Do Captions help in Search rankings?

What are captions?

Captions are the text version of the audio that is being spoken on any television screen. Usually captions are displayed at the bottom of the screen where it is lip synced with the people speaking during that particular frame. The sync is done within milliseconds of accuracy so that the viewers can connect to what the speaker is saying.  Captions are also called as subtitles.

Types of caption:

They are two types of caption. The fist type is called closed captions which is the most popular and commonly used among media and broadcasting companies. The second type of captions are called as closed captions. These were popular defacto format in the early days of cinemas, however it has been replaced by closed captioning.   The major technical difference between the two is that Open captions can be enable or disable using buttons on the TV remote. The benefit of this is that not all viewers would like to see the text being displayed at the bottom. With, closed caption, enable is disabling is not a choice as caption as always displayed. The flexibility of disabling does not exist. This system was popularly used in noisy and hard to hear environments such as trade shows, airports and even in areas where silence is required such as hospitals etc.  

What is Caption transcription?

The process of converting the audio into text is called as transcription. The process is completely done by hand. Assistance of transcription software’s such as Express Scribe is taken in order to process the digital audio file and reduce the speech rate such that it becomes comfortable for the transcriber to carry on with the typing process. An important part of audio video transcription is proofreading.  While proofreading, the person goes through a preliminary transcript and checks it for spelling mistakes, sentence structures, spacing, grammar etc. After this process is complete, the transcript is final and ready for delivery.

Do captions help in SEO? 

Captions greatly assist in SEO. Most digital marketers are unaware of this marketing method and hence it is not commonly used.  For quality video SEO, captions need to be added to a website containing the video and preferably on the same page. Search engine crawlers find it easier to index text. Hence, when captions are added as a transcript, act as a good indicator of what the video content is about. So during the keyword searches, videos with transcripts are more likely to show up with higher search rankings.

Apart from video, audio content also benefit from captions. Media such as podcast, seminars, conference calls and webinars can also be transcribed and the transcripts can be made publically available to the viewers.  Researchers also go this route and transcribe an interview so that the resultant text can be used in videos.

What Media can be subtitled? 

·         Podcast Captions: Subtitles can be embedded in both types of podcast i.e. audio and video podcast. However for best SEO results, it is necessary to include captions in a text format preferably on the same webpage containing the embedded media.  

·         Courses & Tutorials: Videos are a popular method for recording courses and training modules available online.  These videos can be transcribed and also translated. Translations are usefully for businesses which have an audience reach in multiple countries where English is not the primary language. Hence, translated videos can greatly assist in reaching worldwide customers.

·         Songs: Words sung by singer can also be transcribed and then synchronized frame by frame. Karaoke subtitles are a great example of this. Audiences can better connect to the song and enrich their listening experience. The main application lies in online music industry where producers and also radio stations can optimize their digital media such as songs, introduction music etc for better SEO.

6 benefits of captions:

1. Helps in Podcast SEO.
2. With translated captions, businesses can cater to customers from Non-English speaking countries.
3. Better appeal factor to videos.
4. Easy to understand technical jargons and words which otherwise could have been missed.
5. Captions can be compiled into a word doc and then archived.
6. Makes it easy to search text.
7. Useful in Co-citation and referencing purpose.

Summary: Captions can greatly assist in SEO.  However, most marketers don’t know how to make use of captions and subtitles and incorporate it into their digital marketing strategy.

Reference:  Visit Alltranscript.com's Smashword profile page.

About: Closed captions and open captions.

What is Captioning? 

When you see a TV video or a movie, sometimes you might have seen text being displayed at the bottom. This text is called as captions or subtitles. Captioning is converting the spoken voice into text and displaying it in a synchronized manner with the voice.  The transcription of digital files is done by a professional transcriber. 

Types of Captions: 

They are of 2 types – Open captions and closed captions.

What is Closed Captioning? 

In closed captions, the text that is displayed at the bottom of the television can be disabled or enabled. Hence the name ‘Closed’. Subtitles displayed at the bottom of the TV screens are an example of CC. In order to display the text, a decoder is required. The text is usually separate from the original video file. Closed captioning abbreviated as CC compared to Open Captions(OC) have become more popular today owing to its benefits. Companies such as Google for its video delivery network use CC. Recently they announced expanded the CC service into Google plus where users who hangout at Google+ will be able to have transcript of the spoken audio. Hulu another video CDN gives users the options to search captions.  Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated the requirement of CC as part of digital television. 

Who uses Closed Captioning? Some of the users of CC are:

1. Digital Video Content Delivery Networks such as Youtube, Hulu etc.
2. TV Broadcast stations
3. Radio Shows.
4. Video documentary makers
5. Podcast
6. Classrooms
7. Translation companies
8. Language coaches

Google+ Hangout is now Caption enabled

What is Open Captioning? 

In CC, the watcher or listener has the option to disable or enable the subtitle from being displayed on the screen. In an OC, there is no such options. It will always in display mode always. There are many benefits of open captions. One is, watching TV at noisy places such as airports, stations, waiting rooms and even at quieter places such as hospitals. Due to the noise levels, its hard to hear what the speakers are speaking. Hence with the help of OC one can listen to TV news or shows. Also, for activating a CC one may have to request the operator to enable captions, which is difficult for people watching video in public. An always ON Caption, there is no such need to ask to switch on the subtitles. 

With the advantages discussed above, OC has its disadvantages. For some people it might be a source of distraction and it can become a nuisance when disabling the rotating text is not possible.  

9 Benefits of Captioning:

1. Watch Videos silently by reading CC.
2. Anyone hard of hearing can watch a movie with the help of captions.
3. Watch videos in other languages using subtitles.
4. Captions help in SEO.
5. Archive CC into word transcripts citations and reference.
6. Display CC as Transcript just below the video.
7. Captions can be incorporated in Podcast in the form of transcripts..
8. CC help where the audio clarity is poor.
9. Helps in understanding heavy accent jargons and technical names.

TV at Airport

Who Uses Open Captioning? 

OC was popular at one time, however with the rise of digital networks such as Youtube,Hulu, Netflix and Vimeo, producers and media communication companies use CC  most of the times. The earlier applications of OC were seen TV shows, foreign language movies such as Spanish,French films,VHS tapes etc. 

Basic Steps of Captioning:   

There are 4 basic steps for displaying a subtitle starting with-

Step 1 is Transcription:  
Is the process of typing the spoken speech into text. The spoken audio or video is transcribed word for word by hand by professionals called transcriptionists. The draft or rough version of the transcript is prepared and then send to proofreading.

Step 2 of Proofreading: 
Is the process of checking the document for any errors in grammar, spellings, formatting, spacing and correcting it. Proofreading a document usually takes around 15% of the original time taken to transcribe the file. Its best to get the file proofread and checked for errors by someone other than the first transcriber. This yields higher accuracy rate. Once it’s done, the process of timecoding begins.

Step 3 is Timecoding: 
Each frame of video is identified in minutes,hours and seconds. A time code looks something like this- 01:08:33 which is HH:MM:SS (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)

In the process of timecoding, each speech by the speakers (however long or short it may be) is denoted by the start and stop of that particular speech. For example:

1

00:00:01,00 --> 00:00:08,90

Hi Daniele,Nice to hear your voice.

2

00:00:9,10 --> 00:00:11,90

Hey John, Thank you! How has your health been?

These codes are prepared for the entire duration for of the digital file and then complied in a word or notepad document.

Step 4 of Software coding: The above documents can then be loaded into a Subtitling software such as Swift TX or DVD Studio pro and then installed.

How much does it cost? 

Rates for subtitling are charged according to the lend of the audio or video. Since the process involves transcribing the digital file, proofreading it , timing it according to the speech and then coding using a suitable software, the cost can run in hundreds of dollars.  Rates start at US$ 3per minute and can go as high as 5 dollars.  Transcribing a 60 minute documentary will cost somewhere around 180 dollars if charged at US$3/Min. 

For foreign language captioning work such as Spanish translation or Mandarin Captioning, the digital speech will need to be translated first, then transcribed into English language following which it will be coded. Translating results in extra costs or around US2$/Minute.  Some popular types of non-english language translations are:

• Spanish translation
• German translation
• Mandarin translation
• French Translation
• Arabic translation
• Hindi  translation
• Urdu Translation
• Cantonese translation

Youtube CC: 

Accurate or not? YouTube transcribes and displayed the subtitles of videos using its proprietary algorithm. Though the softwares are technically sound, many times its seen that YouTube captions may not be accurate. Accuracy is highly dependent on the audibility and accent of the speaker. Since the launch of the CC service a few years ago, the software is able to understand more and more difficult words. Its expected that as times passes, the software’s capability will mature.

Users have the option to upload captions into Youtube. In order to do this, one needs to type the speech in notepad in number the lines. Then insert the corresponding time codes. The resultant text in notepad will look something like this:

1

00:00:01,00 --> 00:00:08,90

Hi, What did you learn today?

2

00:00:9,10 --> 00:00:11,90

Here is a simple guide on..

Youtube Captioning

5 Potential Application of Closed Captioning 

• People with hearing problem: CC’s are very usefully for people suffering from hearing problems. People can go and study in a classroom or watch entertainment shows without increasing the volume. For deaf people, it’s a boon and as very useful tool. 
•  Ipads and Smartphones: Ipad gives its users to enable CC so that people watching a video in silence zone or those who have difficulty in hearing can read the text. However, Captions are available for videos that come with a .Srt file. Similarly, one can use the same features in Android based tablets and smartphones.  

Watch Captions in Ipad

• Skype and Video Messengers:  Skype, a popular tool for VOIP can use captions for those require. Skype has a major user base of professionals conducting telephonic calls and video chats for business meetings. These meetings can be transcribed, set up with a caption and then be used for further usage. 

•  Language learning Classrooms:  Classroom teaching language courses can utilize captioning to a better extent. Videos and guided teaching using digital videos can be done using projectors containing subtitles. This can make learning easy and fun. Learners with English as Second language (ESL) find such methods of learning easier compared to traditional green-board teaching. Also, since digital videos and audio courses are portable in the form of CD/DVD’s, students can carry on their learning outside of classrooms. If needed, academicians and students can transcribe courses and include it as subtitles for the benefit of the classroom. The recent blog post guiding academicians on transcription discusses this.

Effective learning tools using Video PPT's

•     Digital Marketing and SEO:  In our recent blog post, we discussed methods for Podcast SEO. One such tip was to transcribe all podcast and incorporate the transcript on the same page. Many SEO professionals and digital marketing agencies still overlook this method of promotion. Most videos or podcasts that feature on a website do not come with a transcript. One benefits of having the video transcribed and putting the transcript on the same page is that it helps in quality SEO. Also, the transcribed version of the file can be converted into subtitles which can benefit viewers and podcast listeners. Podcast transcription and video transcription is highly recommended for SEO professionals.  

About the Author: 

George Wong, hailing from Chicago, USA is a transcriber by profession. He wrote this article for AllTranscript.com blog. George has been working on transcription and captioning projects for the past 3 years. His experience includes transcription, proofreading and captioning. His favorite type of transcription is Podcast Transcription. 

About AllTranscript.com Inc: 

Alltranscript.com Transcription Inc (@Alltranscript), a company that specializes in digital transcription services. Services also include captioning services such as Closed captions and Open captioning.  All backend typing work is done by experienced transcriptionists. USP of Alltranscript.com: Accurate transcription services made affordable. 

How To: Recording and Transcribing Academic research interviews into word docs

Academic transcriptions can be classified into 3 types: Thesis, Dissertations and Lectures transcription. Academic transcription or AT are services that are tailor made for University faculty members and scholars. Recording interviews or discussions form the very heart of thesis process when it comes to collecting data. These interviews are then analyzed by first putting them into a typescript, and going the doc over and over again. Useful data is extracted and then merged into the research content.  Before converting the audio into text, the interviews have to be recorded and then typed out. Below is some information regarding how to transcribe audio: 

What is a Thesis Report? 

A dissertation or thesis report is a research document that a student candidate needs to submit as a part of their masters or doctorate program.  In preparation of a thesis, first a suitable topic needs to be decided. The topic can be an unproved statement or a view point which is adding substance to an existential finding.  Finding a suitable topic is usually the first hurdles that a person faces. There are many was to generate dissertation topics. Usually the best method is to consult lecturers and supervisors who are incharge of the research scholar. Libraries and archives of technical research can be consulted for better understanding of nature of topic.  Now days universities have digitized thesis archives and have made these available online.  Example of one such initiative is York University, http://www.cs.york.ac.uk/library/onlinereports/index.php where past research done by Computer Science (CS PHD) are available online for anyone to search.  

Academic University Transcription

The next stage of preparing a thesis is to collect data and supporting facts. Data which can be classified into primary and secondary, is mined using archives, reference, libraries, surveys, market research and interviewing people related to that field. A PHD Theatre Art’s student at UK University, for example conduct audio interviews with technicians and theatrical play artists. Interviews are conducted with multiple speakers and then it is transcribed into text. The art student can then analyze the transcripts and extract data or findings which can then be used as a part of the final academic research report. 

For transcribing research interviews, students have the option to either hire a professional transcriptionist or they may transcribe it by themselves. However mostly hire a professional since the time that it takes to transcribe several hours of audio can be substantial. For example, a person with an avg typing speed of 50 wpm will take 8-9 hours to type a 1 hour digital mp3 audio. A transcriptionist can do the same work in 3 hours at a much higher accuracy rate with a typing speed of 110+ words per minute. 

How to Record an Interview for Dissertations?  

If those looking to record their first audio, either a one-to-one interview,speech,lecture etc. below is a list of steps that one can follow and get started:

Step 1: Purchase a decent quality voice recorder. Good voice recorders are available from $20 to $50. However expensive devices are available

Step 2: Device settings: Set the recording format to mp3 or wma. Avoid wav format due to its large audio size.

Step 3: Set the recording kbps to anywhere between 128 and 192. Anything higher is unnecessary.

Step 4: Invest in a 8gb or higher capacity memory card.

Step 5: Keep spare AA batteries.

Step 6: Incase there is an option to decide the recording location, choose one that is free from disturbances. Example a busy restaurant is not a conducive environment for recording a discussion.

You are ready to go!

Steps to Transcribe Audio: 

The first step is to hire an online transcriber. There are many transcription services that are available online. The USP’s of these companies vary on pricing and branding. Before hiring a service, students must first decide their budget. Some companies overcharge for their services, hence it’s a wise decision to spend some time researching for the number of transcription vendors available online. There are 7 important things to keep in mind when hiring a transcription service company, these are:

1. Transcripts should be accurate. Minimum suggested accuracy is 99.25 percent or more.

2. Transcribed audio should be well proofread and checked for errors.

3. Online ordering system via secured payment gateway such as Paypal.

4. File upload facility using Dropbox or Sendspace like services.

5. Rush transcriptions or a tat of 24 hours should be available.

6. No extra charges for Difficult audio, difficult accent, multiple speakers. (Canadian, British, America, Scottish and EU)

7. Transcription rates per minute of audio should be within the student’s budget.

8. Output transcript into any desired custom format or word doc such as PDF,MS-Word, Txt file etc.

The next step in transcribing is to send the recorded interview to the vendor using an online file transfer system such as a Dropbox or Sendspace account. It is highly recommended that the digital files should be recorded in Mp3 or WMA format so as to keep the audio file size small. Smaller size makes it easier and saves time when transferring the files from the clients end.   

Backend Transcription: 

The transcription process commences from here on. The transcriber will download the audio/video file and begin typing the audio into text. Usually the first draft is typed out. Following this the rough transcript is then proofread. Proofreading is done by other transcribers part of the team so as to improve accuracy. The final proofread transcripts are then compiled into a custom format as specified by the customer and them emailed. This ends the transcription process.

Pricing an Important Factor:  

Affordable rates is an important criteria for students when it comes to services. Transcription services charge on the type of transcription –i.e. General, legal or medical transcription. Since academic transcription falls under the category of general type of transcription, charges are usually made on a dollar per audio minute basis. For medical, per page, per line and per character basis are a more popular method of business pricing.  Pricing denomination varies from country to country. For example uk typing services prefer to charge in British pound. Where as a Canadian transcription service would probably charge in USD.  If you convert the pound rate per audio minute to us dollars, most UK Typing services turn out to be pricier than their American or Canadian counterparts.

Pocket friendly transcriptions services for students

What is the Right Price for Transcription Service?  

Generally speaking prices are turnaround dependant. Rush transcriptions cost the highest with prices start at US$2 per minute and going as high as US$5 per minute. If the audio quality contains background noises and hence is termed as difficult, students might have to shell out extra.

However there are transcription services whose prices are affordable and economical.  At AllTranscript.com transcription prices start at US$1.10 per minute for a 3 day turnaround. For quick super rush transcriptions, transcription charges are US$ 1.75 per minute of audio.

No extra charges for difficult audio, multiple speakers, timestamping services and verbatim transcripts.

Other Forms of Academic Transcription:  

Academicians may require other forms of transcription besides thesis and dissertations. These are discusses in detail below:

·        Lecture transcription services: Assistant lecturers, senior lecturers, college professors and even students may record lectures that are important to them. Instead of listening to the whole lecture from the beginning it is a better idea to get it transcribed into text. A verbatim lecture is quicker to read, analyze and extract data for referencing purpose. 

·       University Focus Groups:  Martin James, a student of London University, UK shares his opinion on FG transcription, “When we conduct a classroom discussion with multiple particants, not everone is able to remember what each of us said. Focus group verbatim transcripts are an excellent was of recalling accurately what who said what. We can then analyze the statements, extract information and useful data and present our topic in a better fashion.”

·        University Seminars: Inter college seminars, Business Seminar, special events etc are held in colleges at regular periods. The minutes of meetings or the entire seminar may be transcribed for archival purposes.

About the Author: 

John Wayne is a senior typist working with a US Based transcription service company called AllTranscript.com transcription services. Mr. John has a rich experience of 4 years under his belt. Having transcribed over hundred of audios, video documentaries, interview, podcast radio episodes, teleseminars etc. he feels the most important thing in typing is accuracy. 

About AllTranscript.com: 

An online transcription company that has recently expanded its services to the UK and Canada. Customers can now enjoy typing services at much lower rates compared to other vendors out there.   Typing services in UK and Canada were introduced in the month of September,2012 with an aim to cater to this part of the world. Also the company is now focusing on providing affordable and cheap transcription service to UK universities such as University of Warwick, Durham Univ, Lancaster University, University of Liverpool and Manchester University.