What Is Closed Captioning vs Subtitles, Key Differences

It is more crucial than ever to comprehend the distinction between closed captions vs subtitles. Although they both function to provide viewers with audio cues and dialogue, they are not interchangeable. Let us examine the main distinctions and strengths of each.

Part 1: What Is Closed Captioning vs Subtitles

Despite their apparent similarities, closed captioning and subtitles have different audiences and functions. Closed Captions vs Open Captions vs Subtitles is a crucial comparison that is frequently made. Let us examine their distinct differences:

• Closed Captions

  For viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, closed captions or CC are specifically designed. Closed captions, as opposed to subtitles, contain speaker identification, Dialogue, Sound effects like doorbell rings and dog barks, Music cues like ominous chords and other audio components.

  Toggle On/off

  The majority of systems provide you with the option to enable or disable closed captioning, which makes them adaptable and user-friendly. They are frequently shown as an option in a video player's settings.

  

  Pros

  • The deaf and hard of hearing can access it.
  • Explains every aspect of the audio
  • Able to be turned on and off

  Cons

  • Occasionally, auto-generated or poorly synced

  • Some viewers might become distracted by too much information.

• Subtitles

  The main purpose of subtitles is to translate spoken conversation for viewers who are not fluent in the language being used. Unless otherwise noted, they usually do not include speaker cues or sound effects. There are mostly two kinds: Normal subtitles appear in the languages that the user chooses and can be turned on and off. Open subtitles cannot be turned off because it is burned into the video.

  Toggle On/off

  Unless they are open subtitles, most media players allow you to turn on or off subtitles, just like closed captions do.

  

  Pros

  • Aids in comprehending text in foreign languages
  • Available in several languages
  • Clear and concise

  Cons

  • Does not display background noise

  • Unsuitable for viewers with hearing impairments

Part 2: How to Add Closed Captioning and Subtitles

Adding closed captions and subtitles has become essential as more content producers strive to make their videos accessible and globally comprehensible. The process is now easier than ever thanks to current tools. No specialised knowledge is needed to follow our instructions on how to add embedded subtitles, use clever editors like Edimakor, and post captions to well-known websites like YouTube and TikTok.

• How to Add Embedded Subtitles

  HitPaw Edimakor, a user-friendly video editor that makes the procedure simple, is among the simplest solutions for this operation. Here's a step-by-step guide on adding embedded subtitles:

  Step 1: Open HitPaw Edimakor (Video Editor)

  Install HitPaw Edimakor on your PC after downloading it from the official website. The dashboard will appear clean after the program has been launched. The editing workspace where you will start creating your subtitles is opened when you click on the big purplish New Project box on the main screen.

  

  

  
  

  Step 2: Import Your Video

  Navigate to the Media tab at the top of the project dashboard. To browse and import the video from your device, choose Local Media from the left sidebar. As an alternative, you may just paste a video URL into the editor, and Edimakor will download and import it for you.

  

  Step 3: Select the Subtitles Tab

  To access the captioning tools, select the Subtitles tab from the top menu. The left-side panel displays several options for creating subtitles, including Auto Subtitle, Manual Subtitle, Text-Based Editing, Split Text to Subtitle, and Local Subtitle. Let us start with the Auto Subtitle function , which recognises spoken phrases and automatically creates time-synchronised captions.

  

  Step 4: Choose Language and Style

  You will be prompted to choose the original language used in the video after the subtitles have been generated. If you would like multilingual subtitles, you can also choose a translated language. Next, alter the font type, colour, size, and placement of your subtitles on the screen.

  

  Step 5: Export the Video

  Click Preview to examine the finished product after you are happy with the design and subtitles. Press the Export button if everything appears to be in order. With HitPaw Edimakor, your video will be rendered with embedded subtitles, which will appear on all platforms without requiring any further switching.

  

• How to Add Closed Subtitles on Platforms

  For websites like YouTube, closed subtitles, which may be enabled or disabled, are perfect. Here's how to use the platform tools and HitPaw Edimakor to build and upload them.

  

  

  

  Extract Subtitle File

  Use HitPaw Edimakor to extract subtitles by doing the following:

  1. Click the New Project option on the main interface of HitPaw Edimakor when it opens.

  2. Now, it's time to add your video to HitPaw Edimakor.

  3. To have captions created automatically, choose Auto Subtitle under the Subtitle option.

     

  4. Click Export once the subtitles have been prepared. Select the Subtitles option from the Export settings screen and select formats such as.SRT or.ASS.

  Way 1:

  

  Way 2：

  

  Upload Subtitles to YouTube

  1. Go to YouTube Studio and upload your video.

  2. On the left menu, click Subtitles.

     

  3. Choose the language and click Add next to it.

     

  4. Select Upload File, then choose the.SRT or.ASS file you exported from Edimakor.

     

  5. Adjust timings if needed, then save and publish.

  Upload Subtitles to TikTok

  1. Go back to HitPaw Edimakor, and instead of exporting just the subtitle file, choose to burn the subtitles into the video.

     

  2. Export the full video with subtitles embedded.

  3. Open the TikTok app, tap the + icon to upload your video.

     

  4. Select the video with embedded subtitles and publish as usual.

FAQs on Closed Captioning vs Subtitles

• Q1. Is CC Better Than Subtitles?

  A1: It varies. Subtitles are good for the translation of content in a foreign language, and CC is preferred for accessibility and for those who are deaf.

• Q2. What Does CC Mean in Subtitles?

  A2: CC stands for Closed Captions, which give viewers who require them a more comprehensive auditory experience by including sounds, music cues, speaker identification, and spoken conversation.

• Q3. What Are the Three Types of Captions?

  A3: Captions are of three types. You can turn closed captions on and off. The video will always have open captions. Live captions are produced during live meetings or broadcasts.

• Q4. Why Are Closed Captions Called That?

  A4: They are referred to as closed since the viewer can turn them on or off, in contrast to open captions, which are constantly displayed and cannot be turned off.

Wrapping Up

Both content producers and viewers must be aware of the distinction between closed captions vs subtitles. Understanding when and how to utilise each format can make all the difference, whether you are trying to make your films more accessible or you simply want to consume foreign content comfortably. You can adapt your captions to every audience by using tools like HitPaw Edimakor (Video Editor) , a perfect video editing tool.

HitPaw Edimakor (Video Editor)

• Create effortlessly with our AI-powered video editing suite, no experience needed.
• Add auto subtitles and lifelike voiceovers to videos with our AI.
• Convert scripts to videos with our AI script generator.
• Explore a rich library of effects, stickers, videos, audios, music, images, and sounds.