Netflix is revolutionizing the way subtitles and closed captions are presented to its TV users. Starting today, viewers have the choice between three different sizes and four styles/colors, allowing for a more personalized experience. Now, you no longer have to be limited by the default white text option – you can choose to drop shadow (white text with black background), light (black text with white background) or contrast (yellow text with black background) your subtitles to match your viewing environment perfectly. This updates will be available globally by the end of today so please bear with us while we transition!
Netflix’s decision to add subtitle and closed caption sizing and style options for members on devices like TVs is a welcome update for those who watch streaming content on large screens. This update makes it easier for viewers to access these features, especially since streaming continues to be the most popular way people watch video content. Additionally, eighty percent of Americans reported that they are more likely to finish a video with captions available, according to a 2019 study by Verizon Media and Publicis Media.
Currently, subtitle and closed captioning options on Netflix are quite limited. This can make it difficult for some viewers to get the complete viewing experience they deserve. In addition, not all titles offer subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH). Netflix is taking steps to improve this by introducing more styles, fonts, sizes and colors for subtitles and closed captions. This will make it easier for everyone to find what they’re looking for.
Do you want to watch your favorite shows, but feel like the subtitles are too small? Many streaming services allow you to change the size and style of their subtitles. This can give you a more professional look and make it easier for you to understand what’s being said. If a show is catering to an international audience, making sure that the subtitles are understandable could mean the difference between watching it or not.
Today’s Netflix update comes nearly a year after the streamer launched badges for audio and subtitle descriptions, as well as expanded to over 11,000 hours of descriptive audio in over 30 languages. This week, the company announced new features that will make it even easier for viewers to find and read those descriptions. Starting next month, Netflix will add a pop-up description option when users hover over dialogue or scenes in movies and TV shows. Additionally, viewers can now change the language of their subtitles with just a few clicks. With these updates and others on the way, it seems like Netflix is finally taking steps to fulfill its promise of providing “explicitly narrated” content.
