Transcripts refer to the process by which audio is converted into written text, whereas captions divide the transcript text into time-coded chunks, known as “caption frames.” Though transcription forms the basis of captioning, each process has respective use cases. While transcription can be used to make audio-only content accessible, accurate closed captions are legally required to make videos accessible.
What are transcripts?
Transcripts are textual alternatives for audio. This can be a podcast, or for the audio portion of multimedia content like movies, streaming videos, and television broadcasts. Text based transcripts include the dialogue and related sounds presented in those formats. Transcripts provide alternatives or enhancements for auditory, visual, and cognitive abilities.
- What is a verbatim transcript? A verbatim transcript duplicates the audio word-for-word (including all utterances and sound effects) and is usually most beneficial for scripted speech like, a TV show, movie, or skit.
- What is a clean read transcript? A clean read transcript edits the text to read more fluidly and is better for unscripted content like, interviews & recorded speaking events.
What are captions?
Captions are a special type of transcript that is synchronized to video content. The spoken word is displayed as text on the screen. Like transcripts, captions can include names of those speaking as well as relevant sounds. Captions provide alternatives or enhancements for auditory and cognitive abilities, and they are also helpful for understanding different languages and accents.
- What’s the difference between closed captioning and open captioning? There are two types of captions: closed captions and open captions. Closed captions can be turned on and off by users, while open captions are always visible on the display or screen. Use of closed captions is preferred because it gives users a choice of viewing captions or not. The on or off functionality is not available for open captions, which are burned into the video. Open captions can be distracting to those with cognitive disabilities since they may block what is happening on the screen. Open captions can also be difficult to read if the video is blurry. Open captions are okay if they are the only means available for captioning, however, closed captions are always the best option.
- What’s the difference between captioning and subtitles? Subtitles refer to any captions presented in a language other than the one that is being spoken on a video.
Information taken in part from The Texas A&M University System EIR Accessibility Awareness training and 3playmedia blog.