Captions are text that have been synchronized with media (usually video) to convey meaning, context, and any information that is integral to the understanding of a video. Closed captions do more than convey spoken words, but should convey sounds, noises, and background elements as well. In short, closed captions assume that the listener cannot hear any of the content and captions seek to provide an understanding of the content without the need for audio.

Many video content providers, such as YouTube, now have the capability to automatically generate captions for all videos. However, while this is certainly more helpful than lacking captions, automatic closed captions are less than perfect and less than ideal for students. Automatic closed captions may not correctly decipher accents and background noises that may be instrumental for the context of the video. Thus, whenever possible, it is best for educators to provide their own accurate, manually updated closed captions to videos. The tutorial, written steps, and screenshots below will showcase how teachers can add accurate captions to YouTube videos.

Closed captions benefit a variety of learners in many ways. Some students require closed captions (CC) as part of IEPs. Additionally, closed captions ensure full, equal access to audio content by providing written text of what is being said or text descriptions of any noises that provide context in audio or video. Students learning a new language, such as English Language Learners, also benefit from closed captions. However, the last result we want for our students is confusion generated from the captions themselves! Automatic closed captions may sometimes insert inaccurate, irrelevant words. Thus, it is essential to provide accurate closed captions whenever possible. Accurate closed captions can be manually entered by the video creator and can better decipher accents, sounds in the background, and the true plot of the video.

Automatic closed captions are an ideal option if there are no other options; however, if the user is able to upload accurate closed captions to videos, the experience is improved for viewers and the environment is more inclusive. Within YouTube, a popular video viewing tool, educators can update automatic captions to improve their accuracy or upload their own accurate closed captions to any video on their YouTube channel.