How to Enable or Disable Subtitles on DailyMotion Video Platform

Key takeaways:

  • DailyMotion allows you to add subtitles to videos, but there is no built-in option to turn them on or off while watching
  • Subtitles must be added by the video owner in the form of an .SRT file uploaded through the Advanced Edit tab
  • Once subtitles are added, they will automatically appear when the video is played on any device
  • It’s not currently possible to manage subtitles through the DailyMotion mobile apps

DailyMotion is a popular video sharing platform that allows creators to upload, share and monetize their video content. While it offers a wide range of features for video management, one area where it differs from competitors like YouTube is in its handling of subtitles and closed captions.

Unlike YouTube, DailyMotion does not provide a built-in option for viewers to easily turn subtitles on or off while watching a video. Instead, the responsibility for adding subtitles falls on the video owner. If subtitles are available for a video, they will automatically appear for all viewers without the ability to disable them.

Adding Subtitles to Your DailyMotion Videos

If you want to add subtitles to your own videos on DailyMotion, you’ll need to create a SubRip Subtitle file (with .srt extension) containing the subtitle text and timing information. There are many tools and services available to help with creating SRT files, including automatic transcription services like Rev.com.

Once you have your SRT file ready, here’s how to add it to your video:

  1. Log in to your DailyMotion account and go to the video’s page
  2. Click on the Advanced Edit tab below the video player
  3. In the Subtitles section, click Add Subtitles and choose the language
  4. Click Upload and select your .srt file
  5. Click Save to confirm the changes

After saving, the subtitles will appear automatically anytime the video is played, regardless of device or platform. You can add subtitles in multiple languages by repeating the steps above.

Managing Subtitles on Different Devices

The process for managing subtitles on DailyMotion is the same whether you’re using a computer, smart TV, or streaming device like Roku or Apple TV. Since the subtitles are tied to the video itself, once they’ve been added by the owner, they will appear on any device used to watch the video.

However, it’s important to note that the DailyMotion mobile apps for iOS and Android do not currently include any options for adding or managing subtitles. The subtitle upload must be done through the DailyMotion website.

Some smart TVs and media players have global subtitle settings that can override the default behavior of displaying available subtitles. For example, on Roku devices you can try these steps if subtitles aren’t appearing:

  1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote
  2. Scroll up or down and select Settings
  3. Select Accessibility
  4. Choose Captions mode and select On always

Similar options may be available on other devices – consult your device’s accessibility settings or support documentation for more info.

The Future of Subtitles on DailyMotion

As of now, DailyMotion’s subtitle support is more limited than some other major video platforms. The lack of viewer control over turning subtitles on and off could be seen as an accessibility issue.

However, DailyMotion is continually evolving its features and may choose to expand its subtitle functionality in the future based on creator and viewer feedback. The ability to auto-generate subtitles using speech recognition technology could help make subtitles more widely available across the platform.

In the meantime, creators should consider adding subtitles to their videos whenever possible to ensure their content is accessible to the widest possible audience. And viewers who rely on subtitles may want to contact DailyMotion to provide feedback and request enhanced subtitle controls.

FAQ

Can I turn subtitles on or off while watching a video on DailyMotion?

No, DailyMotion does not currently provide a built-in option for viewers to toggle subtitles on and off. If subtitles have been added to a video by the owner, they will automatically appear for all viewers.

How do I add subtitles to my DailyMotion videos?

To add subtitles, you’ll need to create an .srt subtitle file and upload it via the Advanced Edit tab on the video’s DailyMotion page. You can add multiple subtitle tracks in different languages.

What format do DailyMotion subtitles need to be in?

DailyMotion requires subtitles to be in the SubRip Subtitle format with an .srt file extension. This is a widely used text-based format that specifies the subtitle text along with start and end timecodes.

Are subtitles supported on the DailyMotion mobile apps?

The DailyMotion apps for iOS and Android do not currently have any options for adding or managing subtitles. Subtitle uploading must be done through the DailyMotion website. However, videos with subtitles added will display them when viewed through the apps.

What should I do if subtitles aren’t appearing on my TV or device?

Some devices have global subtitle settings that can override DailyMotion’s default behavior. Check your device’s accessibility settings to ensure subtitles are enabled. If subtitles still don’t appear, they may not have been added to that particular video.