2. Video track

2.4. Subtitles

Subtitles describe acoustic information.

What is meant by this?

Subtitles should be used in videos to provide the spoken content in written form. These subtitles serve as visual support and reproduce the spoken text verbatim. If necessary, they can also describe background noises, music or other auditory information.

Why is it important?

The use of subtitles describing acoustic information supports staff, people who are dependent on visual information or require visual support to process information. This applies, for example, to people with hearing impairments who cannot or can only partially understand the spoken content, as well as staff, people with learning difficulties or cognitive impairments who benefit from additional visual cues.

How can I implement/check it?

To ensure that subtitles adequately describe acoustic information, the following measures can be taken:

  • Accurate transcription: Create an accurate transcription of the spoken content that includes background noise, music or other relevant auditory information.
  • Clear formatting: Make sure that the subtitles are clear and easy to read. Use an appropriate font size and colour and ensure sufficient contrast between the subtitle text and the background.
  • Timing and synchronisation: Make sure that the subtitles are displayed in sync with the spoken content and that they have enough time to be read.
  • Comprehensibility: Use a precise and appropriate subtitle that corresponds to the auditory information.