How to Get Subtitle Localization Right
Translating subtitles into other languages, including timing, reading speed and cultural adaptation.
Tomas Lindqvist
Where most projects go wrong
The usual mistakes:
- Machine translation without review
- Subtitles that outpace reading speed
- Text that covers on-screen graphics
- Inconsistent terminology
What good looks like instead
- Start from a clean master subtitle file
- Respect reading speed limits per language
- Have native speakers review translations
- Check timing against the picture
- Keep terminology consistent across episodes
Why it matters
Subtitle translation is not a straight text swap, because reading speed and line length constrain what can be said.
The specs that matter
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Reading speed | subtitle standards limit characters per second |
| Line length | subtitles are limited to short lines |
| Timing | translated text may need different timing |
| Formats | subtitle files carry timing and sometimes positioning |
Knowing when to hand it over
Tip: Bring in help when content ships in several languages.
Where this comes from
- European Broadcasting Union — Subtitling guidelines
- Netflix Partner Help Center — Timed text style guide
The figures and practices above come from the sources listed.
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