Recent studies have shown that 54% of consumers would like to see more video content from the brands they follow. Marketers are realizing how powerful video content is for sharing their message. As a result, many content creators are looking to maximize the return on the time and money they invest in this popular medium.
Captioning is one of the most valuable tools digital media producers can use to improve the visibility of their content. Adding captions to a video increases the accessibility of the content while simultaneously boosting its reach and utility. Many major media hosting platforms allow users to upload their own caption files to support their content. Let’s take a look at one of the most widely accepted caption file formats: DFXP files.
What is a DFXP File?
A DFXP file is a file format used to add captions to video content. DFXP is short for “Distribution Format Exchange Profile” and is a standard file type for XML captions. This type of captioning format will feature a .dfxp extension and is compatible with many major media hosting platforms, as well as applications like Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight.
DFXP file vs. SRT file: What’s the Difference?
Anyone with a basic understanding of the subtitling process may already be familiar with a format called an SRT file. These files are popular for captioning because of their simplicity. SRT files are plain text files that contain a video’s captions and their corresponding time codes.
The DFXP file format contains similar information to that of an SRT file, but the information in a DFXP file relies on XML coding. DFXP files can contain information about the formatting of a video’s captions including font and location specifications. As a result, DFXP files are generally more complex than SRT files. However, they are still compatible with major video hosting platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.
How to Create a DFXP Caption File
Due to their complex nature, the most efficient way of generating DFXP subtitles is by partnering with a professional captioning and transcription service like Verbit. Verbit is able to quickly provide a high volume of accurate DFXP captions that can improve and support a wide variety of projects and initiatives.
Once a user uploads a video to Verbit’s platform, the software will generate an initial transcript using Automatic Speech Recognition. Professional human transcribers will then evaluate and edit the transcript. Finally, Verbit makes the file available for download in the user’s desired caption file format. This dual approach allows Verbit to produce accurate captions in as little as 4 hours.
What are the Benefits of Captioning Content?
Captioning videos is becoming a standard practice for content creators around the world. Video production is often expensive and time consuming. Adding captions to those videos can maximize their value a few key ways:
Boosting Accessibility
Providing accurate captions is an effective means of improving accessibility for viewers who are Deaf or hard of hearing. Captions can also have a positive impact on the viewing experience for audience members with ADHD or auditory processing disorders. With accessibility in mind, it’s important for creators to ensure that the captions they provide are highly accurate. In order to offer equitable experiences for all viewers, captions should be free of significant transcription errors. Offering accurate captions proactively can help to support accessibility standards like the Americans with Disabilities Act and can demonstrate a brand’s dedication to equity and inclusion.
Increasing efficiency
Video is a valuable medium not just for external communications and marketing initiatives, but for internal purposes as well. Many businesses take advantage of platforms like Zoom and Panopto for hosting webinars, conference calls and more. Providing accurate captions for these events can help to streamline communication from all sides. With the rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements, captioning video calls and lectures can help to ensure consistent messaging for all participants, regardless of the environment from which they are joining the conversation. It’s also possible to convert captions into searchable transcripts that serve as a written record of a discussion. Participants and anyone who missed the meeting can refer to that record long after it ended.
Improving Visibility
Adding captions to a video can also significantly improve viewer engagement. In fact, studies suggest that adding captions to a video can increase its average watch time by roughly 12%. Many of these views are taking place on mobile platforms and applications. It’s important to consider that these audiences are watching in extremely varied environments. Closed captioning can help to ensure no messaging gets lost on the 92% of mobile users who watch videos with the sound off while improving the viewing experience of those audience members who are consuming content in a non-native language. Captions are also useful for boosting SEO rankings because they make video content discoverable to search engine algorithms.
Verbit: Unique Support for Unique Needs
Verbit’s industry-leading technology can support a wide range of accessibility initiatives at scale. Whether a project requires a DFXP file, SCC file, VTT file, or SRT file, Verbit’s dedicated customer support team is available and equipped to help streamline the captioning process from end to end.
Verbit is pleased to offer a full suite of solutions including captioning, transcription, translation and audio description to help brands provide more inclusive experiences to their audiences and employees. Reach out today to learn more about how Verbit can help creators improve the visibility and accessibility of their content with accurate captions.