Many Reasons Videos Need Subtitles (Part 2)

The Importance of Subtitles in Modern Video Content

Video content has come a long way over recent decades. As videos spread across modern platforms, they face new requirements. One major change is the need for accessibility—sometimes this means removing the audio track and relying on another method to deliver the message. Subtitles play a key role in this transformation.

Why Subtitles Matter for Video Content

Subtitles are valuable in social media, YouTube, news portals, and many other online environments. Today, we will explore three key reasons why subtitles help your videos succeed and reach more viewers.

3. Better Social Media Performance

• About 85% of Facebook videos are watched without sound (Digiday, 2016).
• This often happens because videos autoplay silently by default.
• Many users prefer silent viewing, especially when in public places or at work.
• Without audio, viewers rely on subtitles to understand the content.

Subtitles do more than make silent videos understandable. They help grab and keep the audience’s attention. In crowded social feeds, content with subtitles stands out and keeps users watching longer.

• Longer watch times lead to higher engagement rates.
• High engagement can boost your content’s visibility in platform algorithms.
• On platforms like Instagram and Twitter, subtitles allow viewers to follow stories even with the sound off.

If your goal is to maximize exposure and connect with audiences on social media using subtitles, you gain a clear advantage.

4. Boosting SEO Through Subtitles

Adding subtitles to your videos can have a big impact on search engine optimization (SEO).

• Videos with subtitles can increase total video views by up to 80% (Facebook, 2017).
• Subtitles and captions improve viewer retention, leading to longer dwell time.
• Search engines index subtitle text, making your content more searchable.

The more users engage with your video—watching for longer periods—the higher you’ll rank on both social platforms and search engines. Search algorithms favor videos that keep users engaged. Subtitles are a proven way to achieve this.

• Higher dwell time leads to better SEO performance.
• Increased reach means more opportunities to attract subscribers, customers, and fans.

By adding subtitles to your videos, you improve SEO and extend your message to a wider audience.

5. Enhanced Watching Experience for All

Crafting meaningful content is about putting the viewer first. Subtitles create a smoother, more enjoyable viewing experience for everyone.

• Subtitles help viewers follow the content in noisy or quiet places.
• They assist people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Subtitles support non-native English speakers or those learning the language.

A seamless viewing experience leads to higher satisfaction and encourages viewers to return and share your videos. Subtitles also help people retain information (National Library of Medicine, 2022).

• Viewers remember more details when they read and hear the message at the same time.
• Subtitles can reduce misunderstandings and make complex topics easier to grasp.
• People of all backgrounds enjoy the convenience of watching videos with subtitles.

How to Get Professional Subtitles for Your Videos

Creating accurate and high-quality subtitles takes time and attention. Relying on incomplete or automated services often leads to errors. For best results, work with professionals who can provide human-generated or AI-powered transcription services.

• Manual transcription ensures subtitles match the spoken words exactly.
• Proofreading services catch and correct any mistakes for perfect accuracy.
• Integrate closed captions to include essential non-verbal sounds, too.

For content in more than one language, consider translation services or an audio translation service to reach global audiences.

• Translations help you share your videos worldwide.
• Multi-language subtitles make your content accessible for everyone.

Summary: Make Subtitles Part of Your Video Strategy

Subtitles are now a vital part of video content. They boost social media performance, improve SEO, and offer a better viewing experience for all audiences. Whether you want to increase engagement or make your videos accessible, subtitles deliver proven results.

If you want to add subtitles, captions, or translations to your videos, GoTranscript offers affordable and high-quality subtitling services, transcription services, and more. Check out GoTranscript's transcription pricing and captioning services pricing for cost-effective solutions. You can easily order transcription or order captions anytime to help your content reach its full potential.