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What are the differences between transcription and translation

Video transcription and translation are two important sides of the same coin that are essential for creating accessible and inclusive content.  Transcription involves the conversion of audio content into written form, while translation is the process of converting written content from one language to another. 

Together, these processes ensure that video content is accessible to a wider audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as non-native speakers. Video transcription and translation can be performed manually, but there are also automated tools that can assist with the process. The use of these tools has made transcription and translation more efficient and cost-effective, making it easier for content creators to produce content that is inclusive and accessible to all.

But in the end, you need the professional help of a localization agency to achieve the best results. First, you need to know what are the differences between transcription and translation.

Transcription 101

What does Transcription Means? 

Video transcription refers to the process of transcribing the audio content of a video into written form. This can be done manually or using automated software. The resulting text is called a transcript, which can be used for a variety of purposes such as creating subtitles or closed captions, improving search engine optimization (SEO), and making video content accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

Video transcription is an important tool for content creators who want to ensure that their videos are accessible and inclusive. It allows viewers to follow along with the content and improves the overall user experience.

The Array of Transcription Types

There are several types of video transcription, each with its own unique purpose and format. Dive through with us to know deeper about them:

  • Verbatim Transcription: This type of transcription captures every word spoken in a video, including filler words like “um” and “ah”. It sometimes goes a step further and includes background music and song lyrics. Extreme, right? Yet, it’s useful for legal and academic purposes, where accuracy is essential.
  • Edited Transcription: In this type of transcription, the transcriber removes filler words and other unnecessary phrases to make the text easier to read. It’s often used for business meetings and interviews where shorter is better.
  • Subtitles and Captions: Subtitles and captions are used to add text to a video to make it accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Captions are similar to verbatim transcription, while subtitles are edited for brevity and to match the timing of the video.
  • Time-Stamped Transcription: Time-stamped transcription involves adding timestamps to the text at regular intervals, allowing the reader to follow along with the video. It’s often used for educational videos and online courses.
  • Foreign Language Transcription: This type of transcription is actually the translation of the spoken words in a video from one language to another. It’s useful for businesses and organizations with international audiences.

Choosing the right type of video transcription depends on the purpose of the video and the intended audience. Each type has its own unique format and requirements, and selecting the appropriate one can greatly enhance the usability and accessibility of your video content.

Why Would You Need to Transcribe a Video? 

Video transcription is important for businesses for several reasons. Firstly, it can help to improve accessibility for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, enabling them to better understand the video content. 

This means you have a broader audience and show that your business really cares and considers all humans no matter what by providing accessibility. Additionally, transcribing videos can improve the search engine optimization (SEO) of a website, as the text can be indexed by search engines and increase the visibility of the content. 

Video transcription can also be useful for creating subtitles in multiple languages, allowing businesses to reach a wider audience and destroy tongue barriers. Further, transcribing videos can provide an easy-to-read record of important meetings, presentations, and training sessions, making it easier for employees to refer back to the content and retain information.

Finally, marketing-wise, we all now put our smartphones on DND most of the time (I’m guilty too). By transcribing your visual marketing materials, you ensure that they don’t get skipped and watched because it’s now comprehendible even on silent. Bonus tip!

Tools for Video Transcription

There are several tools available for video transcription that can help save time and increase accuracy. Automatic speech recognition (ASR) software such as Google Speech-to-Text and Otter.ai can transcribe videos quickly and efficiently. 

However, it’s important to note that ASR software may not always be 100% accurate and may require editing. Human transcription services such as Localizera can also provide high-quality transcriptions for businesses that require a more accurate and polished final product. We have 10+ years of experience in video transcription and we make sure that every linguist knows exactly what are the differences between transcription and translation

Additionally, video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro can provide tools for adding captions and subtitles to videos. But at the end of the day, no technology can provide 100% accurate results. You need a human touch to ensure quality. Localizera can not only provide touch but also leave a print.

How to Get Transcript of YouTube Video?

Getting a transcript of a YouTube video can be done in a few different ways:

  1. Using YouTube’s automatic transcript. To access the transcript, click the “…” button under the video, then select “Open transcript”. This will display the transcript in a side panel next to the video.
  2. There are also various software applications and tools that can help transcribe YouTube videos. Some popular options include oTranscribe, InqScribe, and Happy Scribe.
  3. There are several online transcription services available, such as Localizera and TranscribeMe, that can provide transcription services for YouTube videos.

Once you have a transcript of the YouTube video, you can use it for a variety of purposes such as creating subtitles or captions, translating the video into another language, or simply as a written record of the video’s content.

The Other Bank, Video Translation

 Is it Any Different than Ordinary Translation?

Video translation involves the process of converting the spoken language in a video into text (transcription), and then translating that text into another language. Yes, video translation can be important for businesses and organizations that have a global audience, as it can help to improve communication and understanding. Translating videos can also help to increase engagement and reach audiences who may not be proficient in the original language of the video. 

Video translation can be done manually by professional translators, like the 16K+ language professionals at Localizera, or through automatic translation software. However, it’s important to ensure that the translation is accurate and effective in conveying the intended message of the original video.

Types of Video Translation

Businesses and organizations can have access to a variety of video translation methods to expand their audience on a global scale including:

  • Subtitling: This type of video translation involves adding subtitles to a video in the target language. Subtitling is useful for retaining the original audio and allows viewers to hear the original speaker’s tone and inflection.
  • Voiceover: Voiceover translation involves recording a voice actor speaking the translated script over the original audio. It’s useful for maintaining the tone and pacing of the original video while providing a translated version.
  • Dubbing: Dubbing involves replacing the original audio with a translated voiceover. Dubbing is useful for preserving the original video’s visuals while providing a translated version with a new audio track.
  • Captioning: Captioning involves adding text to a video that describes the audio in another language. It’s useful for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing and can’t hear the audio.
  • Transcription and Translation: what are the differences between transcription and translation? they both complement each other. This type of video translation involves transcribing the original audio and then translating the text into another language. It’s useful for creating a written record of the video’s content and making it accessible to viewers who prefer to read rather than listen.

Each type of video translation has its own unique advantages and challenges, and selecting the appropriate one can greatly enhance the effectiveness and impact of the video content for your business.

Is it Worth it?

Video translation is important for businesses and organizations that cater to a diverse global audience. By translating video content into different languages, companies can reach a wider audience, bypass all language barriers, and communicate more effectively with their target markets. 

Further, video translation can also help to cross international borders (virtually and legally of course) and facilitate cross-cultural communication, which is essential for building trust and establishing relationships with international customers. Additionally, video translation can help businesses to increase engagement and build brand loyalty among non-native speakers who may not understand the original language of the video. Overall, video translation is a vital tool for businesses that want to expand their reach and connect with customers around the world.

Machine or Human Video Translation, Which is Better?

There are several tools available for video translation that can help businesses and organizations to streamline the process and improve accuracy. Automatic translation software such as Google Translate and SDL Trados can translate videos quickly and efficiently. However, it’s important to note that machine translation may not always be accurate and may require editing by a professional translator. 

Human translation services providers such as Localizera and others provide high-quality translations for businesses that require a more polished final product. Localizera’s linguists know what are the differences between translation and transcription and provide high-quality video translation services in no time.

Video Transcription VS. Video Translation

What are the Differences Between Translation and Transcription?

  • Focus and purpose

Video transcription focuses on providing easier access for all types of audiences while watching a video. Excluding foreign speakers, transcription is provided to engage people with hearing impairment, slow listeners, or even non-native audiences.

On the other hand, video translation focuses more on engaging a broader and wider range of audiences who do not speak or understand the language of the original video.

  • Target audience

Video transcription targets people with hearing problems and people who can’t follow up with the spoken material. Whether because they are not fluent or the video addresses technical and kind of hard jargon.

Translation, on the contrary, mainly targets foreign and non-native audiences to tighten the gap and spread the visual material across nations by bypassing language barriers.

  • Time and effort required

Video transcription can take less time when compared to video translation as video translation often require transcribing video text in its original language and then providing translation services after.

But video transcription does not require so much time as the process is cut to half or even less when using advanced technology.

While Growing a Business, What is the Best Move?

Businesses looking to expand their reach and grow their audience should consider both video transcription and video translation.

Video transcription is important for accessibility, SEO, record-keeping, editing, and other purposes, as mentioned earlier. It can help businesses to create written records of important meetings and presentations and make video content more accessible to individuals with hearing impairments. It can also improve the searchability of video content and provide a foundation for translation into other languages.

Video translation, on the other hand, is essential for businesses looking to grow their audience and reach international markets. By translating video content into multiple languages, businesses can connect with audiences around the world and communicate more effectively with their target markets. This can help to improve engagement, build brand loyalty, and increase revenue.

In conclusion, businesses should consider both video transcription and video translation as important tools for growth. Video transcription can help to make content more accessible, searchable, and useful for a variety of purposes. By leveraging both of these tools, businesses can create compelling, engaging, and accessible video content that resonates with audiences around the globe.

Localizera’s Transcription and Translation Services in a Nutshell

For the top transcription services in your region, come to Localizera! We are your one-stop shop for accurate and reliable transcription services in all major languages. Our online and on-demand services are available at affordable rates, making us the perfect choice for any budget. Our experienced team of multilingual transcriptionists has the expertise, knowledge, and skills to transcribe audio and video recordings for a variety of industries, including medical, legal, financial, and technical.

Or if you want to establish a more personal connection with your customers, video translation services are essential. The demand for multilingual videos is greater than ever, especially for foreign marketing, client acquisition, product training, and technical support. As video has become a powerful sales and marketing tool, it can help global clients make informed purchasing decisions throughout the sales process, regardless of their language. Videos can also be valuable resources for self-learning and customer support. Overall, multilingual videos are crucial for businesses looking to expand their reach and connect with audiences around the world.

Choose Localizera for dependable and precise video transcription and translation services that will transform your audio and video recordings into written form in more than 160 languages that you can trust.

 

Do you need to know more about our services? Contact us now!