We’re constantly scrolling and searching for suitable content that will satisfy our interests. But what do you do when you see a video in a language you don’t understand? Swipe, scroll down, exit, and go back. I suppose that these are the most common options.
People don’t have that much time on their hands these days. So believe me when I say, no one is grabbing a dictionary when they see a video without subtitles. Maybe your video has helpful information for everyone around the globe, but everything goes down the drain if you don’t make it accessible.
If you thought that subtitles are something that the older generation would prefer your conclusion would be wrong. According to a survey, 70% of Gen Z prefer to watch video content with subtitles.
And what is more important, all generations have pretty solid reasons to do so. Let’s find out how by just simply adding some subtitles to your content you can boost your website engagement.
With subtitles, people tend to stick around
When a person visits a website one of the main goals is to keep them there for a while. If you have video content that is hard to comprehend, it’s not in their language, or they are not in a situation to hear it, then you have one person less on your website.
The more accessible content you have the bigger the chances that people will stay and come back. Subtitles are a great way to avoid all sorts of obstacles that may arise while watching videos. Not to mention that today adding subtitles is easier than baking a pie.
Automatically add subtitles
By using the right tool you can automatically add subtitles to a video without moving a muscle. Just upload your video and subtitle file and your job is done. You don’t have a subtitle file? No, worries you can autogenerate subtitles with this tool.
Subtitles are essential and that’s why adding them is also much easier these days. Now, when you don’t have excuses about how adding subtitles is complicated we can move on to other benefits.
Universal content brings more audience
If you want your website to be visited by more people, you will have to make your video content more ‘user friendly’.
It should be harder to ignore and easier to engage with. The video will be more accessible with subtitles to:
- People with a hearing problem
- People who don’t understand the language
- People that aren’t in a position to play the audio
- People that prefer to read
People with a hearing problem
According to WHO, there are over 1.5 billion people around the globe that live with hearing loss. This number is constantly rising. Videos with subtitles will make these people’s lives much easier.
People who don’t understand the language
The world is a global village, but not all people will understand your language. To get more global customers and audiences to your website you need to ‘speak their language’.
You will not be just simply adding subtitles, you will be conquering new markets by getting closer to customers all around the world.
People that can’t play the audio
Imagine you are on the sub, and you don’t have headphones. Then an interesting video pops up, but you don’t want to be rude and play the audio.
This and many similar situations could be avoided with subtitles. It’s not hard to do the math. If you can’t hear it, read it.
People that prefer to read
Some people are not very visual. They prefer to read everything they see and the same thing goes for videos. If they can read while watching the content it will help them engage better with the subject you are trying to elaborate on.
66% of Netflix’s audience uses subtitles to better understand the storyline. So why would this be any different for your website videos?
Subtitles are good for your SEO rankings
Here are a couple of ways subtitles help your SEO rankings:
- Google pushes forward videos with bigger engagement: The views, the time spent on the page, everything is measured and ranked.
- It’s easier for Google to pick the right keywords: SRT and VTT format subtitles help you achieve this.
- It will help you boost your on-page ranking: Thanks to the subtitle Google can read semantic elements.
The right subtitles bring better reach on social media
“Extra, extra, read all about it!” It’s much easier when we can read it, right? When you get a bigger audience, more people visit your website and content, and in the meantime, Google boosts your rankings. It’s very logical that you will get popular.
People post, reshare, and like the content that pleases them. Subtitles are really a cherry on top when it comes to social media.
Adding subtitles means playing smart
Videos come from so many sources today, which means the competition is huge. If you want the content from your website to stand out, keep the old and attract a new crowd, you need to play smart.
Video subtitles are not anymore something that you should consider adding, it’s something you must add in order to thrive. It’s an advantage that can be easily added in a couple of simple steps.
With subtitles, you add context and value to your website. Also, you show respect for diversity. The impact of subtitles can only be positive, so I suggest you don’t waste your time and give your content a new dimension.
