Dubbing Voiceovers Or Applying Subtitles To Videos. Which Is Better?
When clients ask about “translating videos” into a new language there are generally two basic options. The first is applying target language subtitles for audio narration and translating on-screen text. The second is to record new audio in the target language(s) and dub the new audio content over the original audio.
Is one approach better than the other? The question can’t be answered unless we also consider the cost differences. Between the two options, applying subtitles rather than dubbing new audio is the less costly approach. Dubbing new audio content is often at least twice the expense compared to subtitles, due to the need to hire a professional voice talent. Subtitling involves only written text and so completely avoids the expenses associated with preparing new audio content in the target language(s).
The sequence of steps for each of the two approaches follows below.
For adding subtitles on videos:
- Acquire (if already exists) or prepare (transcribe) a written text file for all spoken language or on-screen text.
- Translate text into the target language using a professional human translator that’s native speaking in the target language.
- Perform proofreading on the translated text using a second linguist as a quality control measure.
- Apply the translated/proofread text to the video as subtitles or on-screen text.
For dubbing new audio to a video:
- Acquire or prepare (transcribe) a written text version for all spoken language or on-screen text.
- Translate text into the target language using a professional human translator that’s native speaking in the target language.
- Perform proofreading on the translated text using a second linguist as a quality control measure.
- Prepare a new audio recording by assigning a voiceover talent to record the finalized translated script.
- Dub the newly recorded audio voiceover to the video.
To receive information on professional translation services for videos (e.g., subtitling, captioning, dubbing) please contact us. To read further and to see examples of video translation projects click here.
