---
title: "Closed Captions (CC)"
description: "The subtitles that tell you both what was said and that [dramatic music is playing]."
url: "https://www.clueso.io/glossary/closed-caption"
updated: "2026-09-11T08:57:54.857Z"
---

# Closed Captions (CC)

The subtitles that tell you both what was said and that [dramatic music is playing].

## What it is

Closed captions are on-screen text that displays spoken dialogue, sound effects, and other relevant audio cues. They’re designed to support deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers. Unlike open captions, they can be toggled on or off by the viewer.

## Why it's important

Closed captions improve accessibility, reach wider audiences, and make content easier to follow in noisy (or silent) environments. They support silent viewing, common on mobile and social platforms. [Captions](https://help.clueso.io/elements/captions/add-captions) are also search-friendly, boosting SEO by giving platforms more text to index.

## When/how to use

Include closed captions for all publicly distributed videos. Use them during post-production or upload platform-specific caption files (like .srt or .vtt). Always check timing accuracy and readability.

## Best Practices

1. **Include non-speech audio –** Capture sound effects, speaker IDs, and music cues for full accessibility.
2. **Maintain proper timing –** Ensure captions appear and disappear in sync with the audio.
3. **Use standard formatting –** Stick to conventional placement, readable fonts, and consistent line length for viewer comfort.

\| 📖 Read more: [How to Make Tasteful Screen-Capture Videos](https://www.clueso.io/blog/how-to-make-tasteful-screen-capture-videos)

> 📌 **Go Global with Clueso!**
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> Make your content instantly accessible, everywhere - [auto-translate](https://www.clueso.io/features/auto-translate) your videos into **20+ languages** with closed captions.
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> ![](https://d37f9k611f70xr.cloudfront.net/framer-1787576643183-g0q02h33cdi-Ns21mONQRqeaH6XyRFbm5Dyjc0.png)

> 💡 **Did you know?**
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> With Animated Captions in Clueso, you can add dynamic, easy-to-read text that keeps viewers hooked. 🎬✨