As soon as the first "voiced" video appeared, it became crystal clear that it was necessary to find a way to make it accessible to global audiences. Two main approaches were developed: subtitles vs dubbed content. Both have their benefits and drawbacks.
No one doubts that any international film aimed at international distribution should be translated. The final choice of the method depends on various factors: the target language's popularity and complexity, the local preferences, the budget, etc.
The following material will focus on various aspects of both approaches. We'll provide you with a full guide on creating subtitles and dubbing to help you enhance your experience and increase your content's visibility.
- Understanding dubbing and subtitling
- Subtitling vs dubbing: Key differences
- Subtitles vs dubbing: Benefits and considerations
- Choosing between subtitles or dubbing
- Creating subtitles for video content
- How to make subtitles in Clideo
- How to make AI dubbing in Clideo
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Understanding dubbing and subtitling
Dubbing and subtitling make content accessible to the target audience in different ways. Let's examine both notions more closely.
What are subtitles
Subtitles are text versions of the original soundtrack. They can be translated into a foreign language or not. In that case, we deal with SDH — Subtitles for the Deaf or Hard-of-hearing. In our context, we mostly mean the first option, the translated script of the original audio.
In the USA and Canada, we distinguish subtitles and captions. The latter also contain non-verbal sounds (such as expressions of feelings, important ambient noise, etc), speakers' identification, and even cultural context and comments with clarifications. In other countries, these terms are often used interchangeably.
Subtitles may be open or closed. The former are integrated into the video file and can't be toggled off. Even though it may seem to be inconvenient, in fact, it takes off the table any compatibility issues. Also, some types of video content (for example, educational videos in colleges funded on the federal level) should be equipped with open subtitles to follow the legal requirements.
Closed subtitles are saved in a separate timed text file. They can be modified, turned on, or off. They also enhance SEO visibility, as they are recognized by search engines.
What is dubbing
Dubbing is a process of re-creating a soundtrack "from scratch" in a target language. This way, an original language is replaced with a translation, but, ideally, emotions, intonations, and voice modulations stay the same. Moreover, the dubbed audio should be lip-synchronized, and the text should match the mouth movements.
Usually, this process involves voice actors and using costly recording equipment. On the other hand, due to technological advancements, modern TTS (text-to-speech) algorithms allow dubbing to be created at much less expense.
Subtitling vs dubbing: Key differences
- Subtitles are just an additional textual element to the original audio in the native language (also known as "source language"). Dubbing is a full replacement of the original dialogue with a new soundtrack in a target language.
- Subtitles (in contrast to captions) translate only the speech. Dubbing should be recreated as a whole thing, with all the non-verbal sounds of the original audio track, such as sighs, exclamations, etc.
Don't confuse the terms "dubbing" and "voiceover". The former is a full replacement of the soundtrack in the original language, while the latter is laying a new sound over the initial dialogue. Quite often, the viewers can still hear the original audio. Moreover, voiceover artists don't always imitate all the emotions and nuances, there can even be the same voice for both male and female characters.
The workflow comparison
The important note: by the time you start the translation process, your video should be fully done and edited, as any further changes will provoke intensive re-editing of the audio track and its script, re-synchronization, and other alterations.
The first stage is the same for both dubbing and subtitling workflows: analysis, evaluating risks, setting up a budget, target audience research, etc. On the basis of that data, one can decide which approach fits best.
Then the differences begin.
The subtitling process starts with spotting, or, in other words, thorough timing, defining the in and out points of each utterance. Then, one has to create a text transcription of the spoken part and translate it into a different language. At last, after careful revision and correction, a filmmaker or an audiovisual content creator can match both parts, resulting in a subtitled video. The original audio remains intact, so you don't have to invite sound engineers or other third parties.
The dubbing process is more complicated, expensive, and time-consuming. As soon as a translated version of the original dialogues is ready, you have to find and hire experienced voice actors, rent a studio with professional recording equipment, and a sound engineer, who will impeccably add a dubbed layer to the video.
Subtitles or dubbing: benefits and considerations
In the eternal fight "subtitles vs dubbed" both parties have strong advantages and weaker points to consider. Here we go.
Advantages and disadvantages of subtitles
Subtitles are overall cheaper, easier, and less time-consuming, so they may be the only accessible choice for aspiring vloggers tight on budget. Also, they have the following peculiarities.
Advantages
- Enhanced accessibility. Subtitles don't only make the foreign language content accessible to non-native speakers. They also appeal to local viewers with hearing impairments or those who want to watch movies with muted sound (for example, in a public place).
- Preserved authenticity. The viewers can hear the original spoken language, which may differ a lot from the target one. For example, Chinese is a tonal language, which makes its intonations untranslatable. It can be an integral part of the cultural experience while watching foreign language content.
- Integrity. While dubs are often modified for the sake of full lip sync, subs leave the sense of the original audio intact.
- Learning. Foreign language films with original actors' voices are a great way to start "hearing" a new language and enrich your vocabulary.
- Enhanced SEO. Closed subtitles are indexed by search machines.
- Availability even for the most specific and rare dialects. It may be a real challenge to find a voice talent for dubbing content into some vernacular. With subs, it's not a problem
- Cost efficiency. The price of one minute of transcription starts at $0, if you perform it by yourself, and reaches about $10 if you hire professional transcribers. The middle ground is using software, where you can choose the subscription that meets your needs the most.
Disadvantages
- Distraction. Subtitles are placed in the lower part of the screen, the viewers have to follow them and miss the real action.
- Limited functionality. Subtitles are not an option for fast-paced videos, as viewers will not have enough time to read the lines.
- Text expansion. If the words of the target language are much longer than their analogs in the original language, they will not fit in.
Advantages and disadvantages of dubbing
Dubbing requires more time, money, and effort. Sometimes it's really worth all the expenses, but each case is unique.
Advantages
- Enhanced accessibility. While subtitles make content more accessible for people with hearing impairments, dubbing does the same favour for those with dyslexia, visual impairments, or just viewers who prefer listening to reading.
- Better viewers' engagement. Without distracting factors and the fuss (one has to read quickly before the line disappears), people can focus on the action and plot.
- Augmented artistic value. With gifted voice talents and an outstanding sound editor's job, dubbing can even excel the original.
- Overcoming cultural sensitivity. What is considered to be common in one language may be unacceptable and offensive in another. Subtitles can't conceal the original performances with such elements, but dubbing can.
Disadvantages
- Cost. One minute of dubbing can cost up to $75.
- Necessity to hire voice actors and other specialists, and invest in studio and equipment rent.
- Quality dependence. The low audio quality and/or poorly translated text ruin the users' experience faster than no translation at all (they can always run the video on the platform with automatically generated subtitles)
Cultural considerations
Cultural factors play a crucial role in choosing the best localization method for foreign language films. Statistics reveal that in some countries, such as Germany or Mexico, the overwhelming majority of streaming services users prefer dubbing over subtitles. In Japan, the United States, and China, though, the situation is different: many viewers prefer original content with subtitles.
Even when you settle on one of the options, that's not the end yet. Each notion is interpreted in various locations differently.
For example, in Poland, dubbing usually doesn't include voice actors (except for cartoons and movies for younger audiences). Instead, there is a so-called "lector", one-voice-fits-them-all, who reads translated dialogues for multiple characters, both male and female, in an emotionless manner. The Polish audience is used to it and may even feel uncomfortable with "traditional" dubbing.
Choosing between subtitles or dubbing
Cultural context is an important, but not the only factor to consider when choosing the right option. Take into account also the following points:
Target audience
Not only does their country of origin matter, but you should also consider demographics. For example, young children are not able to read yet, so all animated films should be dubbed. Senior viewers may also have poor vision and prefer dubbing.
Target language
If it's character-heavier than the source one, subtitling will turn into a complex process with multiple technical side tasks. In such a case, it's better to replace the original audio track with dubbing.
Accessibility needs
Subtitles provide better accessibility for hard-of-hearing audiences. Dubbing is better for viewers with poor vision or reading problems.
Content type
The entertainment industry usually has enough time and money for full-scale dubbing, while live-action transmissions, especially breaking news, don't have such a luxury and have to deal with subtitles.
On the other hand, fast-paced videos are usually fitted with dubs as viewers don't keep pace with subtitles.
Budget and production time
Voice actors, a recording studio, and professional equipment are expensive. If you are tight on budget and time, subtitles will bring you revenue much faster.
Platform
Each video hosting platform has its specifications to meet. Check them out and decide what is faster and easier in your case.
Creating subtitles for video content
Creating subtitles can significantly enhance your content's accessibility and reach. Here are several important points to consider while creating subtitles.
- Translation quality matters. Mind that some viewers can understand the original audio, and they will spot any inconsistencies and distortions.
- On the other hand, the translated text should also include local cultural references, so 100% faithful translation is not always possible.
- Before creating a transcript, one should deeply analyze both the source material and market needs.
- Revision makes perfect.
If you're looking to make the process smoother, consider using a Clideo online tool. With its help, you can subtitle your video in the same language or translate the transcript into a different language of your choice in a couple of clicks. Or you can even add an AI voiceover to replace the original audio track.
How to make subtitles in Clideo
Open Video Translator in any browser and upload a video file from your device or cloud storage account.
For translating spoken language, set up the source and target languages. The translation process may take up to several minutes, depending on the video's length.
Revise the subtitles and, if needed, save them separately as a TXT or an SRT file.
Export the video if you want to download it with embedded subtitles.
How to make AI dubbing in Clideo
To additionally create an AI voiceover, open the settings (the gear icon) at the bottom and make sure the "Change speech" toggle is on. Choose the AI voice for reading subtitles in a different language instead of the initial one.
Then export the video, with or without embedded subtitles.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it better to have subtitles or dubbed content?
There is no exact answer, it depends on your audience preferences and other factors.
What is the difference between dubbing and subtitling?
Dubbing replaces an audio track with a new one in a preferred language. Subtitles retain the original voicing and keep cultural authenticity.
Why are subtitles and dubs different?
Dubbing and subtitling are different in nature. The former is a totally new soundtrack, the latter is a text translation of the dialogues.
Why is dubbing considered better by some viewers?
Reading subtitles may be challenging for younger kids, people with dyslexia, and other reading problems.
What are the main challenges in the dubbing process?
Mostly financial. A dubbing session may cost up to $75 per minute.
Conclusion
Dubbing and subtitling are two main approaches for translating foreign films. The localization process and the final choice depend on various factors: cultural considerations, video content type, and even the country. While Chinese viewers mostly prefer subtitles, the Germans opt for dubbing.
Choose wisely and use the right tools that fit your goals!
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