01The three side by side
| Topic | Subtitling | Voice over | Dubbing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original audio | Kept | Lowered under the new voice | Replaced |
| Best for | Viewers who read comfortably; film and interviews | Documentaries, interviews, corporate and training video | Drama, animation, ads with speakers on screen |
| Lip sync | Not needed | Not needed | Required |
| What the viewer does | Reads while watching | Listens | Listens |
| Preparation | Translated and timed text | Translated script and a voice | Adapted script, voices and a director |
02How to choose
- Who speaks on screen?If faces and mouths dominate, dubbing. If it is narration or interviews, voice over.
- Where is it watched?On a phone with the sound off, subtitles. On a shared screen or in a car, audio.
- Who is the audience?Readers of all ages and abilities differ, and some groups prefer to listen. Ask the market.
- What is the tone?Entertainment and brand film often reward dubbing. Training and documentaries are well served by voice over.
- Can you combine them?Yes. Voice over plus subtitles in the same language helps accessibility.
03What to prepare
- The final video, locked.
- A transcript of the original.
- A glossary of terms and names, with how each is said.
- The list of target languages and the markets they are for.
- A decision on whether the original voices must stay audible.