Automatic IGTV captions are finally here!
Instagram released a new accessibility feature that will automatically add captions to IGTV videos in 16 languages.
Not only is the new feature a time-saver for brands and businesses alike, but it’s also a way for Instagram profiles to be more inclusive.
Learn how to automatically add captions to your IGTV videos and why it’s important here:
IGTV Captions: How to Automatically Add Subtitles to IGTV Videos
The new auto-captioning tool is an incredible feature for Instagram users who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Turning on IGTV auto-captioning is one way to make your Instagram more inclusive and accessible in just a few simple steps.
To get started, head to your Instagram settings and tap “Account”.
Tap “Captions” and switch on “auto-generated captions”.
Once you turn on auto-generated captions, you’ll also have to turn on auto-captioning in your IGTV settings too.
To get started, upload your IGTV video as normal.
Once you’ve uploaded and chosen a cover photo, you’ll see this screen. Tap on “Advanced Settings” at the bottom. Turn on “Auto-Generated Captions” and tap “Done”.
And there you have it! Your IGTV will have black and white text captions along the bottom of the screen.
Ready to get started on IGTV? Learn everything you need to know in the ultimate guide to IGTV here.
IGTV Captions: Why Brands Should Add Subtitles to IGTV Videos
Adding captions to IGTV is an incredible way to not only create a more inclusive space for your Instagram community, but it’s also a way to boost engagement.
Here are 3 reasons why you should turn on IGTV auto-captioning right now:
#1: Accessibility
Accessibility matters in the digital world — especially for those with visual and hearing conditions.
According to the World Health Organization via Facebook, over 5% of the world’s population – or 466 million people – have disabling hearing loss, and that is projected to increase to over 900 million by 2050.
Adding captions to your IGTV is a simple and effective step your brand or business can take to allow those who are deaf and hard of hearing to engage with and enjoy your content.
#2: Higher Engagement
We know that 85% of video on Facebook is watched without sound, so making your content digestible without audio is a no-brainer.
Instead of users seeing your video and possibly scrolling right by it, you’re giving viewers the opportunity to watch and understand your video, all without sound!
And, if your video is engaging and exciting, they may even turn the sound on and watch the video in its entirety — which is the ultimate goal!
#3: Higher Video Traffic
Not only can adding captions increase your engagement, but it could also help increase video views and traffic, and here’s why.
Sharing an IGTV preview to the Instagram feed is already a great way to get more views, but when mixed with auto-captioning, it’s the perfect pairing.
If a viewer sees the IGTV preview on your feed and watches it with captions, they’re more likely to tap that “Keep watching” button — which could mean longer view times and higher overall engagement for your posts!
That’s it — 3 reasons why you should start using auto-captioning for IGTV. Not only will it help increase engagement, but more importantly, it’ll make your Instagram account a more inclusive space for everyone in your community.
Instagram hasn’t said whether or not there will be auto-captioning for Instagram Stories or Reels. Watch this space!
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