YouTube CC: What is it and why content creators use it in 2024?

What Does CC Mean on YouTube Videos?

You might see the "CC" button while watching videos on YouTube. But what does CC mean, and why do creators and viewers use it? This guide will answer all your questions about YouTube closed captions, their benefits, and how to add them.

Understanding YouTube CC: What Are Closed Captions?

CC stands for Closed Captions. Closed captions are text displayed on a video to show what is being said and sometimes other audio cues.

• People with hearing loss or those who are hard of hearing rely on closed captions to understand video content.
• Captions benefit everyone—not just those with hearing challenges.
• They often include descriptions of relevant sounds, music, or background noises.
• Unlike "open captions," closed captions can be turned on or off by the viewer.

While captions look like a transcript, they also provide extra information, such as speakers' names or descriptions of music or sounds. This helps more viewers enjoy and understand the video.

Difference Between Captions and Subtitles

It's easy to mix up captions and subtitles, but they are not the same.

• Captions display everything spoken and relevant sound, often in the video's original language.
• Subtitles are text translations of dialogue, meant for viewers who don't speak the original language.

Captions improve access for more viewers, while subtitles help break language barriers.

Why Do Content Creators Use YouTube CC?

Adding closed captions to videos offers several advantages for content creators:

• Accessibility: Captions make videos usable for viewers with hearing loss.
• Regulatory compliance: In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) increasingly covers online content, prompting video creators to use captions (ADA, 2023).
• Expanded audience: Videos become accessible to non-native speakers and viewers in noisy environments.
• Boosted engagement: Viewers are more likely to watch and understand videos with captions.
• Improved SEO: Since search engines cannot "watch" videos, captions provide text that makes videos searchable online.

A Verizon Media study found that around 80% of people who use captions are not deaf or hard of hearing (2019). This statistic shows that captions benefit a much broader audience.

Why Do Viewers Use YouTube CC?

Viewers use closed captions for many reasons, including:

• Watching videos with the sound off: Captions let users follow along even in quiet places.
• Understanding accents or quiet speakers: Captions help clarify what is being said, especially when audio quality is poor.
• Language learning: Reading along improves retention and understanding, especially for second language learners.
• Accessibility: For those with hearing difficulties, captions make video content possible to follow.
• Searching video content: Viewers can search and find parts of videos using keyword-rich captions.

Captions are not just for those with disabilities. Many people use them to boost their learning or to watch videos in different situations.

How to Add CC (Closed Captions) to Your YouTube Videos

YouTube offers auto-generated captions, but their accuracy can be low. For the best quality, creators should use professional closed caption services.

Steps to Add High-Quality Captions to YouTube Videos

1. Get an accurate caption file: Use a human-powered transcription service or automated transcription tool for your video. 2. Log in to YouTube: Go to the "Video Manager." 3. Select your video: Click “Edit” and go to the "Subtitles" section. 4. Remove auto-captions: If necessary, delete YouTube’s automatic captions. 5. Upload your new caption file: Find the “Upload subtitles/CC” button and attach your file. Making this effort is worthwhile—it improves accessibility, increases viewer satisfaction, and boosts your video's visibility.

Best Practices for YouTube Captions

• Always proofread captions for accuracy and timing.
• Use transcription proofreading services for the best results.
• Consider text translation services if you have a global audience.
• For frequent uploads, look into an AI transcription subscription for cost and time savings.

Other Applications for Closed Captions

Closed captions are used in many types of video content:

• TV programs
• Movies and documentaries
• Educational content
• Live events and webinars
• Social media videos

Any video that wants to reach a broad, diverse audience benefits from closed captions.

YouTube CC and SEO: Reaching More Viewers

Google and other search engines can index text but not audio or video content. By adding closed captions, your video’s text becomes searchable. This makes your content easier to find and can result in more views and higher engagement. Capitons contribute to your video's SEO by:

• Increasing visibility in search results.
• Making it easier for global audiences to understand and engage.
• Helping content rank higher based on relevant keywords.

For pricing information, check out the latest captioning services pricing.

Conclusion: Enhance Your Videos with Professional Closed Captions

Closed captions, or YouTube CC, are essential for accessible, engaging, and SEO-friendly video content. They help all viewers—those with hearing issues, language learners, and anyone who prefers to watch videos with text. If you are ready to make your videos stand out, GoTranscript offers reliable solutions:

• Professional closed captioning for every type of video.
• Automated transcription services and AI-powered captioning.
• Translation services for global reach.
• Proofreading to ensure subtitle and caption accuracy.

Ready to make your videos more accessible and discoverable? Order captions today from GoTranscript to reach every viewer.