hearing impairment (ear infections, etc.)

Captions vs Subtitles: What's the Difference?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but there's a distinction:

Subtitles assume the viewer can hear but may not understand the language. They include spoken dialogue but typically not sound effects or speaker identification.

Captions (specifically closed captions or SDH - Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) are designed for viewers who cannot hear. They include dialogue plus important sound effects ([phone ringing], [door slams]), music descriptions ([upbeat music]), and speaker identification when relevant.

For maximum accessibility, captions are the gold standard.

Legal Requirements

In many jurisdictions, accessibility isn't just good practice—it's the law:

United States

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requires accessible content from covered entities. The FCC requires captions on TV content that moves online. Many courts have extended ADA requirements to websites and apps.

European Union

The European Accessibility Act requires accessibility for certain products and services. Many member states have additional national requirements for broadcast and online video.

Other Regions

Australia, Canada, UK, and many other countries have accessibility requirements that may apply to video content, depending on the context.

Best Practices for Accessible Captions

To make your captions truly accessible, follow these guidelines:

Accuracy

Ensure captions accurately reflect what's being said. Errors don't just look unprofessional—they can completely change meaning and leave viewers confused.

Timing

Captions should appear and disappear in sync with speech. They should remain on screen long enough to read comfortably (minimum 1 second, preferably 1.5-2 seconds for longer lines).

Readability

Use clear, readable fonts at sufficient size. Ensure good contrast between text and background. Consider adding a semi-transparent background for burned-in captions.

Sound Descriptions

Include relevant non-speech audio in brackets: [phone buzzing], [music playing], [audience applause]. This contextual information is crucial for understanding.

Speaker Identification

When multiple speakers are present or the speaker isn't visible, identify who is speaking. This can be done with names, descriptions, or consistent positioning.

The Business Case for Accessibility

Beyond doing the right thing, accessible content makes business sense:

• Larger potential audience (460+ million people with hearing loss)
• Improved SEO from indexable caption text
• Higher engagement and watch time
• Reduced legal risk
• Better brand perception as an inclusive organization
• Content that works in sound-off environments (most mobile viewing)

Getting Started with Accessible Video

Making your video content accessible doesn't have to be difficult:

• Use AI caption tools like MakeCaption to generate initial captions quickly
• Review and edit for accuracy, especially names and technical terms
• Add sound descriptions where relevant
• Ensure captions are readable on mobile devices
• Test your captions with the sound off to experience what viewers experience

Conclusion

Video accessibility through subtitles and captions is both a moral imperative and a practical advantage. By adding captions to your content, you're not just checking a box—you're welcoming millions of potential viewers who would otherwise be excluded.

The technology to create captions has never been more accessible. AI-powered tools can generate accurate captions in minutes. There's simply no excuse not to make your video content accessible to everyone.