Captioning Tipsheet
Here are some helpful tips for captioning videos.
General Tips
- Every word is displayed, including relevant interjections
- Use proper punctuation and grammar.
- Use no more than two (2) lines at a time, if possible.
- Captions should be well synchronized with video.
- Captions should display for a minimum of two (2) seconds; aim for three (3) seconds.
Proper Identification
Identify Speaker
- Introduce a speaker when they begin talking or making a noise.
- Indicate speaker when the speaker changes, i.e. a dialogue.
- Use a colon (:) to separate name and text.
- Use the name appropriate for the content.
- Informal: Use full name to introduce, and use just the first name after that
- Formal: Include titles. Use full name to introduce, then title and last name after that. Ex: "Dr. Smith"
- Informal: Use full name to introduce, and use just the first name after that
Example Identification of a Speaker:
John: NYU has fantastic programs!
Mary: [hums in agreement] It sure does!
Identify Sounds
- Any sounds that add to the video's:
- Aesthetics
- Meaning
- Message
- Aesthetics
Ex. [audience applauds]; [Mary sighs]; [car honks]; [thunder]
- Identify Tone of Voice:
Ex. [wryly]; [yelling]; [whispering]
Identify Music
At the very least indicate [Music] when it is playing.
- If the song type adds to the video meaning, then indicate the type:
Ex.[somber music]; [swelling orchestral music]; [ominous music] - If you can identify the song, then do so:
Ex. ["Thriller" by Michael Jackson] - Put music notes around lyrics (windows: alt + 14; mac: use character palette)
Ex. ♫ Backstreet's back, alright ♫
Examples of Captioning
Great Example
Good example
(Acronyms such as VO are not clear)
OK Example
(missing speaker, and lines are too long)