What is the difference between subtitles and captions?

The short answer

Subtitles translate spoken dialogue into text, while captions include dialogue plus descriptions of sound effects, music, and other audio cues.

Subtitles explained

Subtitles assume you can hear the audio but may not understand the language. They show only the spoken words, translated or transcribed. You typically see these when watching a foreign-language film or a show in a language you’re learning.

Captions explained

Captions assume you cannot hear the audio. They include everything subtitles do, plus extra information like:

• [doorbell rings] — sound effects
• [upbeat jazz music] — background music descriptions
• [whispering] — how something is said
• [crowd cheering] — ambient sounds

Open vs. closed captions

• Closed captions (CC) — can be turned on or off by the viewer. This is what you toggle in YouTube, Netflix, or your TV settings.
• Open captions — burned directly into the video. They’re always visible and can’t be turned off.

When does it matter?

For everyday watching, the difference rarely matters — most streaming services label everything as “subtitles” even when they include sound descriptions.

It matters most when:

• You’re creating video content — if your audience includes deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers, provide captions, not just subtitles
• You’re meeting accessibility requirements — laws like the ADA often require captions specifically, because subtitles alone don’t meet the standard
• You’re in a noisy or quiet environment — captions give you more context when you can’t hear well

Quick comparison

• Subtitles — dialogue only, assumes you can hear, often a translation
• Captions — dialogue plus all meaningful sounds, designed for viewers who cannot hear the audio