Closed captions are written text versions of the spoken content in videos, typically displayed at the bottom of the screen. They're primarily used to improve accessibility for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but they also benefit anyone watching without sound. Whether you're building a video-rich website or trying to boost client engagement, closed captions are a small addition with a big impact.

What is the difference between closed captions and subtitles

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they’re not exactly the same. Subtitles assume the viewer can hear but might not understand the language, so they only translate spoken dialogue. Closed captions go further by including background sounds, speaker identification, and non-verbal cues (like [music playing] or [laughter]) to fully convey the audio environment.

Why closed captions matter in website design

If your website includes video content—like tutorials, interviews, or marketing clips—adding closed captions can dramatically improve user experience and accessibility. It not only makes your content more inclusive but also helps with SEO. Search engines can’t “watch” videos, but they can read text, and closed captions provide that indexable content.

How closed captions help with accessibility

Closed captions are an essential part of digital accessibility. Including them helps meet guidelines like WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and demonstrates that your brand values inclusion. Many users rely on captions to understand content in noisy or quiet environments, and captions ensure your content reaches everyone—regardless of hearing ability.

Tools to add closed captions

There are many ways to add captions to your videos. Some video platforms like YouTube offer auto-captioning, while others let you upload your own subtitle files. If you’re using an AI website builder like B12, you may be able to integrate video captions easily with built-in tools or plug-ins. Just be sure to review auto-generated captions for accuracy!

FAQs about closed captions

How do closed captions affect SEO?

Closed captions provide readable text for search engines, which helps your video content show up in search results and boosts your site's SEO.

Are closed captions required by law?

In some cases, yes. If your site falls under certain accessibility regulations (like for government or public institutions), you may be legally required to provide captions.

Do closed captions work on mobile devices?

Yes! Most modern video players and platforms support closed captions across desktop and mobile devices, ensuring a consistent experience for all users.

Can I auto-generate captions, or should I write them manually?

Auto-generated captions are a good start, but manual edits are often necessary for accuracy—especially with technical terms or unclear speech.

What’s the best file format for uploading closed captions?

Common formats include SRT (SubRip Subtitle) and VTT (Web Video Text Tracks). These work well with most video platforms and players.

Making your site more accessible with closed captions

Adding closed captions to your videos is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to improve accessibility and reach a broader audience. Whether you're trying to make your content more searchable or simply easier to understand, captions are a win-win. With tools like B12’s AI website builder and integrations for video hosting, it’s never been easier to create a more inclusive online presence.