What's the difference between subtitles and closed captions?

Subtitles translate dialogue from one language to another; closed captions include dialogue transcription plus sound descriptions (e.g., [door slams], [music playing]) for deaf/hard-of-hearing audiences. Captions require more detail and are often longer per line. Use "subtitles" for foreign-language translation, "captions" for accessibility compliance.

How much does professional subtitling cost per minute?

Professional subtitling typically costs $0.50–$2.00 per minute depending on language pair, complexity, and provider. English-to-Spanish or French averages $0.75–$1.25/minute; rare languages or specialized content (medical, legal) cost $1.50–$2.00/minute. Volume discounts apply to projects exceeding 50+ hours.

How long does subtitling take?

Standard turnaround is 3–7 business days for most providers, depending on video length and language. Rush services deliver in 24–48 hours at 25–50% premium. Amara (community-driven) may take weeks depending on volunteer availability. Enterprise contracts often include guaranteed SLAs.

What file formats do subtitling companies deliver?

Most providers deliver SRT (SubRip) as default; premium services also offer VTT, TTML, ASS, and platform-specific formats (Netflix, YouTube, Vimeo). Ask providers to confirm format support before hiring. Ensure subtitle files are compatible with your editing software or content management system.

Can subtitling companies handle multiple languages simultaneously?

Yes, professional companies like Pangea Global, Voxpow, and 3Play Media handle simultaneous multilingual subtitling for global releases. Submit one master video; they produce subtitles in all required languages with consistent timing and quality. Integrated dubbing services (Voxpow, Power of Babel) can synchronize audio and subtitle versions.

Which subtitling company is best for compliance (ADA, WCAG)?

3Play Media specializes in accessibility compliance, offering ADA-certified closed captions, SDH subtitles, and audio description services. Verbit and Pangea Global also provide compliance documentation. Enterprise customers requiring legal audit trails should prioritize ISO 9001–certified providers with documented QA workflows.

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