Welcome to this deeper-dive series of blog posts! I’ll be digging in to some accessibility topics that relate to my presentations on accessibility, with the goal of providing you with information and resources to make your workplace more accessible. The third post in this series is on Writing Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Descriptions. (Did you miss the others on ALT Text and Readability?)
What are Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Descriptions?
This article dives into the world of accessible multimedia, focusing on three key components: captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions. We’ll explore what they are, what makes them good, and how you can practice creating them.
What Are Captions?
Captions are synchronized text displays that appear on screen with a video, presenting dialogue and any sound effects. They are crucial for viewers who are deaf or with other hearing impairments, but also benefit many others, such as those watching in noisy environments or language learners.
Closed Captions? Open Captions?
Closed Captions are the most common type. They can be turned on or off by the viewer depending on their needs. Closed captions are stored in a separate file from the video itself, and are usually indicated by a “CC” symbol on the screen or within a media player. Many devices and platforms allow users to modify the captions, such as choosing the language or the appearance con screen.
Open Captions, by contrast, are “burned in” to the video, meaning they are a permanent part of the video file and cannot be turned off or modified. This style of captions is more popular on social media platforms that do not support closed captioning.
What’s A Transcript?
A transcript is a full text version of the audio content in a video or audio-only media. It includes spoken dialogue, speaker identification, descriptions of important sounds, and timestamps. Transcripts are essential for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who prefer to consume information in text format.
What Are Audio Descriptions?
While captions and transcripts are most often used by those with hearing impairments, audio descriptions assist visually impaired viewers. Audio descriptions provide narration of key visual elements that aren’t conveyed through dialogue alone. This could include descriptions of actions, settings, facial expressions, and body language.
What Makes Good Captions, Transcripts, and Audio Descriptions?
By creating high-quality captions, transcripts, and audio descriptions, you can make your multimedia content accessible to a wider audience and promote inclusivity. Follow these best practices:
- Accuracy: Ensure the text accurately reflects the spoken words and sound effects in captions and transcripts. For audio descriptions, strive for clear descriptions that paint a picture without being overly verbose.
- Conciseness: Keep captions concise and easy to read on screen. Aim for short, grammatically correct sentences in transcripts. Time audio descriptions appropriately, avoiding talking over dialogue or important sounds.
- Readability: Use clear language that is easy to understand. Avoid jargon and technical terms for captions and transcripts. Audio descriptions should use neutral and objective language.
- Formatting: Follow recommended formatting guidelines for each type. Captions should be properly formatted for display size and reading speed. Transcripts benefit from clear speaker identification and timestamps.
How Can I Practice?
The best way to practice is just to try! Start with a short video or podcast you already enjoy and try creating captions or transcripts to practice accuracy and timing. If the media author provides captions or transcripts, compare your results to the author’s. Once you’re a bit more confident in your skill, look for volunteer opportunities – many educational or non-profit organizations that create content seek volunteers to create captions and transcripts.
I Need a Checklist!
Click the checklist image below to download a PDF version.
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