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Open Captions

What does open captions mean?

Open captions are text descriptions of spoken dialogue and relevant audio cues that are permanently embedded into a video. Unlike closed captions, which can be toggled on or off by the viewer, Open captions are always visible and cannot be turned off. This ensures that all viewers see the captions, regardless of the platform or device used.

How do open captions work?

Open captions are "burned" into the video during the post-production process. This means the captions become a permanent part of the video image and are displayed consistently across all viewing platforms. Because they are embedded directly into the video, open captions do not rely on external files or specific media player support.

Open captions play a crucial role in making video content accessible to a broader audience, including:

  • Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing: Ensuring they can access spoken content without relying on sound.
  • Viewers in noisy environments: Allowing comprehension without needing to hear the audio.
  • Non-native speakers: Facilitating understanding of dialogue in a second language.
  • Platforms without caption support: Providing accessibility where closed captioning isn't available.

By embedding captions directly into the video, content creators demonstrate that their material is inclusive and accessible to all viewers.

FAQs about open captions

No, open captions are permanently embedded into the video and can't be turned off.

Not exactly. While both display text on the screen, subtitles typically represent only the spoken dialogue, often for translation purposes. Open captions include dialogue and important non-speech elements like sound effects, speaker identification, and music cues.

Open captions are ideal when:

  • The viewing platform doesn't support closed captions.
  • You want to ensure all viewers see the captions by default.
  • The content is intended for environments where audio can't be heard, like noisy public spaces.

If not properly encoded, open captions can affect video quality, especially when videos are compressed. It's essential to use high-quality encoding settings to maintain clarity.

Open captions can help meet accessibility standards, but some guidelines prefer closed captions because they offer user control and flexibility. It's important to consider the specific requirements of your target platform or audience.