Subtitled content has been exponentially growing for the past ten years. It has been traditionally associated with access for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers or the translation of English-language content into other languages. Today, the picture looks very different. Films, series or even reality shows are now widely available in a multitude of languages, and legislation has expanded subtitle provision for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. However, important gaps still remain.

Subtitles are also being used in new and unexpected ways. They have become more interactive, appear in video games and virtual reality settings. They are catering for audiences they were never originally designed for. Recent studies show that most younger viewers now actively expect subtitles when they watch.

The technical side of subtitling has shifted rapidly too. Subtitles are now often longer and faster-paced, requiring quicker reading. Tools are more widely available for fans and content creators, while platforms such as TikTok are giving subtitles a new look and feel. Options for personalisation are also improving.

All these changes raise important questions about how subtitles are used, experienced, and understood. Exploring these issues is at the heart of what our Network does.