uStudio allows you to provide closed captions and subtitles for videos in the desktop streaming app and embedded players. To enable your audience to view these captions or subtitles, an administrator must upload a transcript file, known as a WebVTT file, to the uStudio Platform Administration tool (the Hub).
In this article, we will guide you through the process of generating, editing, and uploading WebVTT files, and explain how audience members can view closed captions or subtitles during video playback.
Note: Closed captions and subtitles are configurations per Studio. If you need either turned on for your Studio, please contact support@ustudio.com.
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Definitions
The difference between closed captions and subtitles
The primary difference between closed captions and subtitles lies in their purpose and content. Closed captions are designed for accessibility, providing a complete text representation of all significant audio elements in a video, which helps viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Subtitles, on the other hand, focus solely on translating or transcribing spoken dialogue, aiding viewers who do not understand the spoken language or prefer to read the dialogue.
What is a WebVTT file?
A WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks) file is a type of text file used to display subtitles and captions for video. These files enable viewers to see the dialogue and other relevant audio information as text on the screen, enhancing accessibility and comprehension.
WebVTT files contain precise timing information that tells the video player when to display and hide each line of text. When a viewer plays a video with an associated WebVTT file, the video player reads the file and overlays the text onto the video at the specified times. This process allows viewers to read along with the dialogue or access additional information, such as sound effects or speaker identifications, in real-time.
Content creators or administrators create WebVTT files. uStudio administrators manage WebVTT files in the uStudio Platform Administration tool (the Hub) to allow the audience to view captions or subtitles in video players.
Creating and uploading closed captions/subtitles
Generating a WebVTT file
Our Platform can automatically generate an English transcription file for your content. Please inquire support@ustudio.com for enabling Auto-Transcriptions. You may also use other tools to generate these files.
Editing a WebVTT file
You can edit WebVTT files in any text editor you like (e.g. Notepad, Microsoft Visual Code, etc.). When editing WebVTT text make sure to adhere to the standards as discussed here. Then check the text with this validator to ensure there are no formatting errors. Here is an example of proper WebVTT text in a file:
Once you’re satisfied with the WebVTT text, you’ll want to save the file with the extension .vtt. Most text editors have a File toolbar where you can Save As. Here, you’ll be prompted to select a directory, set File name as “name.vtt”, and set Save as type to “All Files (*.*)”.
If your text editor doesn’t allow you to save a file as .vtt, then you can convert the file extension when renaming a file, as long as the file is plain text to begin with. For example, you can convert “name.txt” to “name.vtt”. To do this, right-click on the file and select Rename and begin changing the file extension. This may not work in all cases. It’s possible an error in the file can occur.
Uploading a WebVTT file to uStudio
If your studio has been configured with Closed Captions or Subtitles, then when you edit a video in HUB, you’ll be able to upload WebVTT files as follows:
Initially, videos that don’t have subtitles or closed captions will have an up-arrow button or the “Upload Caption” button available. Click these buttons to upload a new WebVTT file to the video as an asset.
Otherwise, you’ll see the button that looks like two arrows around a circle to overwrite the current WebVTT file with a new file.
If closed captions and subtitles are not configured for your Studio, please contact support@ustudio.com to have it enabled.
Downloading a WebVTT file from uStudio
If your studio has been configured with Closed Captions or Subtitles, then when you edit a video in HUB, you’ll be able to download WebVTT files when clicking the download arrow button.
If closed captions and subtitles are not configured for your Studio, please contact support@ustudio.com to have it enabled.
Deleting a WebVTT file from uStudio
If your studio has been configured with Closed Captions or Subtitles, then when you edit a video in HUB, you’ll be able to delete WebVTT files when clicking the trashcan icon.
Viewing closed captions and subtitles in uStudio players
If your studio has been configured with Closed Captions or Subtitles, then when you view a video in HUB, you’ll be able to toggle on the CC button. Videos that are played in video players with CC on, emit the Closed Caption file as shown below:
Videos that are played in video players configured with Subtitles and CC on, emit by default the Closed Caption file. You’ll notice there is now a drop-down to select which language you wish to see as Subtitles. See image below for details:
Videos that are played within our Podcast Web App with configured Subtitles and CC will you allow you toggle and select either CC or Subtitles options. See image below for details:
