How to add captions or subtitles to your video on Vimeo

Science & Technology

Introduction

Adding captions and subtitles to your videos on Vimeo is a straightforward process that significantly enhances accessibility, expanding your audience reach. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it effectively.

Step 1: Access Caption Settings

  1. Find Your Video: First, locate the video you want to work with on your Vimeo account.
  2. Navigate to Caption Settings: Click on the video to open its settings page. Look for the option related to captions, often labeled as “Caption Settings” or “Closed Captions.”

Step 2: Enable Autogenerated Captions

  • Turn on Autogenerated Captions: If you choose to include autogenerated captions, enable this feature. Note that this is available only for users with a paid Vimeo account.
  • Language Detection: Vimeo will automatically detect the language of your video and provide autogenerated captions in that language. Supported languages currently include:
    • English
    • Spanish
    • French
    • German
    • Portuguese
    • Japanese
    • Korean

These autogenerated captions are usually enabled by default, but you can toggle them on or off as needed. Additionally, you have the option to download them to your computer.

  • Edit Autogenerated Captions: Keep in mind that while these autogenerated captions are powered by AI, they aren’t flawless. If you need to make edits, you can do so by using the transcription tab. For improved accuracy, consider ordering human-generated captions through the Rev integration in either English or other supported languages.

Step 3: Upload Custom Captions

If you have custom captions, follow these steps:

  1. Upload Caption Files: Click the plus (+) button and select your VTT or SRT file from your hard drive.
  2. Select Language: Specify the language of your captions.
  3. Choose Type: Indicate whether the uploaded files are for captions (in the same language as the video) or subtitles (translations of the dialogue).

Understanding Captions vs. Subtitles

  • Captions: These are in the same language as your video and are designed for viewers who may be watching without sound or have hearing impairments.
  • Subtitles: These are translations of the dialogue into another language.

When selecting your files, make sure they are toggled on, ensuring that viewers can access them while watching the video.

Conclusion

Repeat this process for any additional caption files you have, and each will become available in the Vimeo player. By following these steps, your video will be much more accessible, benefiting non-native speakers and those with hearing impairments.

Keywords

  • Vimeo
  • Captions
  • Subtitles
  • Accessibility
  • Autogenerated Captions
  • Custom Captions
  • Language Detection
  • Hearing Impairments

FAQ

Q1: Do I need a paid Vimeo account to enable autogenerated captions?
A1: Yes, autogenerated captions are available only for users with a paid Vimeo account.

Q2: What languages are supported for autogenerated captions on Vimeo?
A2: Supported languages include English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Japanese, and Korean.

Q3: What is the difference between captions and subtitles?
A3: Captions are in the same language as the video, designed for viewers without sound, while subtitles are translations of the dialogue in a different language.

Q4: How can I edit autogenerated captions for accuracy?
A4: You can make quick edits using the transcript tab on your Vimeo video settings. For more accuracy, you can order human-generated captions via the Rev integration.