Whether you have a full online programme of shows, talks and workshops on Vimeo or are just starting out on YouTube and social media, we can help make your online content accessible to deaf audiences, improve engagement, and widen your reach through subtitles.
Stagetext is a deaf-led charity and the UK’s leading provider of text-based deaf access to arts and culture. Founded in 2000, we offer digital subtitling for pre-recorded video, helping venues and organisations communicate confidently with deaf, deafened and hard of hearing audiences.
We only use humans, not AI. We work exclusively with the best professional subtitlers, to provide the best quality in terms of accuracy and accessibility.
Over the years we have worked with organisations across the board, from Bristol Old Vic, National Theatre, British Library and the Wellcome Collection, and across all types of productions, from short social media content to long form videos, whether prerecorded promotional videos, webinars, or corporate videos.
This breadth of experience means we understand both the creative and practical demands of digital content, and the importance of putting deaf audiences first.
We tailor every solution for your content, ensuring subtitles integrate seamlessly and deliver the best possible experience for deaf audiences, and act as a trusted partner in your accessibility journey.
Subtitles (often referred to as closed captions) also benefit a wide range of audiences beyond deaf and hard of hearing people. They can support people with English as an additional language, as well as neurodivergent audience members who find subtitles helpful for focus, clarity or comprehension.
To explore options for your pre-recorded videos, please contact our Head of Services and Systems, Oliver Webster.
Our Services
We offer a range of flexible, budget-friendly services and support you from planning through to publishing. Get in touch for a free consultation to find out how Stagetext can make your video content accessible to all.
Unlike most auto-generated subtitles, we include descriptions of sounds happening off screen, use names and cues to indicate who’s speaking where necessary, as well as including information about songs and music playing in the video, all in line with accessibility best practice, informed by deaf audiences.
We then deliver your subtitle files, either as open captions or closed captions, depending on your requirements.
We offer five flexible levels of support for subtitles allowing you to choose the model that best suits your resources.
Depending on your needs, subtitles can be delivered for short form or long form videos, whether for social media or for a full online programme of shows, talks and workshops, ensuring the best possible experience for your audiences.
We offer competitive pricing, because we believe quality accessibility should be affordable for everyone.
1. Subtitle Quality Check
Already have subtitles? Let us check them. Auto-generated or in-house subtitles are convenient but are not always accurate, high quality or accessible. Send us your subtitle files and we’ll provide an expert accessibility review, letting you know how the subtitles stack up against best practices and where they may need improvement. Only £39.99+VAT per video.
2. Essentials Package
A cost-effective solution for webinars and events where subtitles already exist. We take your existing file and refine it to meet best-practice accessibility standards for deaf audiences, giving you quality subtitles without starting from scratch.
3. Professional Package (Full consultancy)
Our fully managed, end-to-end subtitling service. Send us your video and we’ll handle everything, from transcription, subtitle creation and quality checking, all built around best practice for deaf audiences. Expert subtitlers will transcribe both speech and music audio and craft every line for accuracy, timing and clarity. In a world of auto-generated captions, stand out with subtitles that truly work. Includes priority turnaround for free
4. Social Media pack
Make every touch-point accessible. Our exclusive package for videos under five minutes includes our full Professional Standard Service, priority turnaround and subtitle burning-in, all at a special rate. Don’t let inaccessible social media lose your audiences and undermine your commitment to inclusion.
5. Premium Package
Two expert subtitlers work alongside a deaf advisory member to review and create your subtitles, with full documentation of the reasoning behind every decision and how it fits best practice. Ideal for organisations who demand the very best in accessibility. Limited availability.
Ready to make a booking?
Use our booking enquiries form to get a quote.
Types of digital
subtitles
We subtitle your videos in two ways – either as open captions or closed captions. Confused about what you need? Let us talk you through the difference.
“Open captions”
“Open captions”, or burnt-in subtitles, as they are often called, are subtitles that are always on display and cannot be switched off. You may be most familiar with these videos on Instagram or Facebook.
These subtitles are a permanent part of the video, ensuring that it is always accessible, which is what we always advocate for. These are best suited for videos displayed in exhibitions, so you don’t have to worry about making sure they are turned on.
“Closed captions”
“Closed captions”, or digital subtitles, are subtitles that can be turned on and off at any time. These are the subtitles you’re most likely to see on YouTube, on TV, or on online streaming services. These are best suited for videos that are streamed online, like theatrical performances.
Need more info? Get in touch.
Ask us a question:
If you have questions about digital subtitling including our prices, fill in the form and our Head of Services and Systems, Oliver Webster, will be in touch.
