How to translate a video: subtitles, dubbing or both.

There are three ways to translate a video: add translated subtitles, replace the voice with a new one, or do both. A tool gives you the text quickly. A studio gives you a finished film, where the script, voice, timing and on-screen text were adapted for the market and checked.

Languages and voices2 min readUpdated By the Video.app creative team

The three options

Subtitles keep the original voice and show a translation as text. They are quick, but the viewer must read.

Dubbing replaces the voice with a new one in the new language, either real voice talent or a synthetic voice. The viewer watches the film and listens.

Both together: subtitles for some markets, dubbing for others, or a dubbed film with subtitles for accessibility.

OptionWhat changesBest for
SubtitlesText onlyInterviews, social films, quick updates
DubbingThe voiceAds, brand films, training
BothVoice and textMarkets that expect either, accessibility

How to choose

Start with the purpose of the film. An ad or a brand film usually earns a new voice. A short update can live with subtitles. Then consider the habits of the audience, which differ by market. Finally think about how often the film changes: a film that is updated each month is a good candidate for a synthetic voice.

The steps to translate a video

Get the transcript of the original. Adapt it for the market, keeping the facts and the tone. Record or generate the new voice, or write the subtitles. Replace the words on screen. Finally check each version against the picture.

  • Transcript of the original.
  • Adapt the script for the market.
  • Voice or subtitles.
  • Replace the text in the picture.
  • Check each version.

What a tool does not do

A translation tool turns words into words. It does not adapt a script to the timing of a shot, choose a voice for a market, rebuild a title in the picture or take responsibility for the result. For a film that represents your brand, someone has to do those things.

How we do it

We offer all three options in every language and accent. The adapted script is approved by you, the voice is real talent or a synthetic voice as you choose, and every version is checked. The services pages explain what you receive.

Common questions

Is AI translation good enough?
For understanding a film, often yes. For a film that carries your brand, the text should be adapted and checked by a person.
Can I keep my own voice?
If you want the original voice, use subtitles. A new voice means different talent or a synthetic voice.
How many languages can I do?
Every language. Each is its own version.

Tell us the languages. We reply with the scope.

What it needs to achieve, where it will run and when you need it. We reply with the scope, schedule and quote.

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