If you publish videos, you have probably seen these three terms used interchangeably. They overlap, but each one serves a different purpose. Choosing the right one affects accessibility, reach and viewer experience.
What are subtitles?
Subtitles display the spoken dialogue as text, usually in a different language from the audio. They assume the viewer can hear the sound but may not understand the language. A Hindi film with English text on screen is a classic example. Subtitles typically do not include sound descriptions.
What are closed captions?
Closed captions (CC) present the dialogue in the same language as the audio, and they also include non-speech information such as [music playing], [door slams] or speaker names. They were designed for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. They are called “closed” because viewers can turn them on or off. “Open” captions, by contrast, are burned into the video and cannot be switched off.
What is SDH?
SDH stands for Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. It is a hybrid: subtitles in the video’s format, but with the extra sound cues and speaker identification that captions include. SDH can be in the original language or translated. Streaming platforms often request SDH files in several languages.
Quick comparison
| Subtitles | Closed Captions | SDH | |
| Language | Usually translated | Same as audio | Same or translated |
| Sound cues | No | Yes | Yes |
| Main audience | Viewers who don’t understand the language | Deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers | Deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers, including translated versions |
| Can be turned off | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Which one should you choose?
Reaching a new language audience: choose subtitles. They let regional or international viewers follow your content without dubbing.
Making content accessible: choose closed captions or SDH. Accessibility is not only about compliance. Many people also watch videos on mute in public places, and captions let them follow along.
Distributing on OTT or international platforms: check the delivery specifications. Many require SDH or specific caption formats.
Social media videos: open captions often work best because many viewers scroll with the sound off, and platforms do not always support separate caption files.
Quality matters
Good subtitling is more than typing out what is said. It involves timing, line length, reading speed and natural phrasing. Subtitles that flash by too quickly or break sentences awkwardly frustrate viewers. In translation, idioms and cultural references need adaptation rather than word-for-word conversion.
Accuracy of names, technical terms and numbers is equally important, especially in training videos, corporate content and educational material.
Common mistakes
- Using auto-generated captions without review. They often miss accents, names and context.
- Ignoring sound cues when accessibility is the goal.
- Cramming too much text into one frame.
- Translating literally and losing meaning.
- Forgetting to check file format requirements before delivery.
A practical workflow
Start with an accurate transcript of the audio. From there, create captions in the original language, then translate and adapt them into your target languages. Finally, have a reviewer check timing and readability on the actual video.
Kumpenny provides transcription and subtitling services across multiple languages, so your videos can reach more viewers and be accessible to all of them.
Final word
Subtitles help people understand a language, captions help people access sound, and SDH does both. Pick the format that matches your audience and platform, and your video will work harder for you.
