Top 8 Closed Captioning Services for 2023 – Reviews and Features

When you have limited time, adding captions to your videos can take too much effort and may not be worth it. That’s why it’s recommended to use a specialized closed captioning service, which can save you time and provide you with all the advantages of having captions.

With the advancements in technology, there are many closed captioning services available today, each offering unique features and benefits.

Closed Captioning Service – An Overview

A closed captioning service is a professional service that provides accurate and timely captions for video and audio content. Closed captions are textual descriptions of spoken content that appear on the screen, providing viewers with a transcript of the dialogue, sound effects, and music in real-time.

Closed captions are an essential tool for ensuring that video and audio content is accessible to a wide range of audiences, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, non-native speakers, or in noisy environments.

They use a combination of advanced speech recognition technology and human transcriptionists to create accurate and high-quality captions for various content types, including movies, TV shows, online videos, webinars, and live events.

8 Closed Captioning Services

Searching for the ideal closed captioning service can feel overwhelming, given the vast array of options available. It can be difficult to identify a service that suits both your requirements and budget.

In this list, we have compiled the top 8 closed captioning services for 2023 based on their reputation, quality, and affordability. These services offer a range of options to meet the needs of different industries and clients, from fast turnaround times to support for multiple languages.

1. Rev

Rev is a top-rated closed captioning service that provides accurate and affordable captioning services for a range of industries. They offer a fast turnaround time of up to 24 hours, making them an ideal choice for clients who need quick and accurate captions. They also support multiple languages and offer other services, such as transcription and translation.

Main Features

Fast, accurate, and customizable transcription options for various file formats
Option to choose between human and automated transcription methods
Option to request verbatim or non-verbatim transcripts
Accurate and customizable captioning/subtitling options for various video formats
Option to request closed or open captioning, foreign language subtitling, and custom formatting
Professional translation services for a wide range of languages
Option to add subtitles to videos or translate written documents
Professional editing services, including trimming, adding background music, and removing background noise
User-friendly platform for uploading files, monitoring progress, and downloading completed projects
Transparent pricing for all services with no hidden fees
Quick turnaround times for most services, with most transcription orders completed within 12 hours and captioning orders within 24 hours
24/7 customer support via email, chat, or phone to assist customers with any questions or issues.

Pricing

The cost of Rev’s transcription services depends on the type of service you choose. For human transcription, the fee is $1.50 per minute, while for automated transcription, it is $0.25 per minute. If you require translated captions, the price ranges from $5 to $12 per minute for global subtitles.

2. Amara

Amara is a leading provider of closed captioning services that uses advanced AI technology to provide fast and accurate captions. Their technology ensures that captions are of high quality and delivered quickly, making them a great choice for clients who need captions for live events or urgent projects.

Main Features

Advanced AI technology for fast and accurate captions
User-friendly platform for uploading files, tracking progress, and downloading completed projects
Customizable captioning options for various video formats
Support for multiple languages and customizable formatting
Option for closed or open captioning, foreign language subtitling, and custom formatting
Professional translation services for a variety of languages
Auto-captions with human proofreading are available at a lower cost
Affordable pricing options for various services with no hidden fees
24/7 customer support via email, chat, or phone to assist customers with any questions or issues.

Pricing
If you use Amara’s subtitle editor under the Amara Public plan, it is free of charge. Alternatively, you can upgrade to Amara Plus for $24 monthly for two users. For professional subtitling and translation services, the pricing starts at $2.50 per minute for video captions. If you are looking for a more affordable option, Amara also offers auto-captions with human proofreading at $1.25 per minute.

3. 3Play Media

3Play Media is a professional closed captioning service that provides high-quality captions for a variety of industries, including education, government, and media. They offer a fast turnaround time and guarantee accuracy, which is important for clients who need captions for legal or compliance reasons.

Main Features

High-quality closed captioning and transcription services for a variety of industries.
Customizable transcription options for various file formats.
Multiple transcription methods available, including automated and human transcription.
Accurate and customizable captioning/subtitling options for various video formats.
Option to request closed or open captioning, foreign language subtitling, and custom formatting.
Professional translation services for a wide range of languages.
Option to add subtitles to videos or translate written documents.
Professional editing services, including trimming, adding background music, and removing background noise.
User-friendly platform for uploading files, monitoring progress, and downloading completed projects.

Pricing

Under 3PlayMedia’s individual plan, you can pay as you go for express captioning and transcription services at a rate of $2.95 per minute.

4. Captionmax

Captionmax is a full-service captioning provider that offers closed captioning, subtitling, and audio description services. They provide customized solutions that meet the specific needs of their clients, making them a good choice for businesses or organizations with unique requirements.

Pricing

Captionmax does not provide standard pricing on their website and instead offers customized pricing based on the specific needs of each organization. Interested customers can contact them for a personalized quote that takes into account factors such as volume, services, and turnaround time. This approach ensures that clients receive the best possible rates tailored to their unique requirements.

Main Features

Closed captioning services for television, film, streaming media, and other video content
Subtitling services for video content in a variety of languages
Audio description services to make video content accessible to blind and visually impaired viewers
Customizable solutions to meet specific client needs
Expertise in various industries, including entertainment, education, government, and more
Accurate and high-quality captions and descriptions delivered in a timely manner
Advanced technology and software used to ensure quality and efficiency
Competitive pricing with transparent fees and no hidden costs
Dedicated customer support team available to answer questions and provide assistance throughout the captioning process.

5. Vitac

Vitac is a leading provider of closed captioning services that offer fast and accurate captioning for TV networks, online video platforms, and other media outlets. They offer a variety of captioning options, including live captioning, post production captioning, and offline captioning, making them a versatile choice for clients who need captions for different types of content.

Main Features

Fast and accurate closed captioning services for TV networks, online video platforms, and other media outlets
Variety of captioning options, including live captioning, post production captioning, and offline captioning
Customizable caption styles to meet the specific needs of clients
Advanced technology for speech-to-text transcription and captioning
Experienced team of certified captioners who can accurately caption in real-time or in post-production
Compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) captioning regulations for broadcast television
24/7 customer support for any questions or concerns about captioning services.

Pricing

To obtain pricing information for VITAC’s captioning services, you will need to contact them directly.

6. CaptioningStar

CaptioningStar is a captioning service that offers a variety of captioning options, including real-time and emergency-live captioning, open captioning, and more. They support various video formats and integrate with popular platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. The service offers both automatic and manual captioning options for faster or more accurate results. Additionally, they ensure a quick turnaround time with a 99% accuracy guarantee and a 24/7 team of professionals.

Main Features

The service offers captioning for both English and Spanish.
Live stream captioning is supported by CaptioningStar.
Uploading video files is made easy by the platform.
Customers can enjoy 24/7 support.

Pricing

To use CaptioningStar, you can expect to pay $1 for each minute of transcription, $2 per minute for captioning, and $2.75 per minute for both transcription and captioning. If you have a large number of video files, you may be eligible for customized discounts.

7. Dotsub

Dotsub is a professional closed captioning service that offers captioning and subtitling in multiple languages. They provide a web-based platform for easy file uploading and quick delivery of captions, making them a convenient choice for clients who need captions for a range of content types.

Pricing

To know the cost of Dotsub’s captioning services, you must reach out to them directly.

8. GoTranscript

GoTranscript is a professional transcription and closed captioning service that offers fast and accurate captioning for a range of industries. They provide affordable pricing and a user-friendly platform for easy file uploading and management, making them a good choice for clients who need captions for multiple projects or ongoing work.

Main Features

Specialization in niche areas such as legal and medical material
Multilingual translation capabilities
iPhone app for transcribing voice memos
Human transcriptionists with careful reviews and quality assurance

Pricing

GoTranscript’s pricing is dependent on several factors including chosen turnaround time, language, and the duration of the audio to be transcribed. For instance, for audio under 2500 minutes with a 5-day turnaround, the cost is $1.43 per minute. Alternatively, for a 1-day turnaround for the same amount of audio, the cost is $1.98 per minute.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Closed Captioning Software?

When choosing the best closed captioning software for your needs, there are several factors to consider.

Accuracy

Accuracy is essential when it comes to closed captioning, as even minor errors can significantly impact the meaning of the content. When choosing a closed captioning software, look for one that uses advanced speech recognition technology and employs skilled professionals to ensure that the captions are as accurate as possible. Some software also includes quality control measures, such as multiple levels of review, to catch any mistakes before the captions are delivered.

Speed

Speed is a crucial consideration, particularly if you need captions for time-sensitive content. Look for software that can produce captions quickly without sacrificing accuracy. Some software offers real-time captioning, which can produce captions in real-time as the content is being created or broadcast.

Ease of use

Closed captioning software should be easy to use, even for individuals with limited technical skills. Look for software that offers intuitive user interfaces, simple installation processes, and clear instructions for use. Some software also includes automated workflows and pre-built templates to streamline the captioning process.

Caption customization

Customization is essential to ensure that your captions are clear, legible, and accessible. Look for software that offers a range of customization options, including font size and style, color, and positioning. Some software also includes advanced features, such as caption synchronization with video and the ability to add speaker identification and sound effects.

Language support

Closed captioning software should support multiple languages to cater to global clients. Look for software that offers a wide range of language options, including less commonly spoken languages. Some software also includes automatic translation features, which can translate captions from one language to another in real-time.

Cost

The cost of closed captioning software can vary widely, depending on the features and level of service offered. Look for software that offers transparent pricing plans with no hidden fees. Some software also offers tiered pricing plans that allow you to choose the features that best meet your needs and budget. Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best, as accuracy and quality should always be a top priority.

Compatibility

Closed captioning software should be compatible with the platform or device you’re using to create or display your content. Look for software that offers a wide range of compatibility options, including popular video editing software, streaming platforms, and mobile devices. Some software also includes APIs and integrations that allow for seamless integration with your existing workflow.

Customer support

Customer support is essential when it comes to closed captioning software, as technical issues can arise at any time. Look for software providers that offer reliable and responsive customer support, including email, phone, and live chat options. Some software also includes online help centers, tutorials, and user communities that can provide additional support and guidance.

When evaluating customer support, consider factors such as response times, availability, and expertise. A good software provider should be able to help you quickly resolve any issues or concerns that arise during use.

Advantages of Closed Caption Services

Using closed caption services has numerous benefits for both content creators and viewers. For content creators, closed captioning can improve the accessibility and reach of their content, allowing them to connect with a wider audience.

Closed captions also provide a more inclusive viewing experience for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as non-native speakers. In addition, closed captions can help with SEO by making video content more searchable and discoverable on search engines like Google.

For viewers, closed captions can improve comprehension and retention of information, especially for those who struggle with auditory processing or have a hearing impairment.

Closed captions can also improve the overall viewing experience, making it easier to follow along with the dialogue and understand the context of the content. Furthermore, closed captions can be a valuable tool for language learning, as they provide a written transcript of spoken content, which can be useful for learning new vocabulary and improving language skills.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, closed captioning services are vital in making video and audio content more accessible and inclusive. When choosing a closed captioning service, it’s important to consider various factors such as accuracy, turnaround time, compatibility, customer support, and cost to ensure that you choose a service that meets your specific needs.

The top 8 closed captioning services for 2023, including Rev, Amara, 3Play Media, Captionmax, Vitac, CaptioningStar, Dotsub, and GoTranscript are all great options for content creators and viewers who require high-quality captions, reliable customer support, and a range of features to enhance their overall experience.