Subtitling & Closed Captioning Service
Create subtitles and captions for videos in multiple languages
Overview
Subtitling services generate $100,000-$1,500,000 annually with 65-85% margins.
In 2025, video accessibility and global reach require subtitles.
Revenue from per-minute subtitling ($5.00-$20.00 per video minute), translation and subtitling combined, closed captioning for accessibility (ADA compliance), subtitle timing and synchronization, subtitle file formats (SRT, VTT), and localization and cultural adaptation.
Successful services create accurate time-synced subtitles, translate subtitles for multiple languages, ensure readability and subtitle standards, meet accessibility requirements (508, ADA), handle various video platforms and formats, and provide subtitle quality assurance.
Video producers, streaming services, and e-learning companies as clients.
Marketing through video production companies, accessibility compliance, multilingual subtitling, subtitle file quality, and entertainment and media focus.
Required Skills
- Subtitling Software
- Translation Skills
- Timing & Synchronization
- Subtitle Standards
- Video Formats
- Quality Assurance
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Higher rates than transcription
- Growing video content and streaming
- Accessibility requirements drive demand
- Work with entertainment and media
- Can combine with translation services
Cons
- Need subtitling software expertise
- Timing and sync quality-critical
- Tight deadlines for video releases
- Competition from subtitling agencies
- Character limits and reading speed constraints
How to Get Started
- Learn subtitling software and standards
- Build translation and timing skills
- Develop quality assurance processes
- Market to video producers and platforms
- Create and translate subtitles
- Ensure timing sync and readability
- Build subtitling reputation and expertise
Explore More Specialized Language Services Ideas
Discover additional business opportunities in this category.
View All Specialized Language Services Ideas →