TikTok has jumped on the automatic captioning bandwagon, rolling out a new subtitle feature for users who are hard of hearing or deaf.
When creators select auto captions in the editing page after uploading or recording a video, text is automatically transcribed and displayed, allowing viewers to read or listen to content. But technology isn’t perfect. So, to avoid any embarrassment or confusion, creators can edit captions once they’re generated, ensuring the titles match the spoken word. The function is available initially in American English and Japanese, with additional languages coming soon.
“We are working with our community to spread the word and encourage all creators to use auto captions and other features that make content more accessible,” Stephanie Hind, manager of TikTok US creator management and operations, wrote in a blog announcement. “Inclusivity is important because when people feel included, they’re more comfortable expressing themselves and engaging with their community,” explains Hind, “We’re committed to fostering an inclusive app environment, and that means building products and tools that support our diverse community.”
As a primarily visual platform, TikTok offers a series of features aimed at making the social network “more accessible to everyone.” That includes a creator warning for videos with effects that could trigger epilepsy, the option to skip photosensitive content, and a text-to-speech alternative. But the work is not complete. “We’re currently undertaking an accessibility assessment to identify additional areas for improvement,” the blog said. “And we’re increasing our outreach to organizations and communities with disabilities on TikTok to uplift their voices and make changes that better serve us all.”
Google last month introduced a similar real-time captioning feature in Chrome, utilizing machine learning to generate captions for most online videos—including podcasts and phone calls. And Instagram users may have spotted a new “Captions” sticker in Stories, which transcribes your audio without a third-party application.
