In today’s interconnected world, subtitles are not just a convenience—they are an essential tool for accessibility, language learning, and cross-cultural engagement. However, the effectiveness of subtitles depends on their readability. One of the most important factors affecting subtitle readability is the rate of characters per second (CPS). This article explores the importance of CPS in creating accessible and engaging subtitles, highlighting its impact on cognition, comprehension, and engagement impacts. It also provides best practices for ensuring optimal subtitle readability. Furthermore, we discuss how subtitling solutions and tools offered Amara.org, through the initiatives of the Participatory Culture Foundation, are helping to set and promote the importance of keeping good standards for subtitle creation and accessibility.
Subtitles serve multiple purposes:
- Accessibility: Subtitles make content accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Language Learning: They help non-native speakers understand dialogue and learn new languages.
- Cross-Cultural Understanding: Subtitles allow viewers to enjoy content from different cultures and in different languages, broadening their horizons.
- Silent Viewing: For those who watch videos in noisy environments or prefer to keep the sound off, subtitles are a lifeline.
1. The Importance of CPS in Subtitle Readability
Why Readability Matters
Subtitles serve a wide range of purposes. They make content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing, facilitate language learning, and provide access to foreign media. But for subtitles to be effective, they must be easy to read and understand, without causing fatigue or frustration. The speed at which characters appear and disappear from the screen plays a critical role in achieving this readability.
What is Characters Per Second (CPS)?
CPS measures the number of characters, including spaces and punctuation, that appear in subtitles per second. It is essential because it affects how easily a viewer can read the subtitles while also processing the visual and auditory elements of the content. A high CPS rate overwhelms viewers, while a low CPS rate can cause subtitles to linger unnecessarily, disrupting the flow of the video. Optimal CPS balances speed and comprehension.
2. The Impact of CPS on the Viewing Experience
Cognitive Load and Accessibility
If the CPS is too high, it increases the cognitive load. Viewers, particularly those who are deaf or hard of hearing, need time to read while also processing visual cues. High CPS rates force viewers to read quickly, which can be especially taxing for non-native speakers or those with cognitive impairments. An optimal CPS rate, between 12 and 17 characters per second, allows for a smoother reading experience and improves overall accessibility.
Comprehension and Engagement
Subtitles with high CPS rates have a negative impact on comprehension. Viewers may not have enough time to understand the meaning of the dialogue before the text disappears. This is especially challenging for people who rely on subtitles to understand the content, such as language learners. On the other hand, a manageable CPS rate increases engagement by allowing viewers to comfortably keep up with the text, fostering a better connection with the material.
3. Best Practices for Creating Readable Subtitles
Keep Subtitles Concise
The length of subtitles plays a direct role in maintaining a balanced CPS. Keeping subtitles concise, avoiding long sentences, and breaking down complex information into smaller, more digestible chunks ensures better readability. This keeps the CPS within an optimal range and prevents the viewer from feeling overwhelmed.
Synchronization and Line Length
Subtitles should be carefully synchronized with the dialogue, appearing and disappearing at the right time to match the spoken words. In addition, limiting the number of characters per line improves readability, especially on smaller screens, by keeping the text from filling the entire screen.
Conclusion
The readability of subtitles is a vital aspect of an inclusive viewing experience. Characters per second (CPS) significantly influence how accessible, comprehensible, and engaging subtitles are. By following best practices such as maintaining an optimal CPS rate, synchronizing subtitles with dialogue, and keeping text concise, content creators can ensure that subtitles contribute positively to the viewer’s experience.
As the demand for multilingual and accessible content continues to grow, the role of well-crafted subtitles becomes increasingly critical. Professional Captions Subtitles and Subtitling Editor solutions offered by Amara.org, supported by the Participatory Culture Foundation, are at the forefront of creating subtitles and tools that make audiovisual content accessible to everyone. Get in touch with us at client-services@amara.org to learn more about how you can use the Amara Editor to add subtitles to your media content or access our Professional Services that can help make your content accessible into more than 30 languages!
Article by Sebastião Nascimento.
