Top Subtitle Fonts for Accessibility
Whether you’re making a video for social media, a short film, a cinematic blockbuster or a TV show, you need to factor in subtitles for accessibility. Designers, videographers, and digital marketers are more aware than ever of the need for subtitling – giving a written transcript of any dialogue in the frame of your video – especially in this video-centric media world.
Top Subtitle Fonts
After consulting with a range of experts, from professional subtitlers to media companies and accessibility consultants, we have narrowed down the most accessible fonts for subtitling.
01. Tiresias
Tiresias, from the renowned Bitstream type foundry, comes recommended by Ofcom and is used by the BBC, Sky, and Channel 4, as well as broadcasters in Denmark, New Zealand, and beyond. This sans-serif font family was designed in 1998 by the RNIB’s scientific research unit, working with optometrists, and it’s named after a mythological Greek prophet who was blind. Tiresias is deliberately suitable for subtitling and for low-resolution displays; variations in the font family include Screenfont and Infofont.
02. Arial
Arial is a simple sans-serif font that is widely recognized and used. Once you’ve chosen your font, there are some other factors to work out, like the size and color of the text. A shaded box around your subtitles can help them make an impact.
Additional Tips
- On many streaming services, the user can choose the size of text they want to see. “Our members helped us develop the well-spaced fonts which are highly readable and can be configured by color, style, and size,” says Mark Harrison at Netflix.
- When it comes to color, Max Deryagin advises: “Usually people opt for a white, slightly grey, or golden yellow color. What matters is that there is enough contrast against the video and that the color doesn’t clash with the shot.”
- You can then add a drop shadow outline or a shaded box (working much like a highlighter) to your subtitles to make them even more readable. On Netflix, you have a drop shadow option, then three flat color options of dark, contrast, and light.
- Two or three lines should be the absolute maximum amount of text on screen; both Netflix and Channel 4 ask their media partners to fit a maximum 42 characters per line, and maximum two lines on screen.
- Bear in mind reading speeds. “Leaving text on screen for as long as the edit allows means that a broad range of viewers can easily understand what’s happening,” says Mark.
- A person’s TV can affect how subtitles appear, according to Amie Tsang, Head of Executive Communications at Channel 4: “The exact font used is determined by a viewer’s set-top box or television device, and might differ depending on whether they are viewing over a broadcast or digital service, or one of our streaming services.”
Conclusion
It’s about setting a good example and bringing your skills and empathy to an often-overlooked design element. Media law is also catching up to its importance, especially for streaming TV viewers.
FAQs
Q: What is the most accessible font for subtitling?
A: Tiresias is a recommended font for subtitling, used by the BBC, Sky, and Channel 4, as well as broadcasters in Denmark, New Zealand, and beyond.
Q: What are the key factors to consider when choosing a font for subtitling?
A: The key factors to consider are the size and color of the text, as well as the design of the font itself.
Q: Can I use a font that I like, even if it’s not recommended for subtitling?
A: While it’s possible to use a font you like, it’s generally recommended to use a font that is specifically designed for subtitling, such as Tiresias.
Q: How do I ensure that my subtitles are readable for a broad range of viewers?
A: To ensure that your subtitles are readable for a broad range of viewers, consider the following: leave text on screen for as long as the edit allows, use a font that is highly readable, and consider adding a drop shadow or shaded box to make the text stand out.
