Closed Captions versus Subtitles

In the US, the FCC requires most TV programming to carry closed captions; in Canada, the CRTC does (see Canadian CRTC captioning laws). Streaming services and distributors set their own caption requirements on top.

Closed captions and subtitles are characterized by some important differences based on their context and purpose. Let’s have a look at closed captions versus subtitles.

The most common caption file formats are Sonic Scenarist (.scc) and Timed Text DFXP (.xml), and the most common subtitle file formats are SubRip (.srt) and VobSub (.sub, .idx).

Accessibility

Closed captions are used to define sound effects in addition to the dialogue. They are primarily a service for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, giving them a complete feel of important sound effects and information relating to music.

Placement

Subtitles are placed at the bottom of the screen with a hyphen to separate speakers. Closed captions can be placed under the speaker to give a clear indication of the source of the audio.

Language

Closed captions appear in the language that is spoken in the TV show or movie. Subtitles can translate speech into a different language for the target audience.

The short answer

Closed captions are for viewers who can’t hear the audio: they show the dialogue plus who’s speaking, sound effects and music, in the language of the film, and the viewer can turn them on or off. Subtitles are for viewers who can hear but don’t understand the language: they show the dialogue only, usually translated.

	Closed captions	Subtitles
Made for	Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers	Viewers who don’t speak the language
Shows	Dialogue, speaker IDs, sound effects, music	Dialogue only
Language	Same as the audio	Usually a translation
Placement	Moved to show who’s speaking	Bottom of the screen
Required by	FCC (US), CRTC (Canada), distributors and streamers	Distributors selling to other countries
Typical files	SCC, DFXP, SMPTE-TT	SRT, EBU STL, iTT

Where SDH subtitles fit

SDH subtitles (subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing) are a hybrid: subtitles that also carry speaker IDs, sound effects and music, like captions, in a subtitle file and style. Streaming services often ask for SDH where broadcasters ask for closed captions. Check your delivery schedule: it names which one it wants.

Uses of Closed Captioning

Language Learning Tool

Apart from placement, closed captioning is a great tool for any non-native English speaker who wants to learn the language. As closed captioning is much more detailed than subtitling, it gives the viewer complete information about a particular scene to learn or improve their knowledge of the respective language.

Absence of Sound

Closed captioning is also very helpful in sound-sensitive or noisy environments, from bars and restaurants to health clubs and airports. Closed captions help audiences understand what is happening on screen when either the background noise is too high or the TV volume is too low.

Improving Viewer’s Experience

Closed captions are best suited for heavily accented dialogue or lines that aren’t clear. They enhance the experience of the viewer by laying out everything clearly.

Broadcasters, producers, and video programmers are joining hands to provide a better experience of content to their audiences by incorporating closed captions and subtitles to reach a wider audience.

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