Captioning Videos
Captioning gives users the option to include subtitles which usually display on top of video content. There is a difference between open and closed captioning. Open captioning means the wording is part of the video and cannot be turned off. Captioned videos are part of AODA compliance. Fines for non-compliance can be as much as $100,000 per day.
Other Considerations:
Do you know how to turn on captioning if you are playing a captioned video in class?
- See the other resources on this page for information.
Have you tested it using the close captioned feature (CC) on a media player?
- Make sure if you are incorporating captions that they line up or work in your videos. Note that automatic captions may require some editing.
Do you have a transcript of the video?
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Transcript tools: Otter AI transcript tool, transcripts in Zoom, and transcripts for Teams meetings
Have you checked the library to see if a captioned copy is available?
- If not, staff will often purchase one for the collection that is captioned and/or audio described.
Explore the captioning decision tree for more information on the next tab.
Does your video have captioning?
If yes: Excellent, your video is ready to share.
If no: AODA compliance requires captioning on all front-facing content.
What type of video is it?
If it is live for a class or event you can use the captioning features of your chosen software platform: Zoom captioning how-to and setting up captions in Teams.
If it is a pre-recorded video, are you the creator of this video?
If yes: Turn on or create captions in your chosen software platform. The following are popular options: How to add captions in YouTube, caption use in Kaltura, Zoom Transcripts, and Teams Transcripts.
If no: Contact a librarian for help or use another source with captioning.
Resources
- Mohawk College Library's Accessibility PageIncludes a list of video databases that have closed captioning available.
- Mohawk College: Captioning of Videos and Audio FilesEmployee resources for closed captioning.
- Web Accessibility Guidelines for VideosGuidelines for videos as outlined by AODA.
- Teams: Live captions in a Teams meetingHow to use the live captioning feature in Microsoft Teams
- Using audio transcription for cloud recordingsHow to use transcriptions in Zoom for recorded meetings and videos.
- Kaltura: Add and edit captions in a Kaltura videoHow to add, edit, and use captions in Kaltura.
Described video is used to narrate the visual elements of a video, which enables the listener to mentally visualize the scene. It can be accomplished in different ways. One way is to add the narration for use after the video has been created. Another is to include the descriptions in the scriptwriting process so that it is part of the dialogue rather than a narration over the script. This is known as Integrated Described Video.
- Described Video CanadaA Canadian company specializing in described video services. This website has samples of described videos.
- Zoom: Closed captioning and live transcriptionHow to set up live closed captioning and transcripts.
- How do you enable transcribing on Microsoft Teams?Source: Microsoft