Subtitles for YouTube videos and more – how to prepare a translation? 

We live in a world of culture based not only on static images, but also on video. Funny videos, educational material or promotional spots for your favourite brands – we see them every day on social media and beyond. Today, video is one of the most popular forms of presenting oneself, and not just on the web. It is an integral part of training and courses that helps to focus the attention of the audience and listeners. 

Clear sound and an eye-catching images are not enough. In the case of foreign-language productions, a voiceover (or dubbing) will not always satisfy the viewer either. Thus, the subtitles are an important part of the movie production work. 

Transcription, or the ability to watch the movie under any conditions  

For Polish-language content that will be presented to the local market, the matter is simple. Transcription is nowadays a must for videos published on social media. It allows the material to be viewed without speakers or headphones when we are e.g., using public transport. 

Problems begin when it comes to translation of subtitles into a foreign language or even making several language versions. What to choose – an agency or an automatic subtitle translation software? Is the saved time worth sacrificing subtitle quality? 

You can find the answer to these and other questions below – here are the ins and outs of subtitle translation.  

Translation agency or (free) software based on artificial intelligence – which one to choose? 

Subtitles generated automatically in video editing software are created quickly. A few clicks, a moment of time and it’s done. But is it correct? Are such subtitles properly synchronised with the original audio and video? 

Translating film subtitles, however, is more than translating words. In order to translate content correctly, knowledge of more than just the spelling and grammar of the foreign language is needed. To reach the audience and be remembered (in a positive sense) it is essential to know the specific culture. 

It is therefore worth choosing a translator (native speaker), rather than automated software, to pick up the nuances in the original text. Translator will take care of the cultural context by making translations for the movies according to localisation rules. 

How are film subtitles produced at the translation agency?  

The video translation service for YouTube and beyond includes the translation of various types of content. We translate training courses, lectures, podcasts or promotional materials, including those used in social media.  

How does the client collaboration and translation process work in our office? It all starts with the uploaded file. We usually work in Polish-English/German language pairs (and vice versa), but we are happy to complete projects in any foreign language.  

Preparing subtitles for a film and location of the content viewer  

What file format do we hand back when the work is finished? It depends on the client’s needs and where the video will be published. In the case of YouTube, the client needs a SRT file. It allows usage of different subtitles, depending on the location of the viewer. English speakers will therefore not have to rely on German subtitles and they will choose their own language version to comfortably watch the movie. 

Regardless of the target language, we also take care to match the display time of the translated subtitles. Synchronization, much like linguistic correctness, is one of the most important elements of the translation quality assessment.  

Translation of subtitles for companies and individuals  

Creating subtitles, or rather translating them, is the first step of building reach with the help video content. They allow for consistent brand awareness in foreign online markets and translate into sales charts success. Synchronisation of subtitling and accuracy of translation are essential to achieve the desired goals in foreign markets.  

Whether you represent the e-commerce industry and want your video content to be marketing-oriented or provide video training using new technologies, we can offer a video translation service. 

Any language, any place – seize the opportunity for international streaming success. 

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