What Is Localization (for Video and Subtitles)?

Direct definition

Localization adapts media for another language and market. For video that may mean translated subtitles, dubbed audio, or culturally adjusted on-screen text. It is broader than word-for-word translation.

The sections below explain how localization is used in transcription and subtitle work, what people often mix up, and which VideoText workflow applies when the next step is a file or review pass.

Key takeaways

• 3Play’s 2024 survey found subtitling was the most common localization method among respondents.
• Preserving cue times is part of subtitle localization quality.
• Subtitle localization keeps cue times and adapts the words for another market.

Localization vs transcription

Transcription writes down the source language. Localization starts from that meaning and produces a target-language experience. Doing both is two jobs.

Related terms

• multilingual transcription
• subtitles
• forced subtitles
• All glossary terms

Sources

1. 3Play Media: 2024 State of Captioning Report (localization chapter)