Transcription + Subtitling: the essential combo for accessible and global content

Have you ever thought about how many people watch videos every day with the sound off? Or how many of them don't understand the original language of the content? In an age marked by the rapid consumption of information, the diversity of languages and the urgency of making content inclusive, the combination of transcription and subtitling has become an essential strategy for expanding the reach, efficiency and impact of videos, training and online courses.

More than a technical requirement, offering audiovisual accessibility is a decision that transforms the user experience, improves engagement and reinforces brand positioning on a global scale. If your content aims to reach different audiences, countries or realities, this combo is no longer an option, it's a necessity.

In this article, you will understand how this process works, where it can be applied and why it is crucial to invest in professional transcription and subtitling solutions.

What is transcription and why is it the starting point?

Transcription is the process of converting the speech contained in videos or audios into written text, in an efficient and structured way. It can be used in raw form (running text) or revised (with punctuation, line breaks and organization by time).

It is the starting point for:

• Production of subtitles based on the original audio;

• Creation of e-books, articles and supplementary materials;

• Indexing of content in search engines (SEO);

• Inclusion of people with hearing loss;

• Legal or academic documentation of training and meetings.

In online courses and institutional videos, transcription also helps to reinforce the spoken content, facilitating assimilation and revision.

Subtitling: the bridge between content and the world

Subtitling is the process of incorporating synchronized text into video, and can be:

• Intralingual: in the same language as the original audio (e.g. Portuguese to Portuguese).

• Interlingual: with translation (e.g. English into Portuguese).

This goes beyond translating words. It requires rhythm, cultural adaptation and respect for the timing of speech. Bad subtitling compromises the clarity of the content and creates communication noise.

The main benefits include:

• Inclusion of people with hearing loss;

• Increase in viewer retention time;

• Expansion of the international reach of training and courses;

• SEO optimization on platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo.

Studies show that videos with subtitles have up to 80% more retention than videos without them. In other words, in addition to accessibility, subtitles bring concrete results.

Practical applications: where to use the transcription + subtitling combo

1. YouTube and social networks

With the growth in the consumption of videos with the sound off, subtitles and transcription are essential to ensure understanding and engagement.

They also help the video rank in search engines.

2. Online courses and corporate training

Regulations such as the Brazilian Inclusion Law (Law No. 13.146/2015) require accessibility measures for corporate and educational environments. Transcription and subtitling make content more inclusive and prepared

for multilingual teams.

3. Events, congresses and lives

For international or diverse audiences, subtitling based on transcription allows simultaneous or subsequent translation, facilitating understanding and broadening the reach of the event.

4. Academic and scientific material

Research, interviews, seminars and thesis defenses can be accurately recorded, transcribed and subtitled, ensuring accurate documentation and inclusion.

When the goal is to communicate clearly, reach different audiences and meet legal requirements, transcription and subtitling are not details, they are strategic differentials. The combo turns content into experience, and experience into results.

At Goal Translations, we offer complete and integrated solutions in transcription, subtitling and translation, with experienced professionals, personalized service and a focus on quality, agility and accessibility.

Your content deserves to be seen, understood and valued. Let's make it global?