Closed captioning is essential for accessibility and for improving video engagement—but producing high-quality captions can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re creating content for social media, online learning, or business communications, these quick tips will help you get it right.
- Prioritize accuracy
Captions should match the spoken words—including slang and filler words when they add meaning. Avoid paraphrasing unless it improves clarity. Inaccurate captions confuse viewers and reduce inclusivity.
- Keep captions in sync
Timing matters as much as accuracy. Captions that appear too early or too late make it hard to follow the content. As a practical rule, avoid displaying captions more than 1–2 seconds before the words are spoken.
- Break text into readable chunks
Long blocks of text overwhelm viewers. Aim for one or two short lines per caption, and break at natural pauses (end of a phrase or clause).
- Include non-speech audio
Captions are not just for dialogue. Sounds like [laughter], [music playing], or [door slams] provide crucial context for people who can’t hear the audio. Include these cues when they add meaning.
- Identify speakers
When multiple people are talking, make it clear who is speaking. Use the speaker’s name in brackets before the dialogue, for example: [Anna]: That’s great news!
- Check contrast and placement
Ensure captions don’t block essential on-screen content. Use high-contrast text (commonly white text on a black or semi-opaque background) so captions remain readable across varied video backgrounds.
- Review auto-captions before publishing
Automatic tools are helpful, but rarely perfect. Always review and correct auto-generated captions for spelling, punctuation, timing, and speaker labels.
Bonus tip: Make captioning part of your workflow.
Build captioning into your production process rather than treating it as an afterthought. This saves time and keeps quality consistent across your library.
Why It Matters
High-quality captions make your content accessible to people who are Deaf or hard of hearing and improve the experience for everyone—including viewers in noisy or quiet environments. Captions also boost engagement and discoverability, making them a win-win for inclusion and performance.