By Nikolina Voultsiou*

Subtitles play a crucial role in making content accessible, yet they often go unnoticed. Let’s break down the detailed process of how these silent heroes are created.

The steps behind subtitling

1. Material Received

The first step is receiving the material—whether it’s a film, TV episode, or trailer. This material is then imported into the subtitling software. Some clients have their own platforms where the file is automatically uploaded.

2. Transcription

Next, transcription begins. If a script is available, it’s usually in subtitle format (ready for editing) or as a PDF/Doc file to help the subtitler cross-check the text. In some cases, companies use AI transcription tools or cloud-based platforms to speed up the process.

3. Timing

While the transcription is happening, timing is also set. This is often done simultaneously to streamline the workflow. If the subtitles are to be available in multiple languages, this step is called template creation, where the timed file is prepared and sent to translators.

4. Proofreading & Quality Check

Once transcription and timing are complete, the subtitler moves on to proofreading and quality control. This step involves checking for spelling and grammatical errors, as well as ensuring the content is accurate and consistent. The subtitler also verifies that the timing matches the dialogue perfectly.

5. Technical Specs Check

Next, the technical specs are reviewed. The subtitler ensures that the character count per line and per second adheres to industry standards and checks that there’s an appropriate gap between subtitles.

6. Exporting the Final File

The last step is exporting the subtitle file in the correct format. Different platforms require different formats—Netflix uses .dfxp, Disney+ uses .ittl, and .srt is the most common. The subtitler must ensure that the file is correctly formatted and ready for delivery.

Subtitling is more than translating words

So next time you watch anything with subtitles, remember: it’s not just about translating words; it’s about creating a perfectly timed, grammatically flawless, industry-standard masterpiece. Because, honestly, getting those lines to match the timing is like trying to fit a puzzle together… with a ticking clock!

*Nikolina Voultsiou holds a Bachelor’s degree in Translation and a Master’s degree in Linguistics. Since 2020, she’s been working in the localization industry in roles such as subtitler, transcriptionist, QA specialist, and coordinator. Fluent in Greek, English, and Spanish, Nikolina works across all language combinations and has provided subtitles for major international companies, popular streaming platforms, and broadcasting networks.