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Meaning they are always on, or, as the name implies, always open.Ĭlosed captions are selectable. While they don’t necessarily have to be part of the video track, open captions are not selectable. With open captions, the text is always on, often referred to as being “burned” into the video track. The difference between open and closed captions are in the end user experience. What’s the difference between open and closed captions? As a result, video becomes more visually important, and closed captions can be a great way to bridge that gap in allowing viewers to understand the content solely through its visuals. In fact, 85% of video content on Facebook is watched with the sound off. Reasons for this can range from preference to just catering to non-native speakers whose understanding of the events unfolding before them will be enhanced thanks to them.įurthermore, as more video is viewed online, more content is watched muted. In fact, as long as a decade ago, a study in the UK found that 80% of those that use closed captioning are not hard of hearing or deaf. However, it should not be assumed that they are only used for those with hearing issues. Captions are often associated with helping those who might be deaf or hard of hearing so that they can consume video content. So for example placing dialogue or actions in text so it can be read. Often abbreviated as CC, closed captioning is the process of including text with video with the intention of providing interpretive information. What’s the difference between open and closed captions?.For a demonstration of some of those techniques, and to learn overall where the industry is headed, also be sure to check out our Video Trends in 2018 webinar. It also concludes with some resources to help you start captioning your video content as well. It also includes some best practices, to ensure that content owners are creating what could be considered quality closed captions, both from an accessibility standpoint and to protect organizations as regulations tighten.
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This article describes closed captions and relates why they are important, with an emphasis on the legal side of the equation. Wondering what is closed captioning? Curious on why you should be captioning your content, or what regulations might exist that could impact your industry?
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