Closed Captions
Closed Captions, Regulations & Benefits Explained
Closed captioning is the visual display of the audio portion of video programming.
Captioning provides access to individuals who are deaf or have hearing loss and is often used in places where it’s difficult to hear a TV program.
On January 12, 2012, the FCC adopted rules requiring captioned programs shown on TV to be captioned when re-shown on the Internet. Those rules implement provisions of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA).
What kind of content needs to include Closed Captions?
This may be the most popular question we hear. The laws may seem complicated, but they are not. Below are the highlights of the FCC requirements for closed captions.
(FCC closed captions guidelines)
Additional details regarding closed captions, searchable captions and subtitles, can be found here.
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There are many benefits to closed captions beyond meeting FCC requirements.
- Meet FCC closed caption mandates.
- Ensure everyone can view your video.
- Improve Video SEO.
- Increase retention and comprehension.
Closed Captions Resources
- Intro to Compliance Laws
- Section 508 Compliance Overview
- Summary of 508 Compliance Standards
- Section 508 Guide for E-learning and Multimedia Technology
- GSA Tutorials, Guidance and Checklists for multimedia
- Alliance for Technology Access
- ADA, Title III Regulations
- Video Accessibility Act of 2010 (CVAA)