Subtitling and voice over are techniques used when a video needs to be presented in a language other than the original language in which the video was recorded. Although these techniques have the same purpose, they differ in their strategy.
Subtitling
According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, a subtitle is: a printed statement or fragment of dialogue appearing on the screen between the scenes of a silent motion picture or appearing as a translation at the bottom of the screen during the scenes of a motion picture or television show in a foreign language.
Voice Over:
The Merriam Webster dictionary contains two definitions for voice over:
a : the voice of an unseen narrator speaking (as in a motion picture or television commercial)
b : the voice of a visible character (as in a motion picture) expressing unspoken thoughts
Subtitling and Voice over also differ in execution time, price, and methodology.
While Subtitling is basically a written translation timed on the video and requires the viewer to read the text, voice over is a timed interpretation or audio recorded translation made by a professional actor, and is recorded over the original audio of the video.
To best chose the best option for translating your video, you must consider a few aspects:
- Target audience: If you are presenting a children´s video for an audience of non-readers, probably you should not use subtitles.
- If you are presenting a video for the hearing impaired, you should probably not use voice over on your video.
- If your video is an x-box game to be launched in Latin America for the Christmas season, subtitling is probably not your best option.
For more information on how to chose the best option for the translation of your video, please call us at +1 (786) 328 1608 or write to info@trstranslations.com. Ask us, we are always happy to talk to you about your options and help you decide on the best possible strategy to fit your needs and budget.
Every single video is tailored to fit our client´s requirements.
