If you've ever watched a movie or video with subtitles, you know that good subtitles enhance comprehension, while bad subtitles can be distracting, misleading, or difficult to read.

Effective subtitling ensures that viewers understand the dialogue and engage with the content—whether they are watching in a different language, in a noisy environment, or with hearing impairments.

So, how do you create high-quality subtitles that are clear, engaging, and accessible? Here are the 10 essential do’s and don’ts of professional subtitling.

Top 10 subtitling do’s: Best practices for clarity & engagement

1. Keep it concise and readable

A subtitle should not exceed two lines. Use simple language and paraphrase when necessary to maintain clarity.

2. Synchronise subtitles with the audio

Subtitles must match the timing of the spoken dialogue. Out-of-sync captions create a frustrating viewing experience.

3. Use clear formatting for maximum readability

Sans-serif fonts are easiest to read. Choose black text on a white background or vice versa, and maintain a consistent font size for better accessibility.

4. Follow grammar and punctuation rules

Poor grammar affects comprehension. Since different languages have unique punctuation styles, consult language experts to ensure accuracy.

5. Identify speakers clearly

Use speaker IDs for off-screen dialogue or multiple speakers to avoid confusion.

6. Include sound effects and off-screen actions

Subtitles should help hearing-impaired viewers understand off-screen sounds by describing key audio elements in brackets, such as [phone ringing] or [door slams].

7. Indicate pauses and emphasis

Use ellipses (...) to show incomplete thoughts or pauses. Italics can indicate emphasis or foreign words.

8. Maintain a neutral tone

Subtitles should accurately translate meaning without inserting personal opinions or interpretations.

9. Proofread for errors

Typos, grammatical mistakes, and incorrect timing lower subtitle quality. Always have subtitles reviewed before publishing.

10. Adapt subtitles for localisation

Direct translations don’t always work. Use culturally appropriate phrasing to ensure the message resonates with different audiences.

10 Common mistakes to avoid in subtitling

1. Don’t overload subtitles with too many words

The average person reads 12 words in four seconds. Keep subtitles concise to ensure readability.

2. Don’t split sentences across subtitles

Each subtitle should contain a complete thought whenever possible.

3. Don’t use unnecessary special effects

Flashing, scrolling, or animated text reduces readability and distracts viewers.

4. Don’t use slang or jargon without explanation

Not all viewers understand industry-specific jargon or slang terms. Use plain language when possible.

5. Don’t translate idioms literally

Some expressions don’t translate word-for-word. Use culturally accurate equivalents instead.

6. Don’t change the meaning of the dialogue

Subtitles should stay true to the original message, even when paraphrasing for clarity.

7. Don’t omit important information

Prioritise key dialogue and relevant details while keeping subtitles concise.

8. Don’t use subtitles instead of dubbing in certain cases

Some content may benefit more from voice dubbing, depending on audience preference and context.

9. Don’t cover important visuals with subtitles

Avoid placing subtitles over key on-screen elements. If needed, adjust placement to the top of the screen.

10. Don’t overuse ALL CAPS

All caps should only be used for shouting or emphasis, not for regular text.

Why high-quality subtitles matter

Good subtitles do more than translate—they enhance clarity, engagement, and accessibility. Well-timed, accurate subtitles ensure your message is understood by global audiences, including non-native speakers and hearing-impaired viewers.

By following these best practices, your content will be professional, easy to follow, and culturally relevant, making it more effective across different languages and platforms.