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Professional subtitling services
Multimedia service

Subtitling in 225+ languages

Broadcast and streaming-suitable subtitling

Subtitling aligned with EBU-TT-D in every common format (SRT, VTT, TTML, EBU-STL) — suitable for streaming platforms, e-learning and social media, with SDH for accessibility requirements (WCAG 2.2 AA · EAA 2025 readiness).

  • EBU-TT-D · EBU-STL
  • WCAG 2.2 AA-aligned
  • 225+ languages
  • Lead time confirmed in quote
Subtitling on tablet — Ecrivus International
Our approach

Subtitling that reads the way it sounds

Native subtitlers with broadcast expertise deliver timing, reading rhythm and translation aligned with EBU-TT-D timed-text specifications and the technical specifications of major streaming platforms or your own player. SDH for wider audience reach and WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility — included on request.

  • Native subtitlers with broadcast specialism
  • EBU-TT-D timing (150 to 180 wpm reading tempo)
  • SRT · VTT · TTML · EBU-STL + burn-in + SDH on request
225+
languages
from Afrikaans to Zulu
10.000+
specialist translators
active worldwide
25.000+
projects
delivered since 2006
99%
satisfaction
20+ years of experience
Definition

What is multilingual subtitling?

Our subtitlers are native speakers of the target language and specialised in the subtitling conventions of broadcast and streaming platforms. We deliver in every common format (SRT, VTT, TTML, EBU-STL, SBV) and can integrate burn-in subtitles directly into your video on request. For content that has to meet accessibility requirements (government, education, public-sector media) we provide SDH with sound cues and speaker identification — aligned with WCAG 2.2 AA, the European Accessibility Act (EAA, applies from 28 June 2025) and, for UK clients, the Equality Act 2010. Lead time per video is confirmed in the quote, depending on duration, number of languages and broadcast spec.

Language reach

Subtitling in 225+ languages

From streaming-ready English and German to CJK and RTL — native subtitlers per market.

Our process

How it works

  1. Transcription and timecoding

    We transcribe the spoken content of your video and assign precise timecodes (in-cue and out-cue) to each segment, in line with broadcast standards.

  2. Translation or adaptation

    A native subtitler with subtitling specialism adjusts the text taking reading speed, on-screen line length and speech rhythm into account.

  3. Timing and formatting

    Subtitle lines are synchronised with the picture and optimised for readability: a maximum of two lines per subtitle, correct punctuation and a 150 to 180 wpm reading tempo.

  4. Quality control

    A second native specialist reviews the subtitles for accuracy, timing, spelling and conformity with your style guide or the relevant broadcast spec — where the work requires it.

  5. Delivery in your preferred format

    You receive the final subtitles in SRT, VTT, TTML, EBU-STL or any other required format — including burn-in directly into the video on request.

Broadcast spec as the norm

Our subtitlers know every platform-specific rule difference.

Subtitles that meet one streaming platform's spec do not automatically meet a public-broadcaster spec. Reading-tempo limits, maximum lines per subtitle, italics for off-screen dialogue, EBU-TT-D timing — every platform has its own rules. We map your delivery to the right one.
Ecrivus International — subtitling
Why Ecrivus

Native + broadcast standard + SDH on request

Subtitling that is readable on a 4K TV and on mobile — and accessible to every viewer.

  • Broadcast and streaming-suitable subtitling — Ecrivus International

    Broadcast and streaming-suitable subtitling

    Aligned with EBU-TT-D timed-text profile and the technical specifications used by major streaming platforms and broadcasters — optimal readability on every screen format.

  • SDH subtitling for accessibility — Ecrivus International

    SDH subtitling on request

    For deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers: SDH with sound cues and speaker identification — aligned with WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility requirements and the European Accessibility Act (EAA, applies from 28 June 2025).

  • Lead time confirmed in the quote — Ecrivus International

    Lead time confirmed in the quote

    Lead time per video depends on duration, the number of languages and broadcast spec — confirmed in writing in the quote. Rush deadlines for short videos handled where the schedule allows.

  • Multilingual subtitling — Ecrivus International

    225+ languages available

    Native subtitlers for every market — including RTL (Arabic, Hebrew) and CJK (Chinese, Japanese, Korean).

Quality assurance

Broadcast-suitable in every language

Every assignment goes through a hybrid QA approach — transcription, translation, EBU-TT-D timing, native review where the work requires it and delivery in your preferred format.

  • EBU-TT-D timed text Streaming-platform suitable
  • WCAG 2.2 AA-aligned EAA 2025 readiness · Equality Act 2010
  • Broadcast timing rules 150 to 180 wpm reading tempo
  • Native subtitlers Mother tongue + subtitling specialism
  • SRT · VTT · TTML · EBU-STL Every common subtitle format
  • NDA on source content Pre-launch confidentiality
From practice

Concrete subtitling projects

From Netflix series and e-learning libraries to social-content campaigns.

Streaming-ready series subtitling — Ecrivus International Streaming · Series
Case Study

Streaming-ready series subtitling in 14 languages

An independent production house localised their six-part documentary for a major streaming platform in 14 languages. Strict EBU-TT-D and platform-specific specifications, SDH for four core languages and timing QA per episode.

14 languages
6 video hours
confirmed in quote lead time
E-learning subtitling — Ecrivus International E-learning · EU
Case Study

E-learning video series of 180 modules

A training platform had its full 180-module e-learning library subtitled in four languages (EN/DE/FR/ES). Course-specific terminology managed via a shared glossary.

180 modules
4 languages
confirmed in quote lead time
Social-media subtitling — Ecrivus International D2C · Social
Case Study

Social-content campaign across 8 markets

A D2C brand produced 45 short-form videos (TikTok/Reels/Shorts) for eight markets. Burn-in subtitles per platform (9:16 / 1:1 / 16:9) with caption styling aligned to brand guidelines.

45 videos
8 markets
3 formats
Video reach

For which video content?

8content types

Subtitling fits every video format — from broadcast to social-snippet.

  • Broadcast TV and streaming
  • Film and documentaries
  • Corporate video and explainer films
  • E-learning and training videos
  • Social-media content (Reels, Shorts, TikTok)
  • Government videos (SDH-required)
  • Legal and court recordings
  • Webinars and online courses

Trusted by government, legal institutions & global enterprises

HPMinistry of JusticeDSMSiemensASMLAmazonINGCalvin KleinRocheShellEuropean Court of JusticeBoschBMWPhilipsAudi
Legal SectorBASFImmigration ServicesVolkswagenDeutsche BankSolvaySAPMedtronicMaastricht UniversityDSMRabobankJohn DeereRitualsUnilever
What is the difference between SRT, VTT, TTML and EBU-TT-D?
SRT (SubRip Text) is the most universal format and is supported by virtually every video player and platform. VTT (WebVTT) is purpose-built for web browsers and HTML5 video. TTML (Timed Text Markup Language) is the W3C standard for timed text. EBU-TT-D is the EBU Timed Text profile of TTML used by European broadcasters and many streaming platforms. We deliver in any required format.
What is SDH subtitling?
SDH stands for Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing. These subtitles are designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers and include sound cues (such as [phone ringing]) and speaker identification alongside the spoken text. SDH subtitling is part of WCAG 2.2 AA and the European Accessibility Act (EAA, applies from 28 June 2025) for many broadcast obligations and government platforms; for UK clients it also supports Equality Act 2010 obligations.
Can you correct or translate existing subtitle files?
Yes. We translate existing SRT or VTT files, correct linguistic errors, adjust timecodes and re-synchronise. This is often faster and more cost-effective than starting from scratch.
How long does subtitling take per minute of video?
As a guideline, one minute of video requires three to five minutes of professional subtitling work, including transcription, translation, EBU-TT-D timing and QA. The exact lead time depends on the complexity of the spoken content and the number of languages, and is confirmed in the quote.
Are your subtitles suitable for major streaming platforms and broadcasters?
Yes. We deliver subtitling aligned with EBU-TT-D, the EBU Timed Text profile that underlies the technical specs used by major streaming platforms and public-service and commercial broadcasters in Europe and the UK. We map your delivery to the platform-specific spec your distribution partner requires.
How does your pricing work for subtitling?
Rates depend on video duration (per minute), number of languages, complexity of the spoken content (rapid dialogue and many speakers means more work), preferred format (basic SRT versus SDH) and rush requirements. For ongoing content production (for example 20+ videos per month) we offer tiered rates.
Can you burn the subtitles into the video?
Yes. In addition to delivering standalone SRT/VTT/TTML/EBU-STL files, we can render the subtitles permanently into the video (burn-in). This is helpful for social-media videos (TikTok, Reels) where subtitle support is limited, and for download-and-watch-offline scenarios.
Social proof

Client testimonials

What clients say about working with Ecrivus — from streaming releases to social-series rollouts.

★★★★★
Certified translations for our international cases are delivered quickly and carefully. Our project manager knows our account inside out.

Subtitling in every language?

No-obligation — response within one hour on business days

Discover more

Below you'll find adjacent services, sectors we translate for often, and the most requested language pairs.

Last updated: May 2026