Closed captions are on-screen text descriptions that display spoken dialogue, identify speakers, and describe other relevant sounds for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They are synchronized with the video so viewers can access the content presented through sound. Closed captions can be toggled on or off by the viewer and often include customization options such as font, size, color, style, and placement. These captions can be generated through various methods, including CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation), human captioning, or automated AI, and can be used in both live and recorded events. They are typically embedded in media or displayed via a “CC” button on portable or stationary devices, providing flexibility and control for the viewer. Unlike open captions, which are permanently visible, closed captions are optional and user-controlled.
Glossary Term