Differences Between Captions and Subtitles: An Overview

In the realm of media consumption, two terms often used interchangeably are closed captions and subtitles. However, these two accessibility features serve distinct purposes and cater to different audiences.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that not every program or video has closed captions available. In most cases, what you see is subtitles instead. Subtitles, as we know, are text displays of spoken dialogue, intended to make content available in different languages. They are commonly used in videos on platforms like YouTube or TikTok, where viewers can click on automatically generated subtitles to watch videos without sound. On the other hand, subtitles are not designed for the hard-of-hearing community but for viewers in other languages.

Now, let's delve into closed captions. Closed captions include background sounds and indicate when speakers change by using their names or a "-" to note the change in who's talking. These captions are crucial for the hard-of-hearing community, ensuring they can fully enjoy and understand the content. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires all video programming distributors to provide closed captions.

One significant milestone in the history of closed captions was the 2022 Oscar for Best Picture, "CODA." This feature film was the first to be released to theaters with closed captions in the film reel. Prior to this, the first TV production with open captions on the television screen was in 1972, although the specific title or name of that production is not provided in the available search results. Open captioning is when captions or subtitles cannot be turned on or off by viewers; they are automatic. An example of this is Julia Child's 1972 cooking program, "The French Chef," which was the first TV program to air with closed captions appearing automatically on the television screen.

Recent popular media, such as the super-popular Korean series "Squid Game," has utilised subtitles for non-Korean-speaking viewers. While subtitles do not include background sounds like closed captions, they still play a vital role in making content accessible to a global audience.

In conclusion, while both closed captions and subtitles serve to enhance media accessibility, they cater to different needs. Closed captions are designed for the hard-of-hearing community, offering a comprehensive viewing experience, while subtitles are intended for viewers who speak different languages. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect these features to become even more sophisticated, ensuring that content is accessible to everyone, regardless of their hearing or language abilities.