Subtitling and subtitle translation services
Make the content understandable without breaking the viewing experience.
DEMA supports transcription, subtitle translation, synchronization, review, encoding, closed captions and SDH. The workflow is built around what the viewer needs to read, when they need to read it and what information is carried by the audio.
Subtitles are constrained writing
Meaning + timing + reading speed + screen space.
Good subtitles have to work inside the video, not only on a transcript. Translation, synchronization and display decisions are part of the same deliverable.
A complete subtitle workflow
From spoken content to timed, readable target text.
DEMA’s subtitling service is built on a three-step core process: transcription, translation and synchronization. Around that core, projects can also include review, encoding, captioning and accessibility-specific work.
01
Transcription
Speech is captured accurately in the source language and prepared for subtitle segmentation.
02
Translation or adaptation
A qualified linguist translates the dialogue while preserving meaning, tone and the constraints of reading on screen.
03
Segmentation & synchronization
Subtitles are timed to the audio and scene changes, with line length and reading rhythm adjusted for the viewer.
04
Review
Language, timing, consistency and technical subtitle issues are checked in context with the video.
05
Delivery or encoding
Subtitle files can be delivered separately or encoded/burned into the media according to the publication requirement.
Different outputs for different audiences
“Subtitling” can mean several deliverables.
Subtitle translation
Translated on-screen text for viewers who do not speak the source language.
Closed captions
Captions that can be switched on or off and may include speaker or sound information depending on the project.
SDH subtitles
Accessible subtitles for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, including relevant non-dialogue information.
Explore SDH subtitles →Subtitle review
Assessment of language, segmentation, synchronization and target-language readability.
Subtitle encoding
Hardcoded or burned subtitles for media where a separate subtitle track is not required.
Audio/video transcription
Source-language text prepared for translation, search, accessibility or content reuse.
Where subtitles add value
Not only entertainment.
We subtitle media across business, learning and public-facing communication, in many languages and with accessibility in mind.
Corporate presentations
Training videos
E-learning modules
Product demonstrations
Marketing video
Interviews
Webinars
Educational content
Entertainment content
Online streaming
What has to be controlled
A linguistically correct subtitle can still be difficult to watch.
Language
Keep the target concise without losing meaning.
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Tone and register
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Terminology
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Natural target-language phrasing
Timing
Match subtitle appearance to speech and scene rhythm.
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In/out timing
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Shot changes
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Reading duration
Screen readability
Protect the viewing experience.
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Line length
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Segmentation
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Avoiding visual obstruction
Accessibility
Carry information that is not available through dialogue alone.
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Speaker identification
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Relevant sound effects
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Music or non-speech cues where required
Subtitling and accessibility
SDH is a distinct accessibility deliverable.
Standard translated subtitles primarily bridge a language gap. SDH is designed for viewers who cannot rely on the audio track, so it may also identify speakers, relevant sound effects and other non-dialogue information. DEMA offers SDH as a dedicated service and validates accessibility and readability requirements with specialised review.
Regular multilingual subtitles
Primary goal: make spoken content understandable in another language.
SDH subtitles
Primary goal: make the information carried by the audio available to d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers.
Explore SDH subtitles →Accessible media strategy
SDH can sit alongside Plain Language, Easy-to-Read and accessible documents in a broader accessibility programme.
Events and insights
Sharing our accessibility expertise with the industry.
Our team speaks at conferences, writes for industry media and runs workshops on plain language, accessibility and inclusion.
Article · MultiLingual magazine, April 2026Influencing the Industry
In the April 2026 issue, Milena Spelta Parenti is featured among language industry influencers, explaining why accessible and inclusive language is about removing barriers.
Read the article ↗
Workshop · Torino Film Festival 2025Lo spettacolo per tutti: inclusione e innovazione sul palco e sullo schermo
Milena Spelta Parenti took part in this workshop on making theatre and film accessible to every audience, with inclusive and innovative approaches on stage and on screen.
View the programme ↗
Conference talk · GALA 2024 ValenciaPlain and Easy Language: ensuring accessible communication for all
Milena Spelta Parenti and Jovana Maravic share how we simplify language for specific audiences, drawing on the plain and easy language projects of the Spanish company DEMA acquired in 2022.
Watch the talk ↗
Client voices
Long-term partners, in their own words.
Manufacturers, agencies and specialist firms across Europe rely on us for documentation that has to be right in every market.
“
We have been working with DEMA for a few years now on the translation of manuals: they are a great partner – professional, fast, and efficient, with a team of helpful and kind people. Our native-speaking dealers have also praised the quality and accuracy of the translations.
Michela R.
FMB S.r.l. · Italy
“
The advertising agency that follows us called me to tell me that the layout of the brochures that DEMA SOLUTIONS translated was perfect, he added that the translations never come this way, neither from us nor from their other clients. They were very satisfied.
Fernanda B.
Bonino S.r.l. · Italy
“
DEMA Solutions is a dynamic service provider that responds to our needs and thus puts its customers first. The cooperation with the staff is a pleasure and leads to success.
Tomislav M.
Tanner AG · Germany
“
Our collaboration with Dema has made it possible for us to look at the ‘translation issue’ as nothing more than a formality. Giardina Group is an engineering company that specializes in the design and production of innovative surface finishing and coating technologies. We export 90% of our production, and our ability to communicate with our customers in their own language – by providing clear, precise and professional documents – is a significant competitive advantage and an essential part of the high-quality service for which we are known. Our collaboration with Dema has proven to be of immense value: they are an attentive, reliable partner who responds quickly to our needs, even in ‘emergency’ situations.
Luca R.
Giardina Group · Italy
“
We have had a fruitful long-term cooperation with Link-Up. Over the years, we have put in a lot of hard work and have really made a name for ourselves as an international player in the clothing industry. It has been a non-stop journey, and the quality of multilingual communication in different contexts and for different services has been and continues to be a key strategic factor. Let’s keep up the good work together!
Matteo L.
Teddy Group · Italy
Link-Up is a DEMA Solutions company
“
Translations of outstanding quality, always delivered on time, with professionalism and great availability. As a company operating in many countries worldwide, it is crucial for us to have a reliable and competent translation service provider we can depend on. The specific language requirements of the sector in which we operate are always met.
Elisa C.
TricoBiotos S.p.A. · Italy
“
Lilly and Claudio are first of all friends, but they are also highly professional partners in the field of translation services. Always available and punctual, they have been our go-to for over 25 years for our international customers, who always praise the quality of our work. Translation is about more than just switching from one language to another, it’s about capturing the essence of the product and tailoring it to the target audience. Thank you Link-Up!!
Vincenzo C.
Promos S.n.c. · Italy
Link-Up is a DEMA Solutions company
“
For several years now, we have relied on LINK-UP for the translation of texts for the websites we create and for writing copy for advertising campaigns. The staff and owners of LINK-UP are always very kind and professional. A guarantee of quality.
Denis V.
Adriaweb Strategie Digitali · Italy
Link-Up is a DEMA Solutions company
“
When I first came into contact with REM Traduzioni more than 10 years ago, our roles were reversed. They were our client and commissioned us to develop their company website. We soon began to involve Elisabetta and Gloria in the projects we manage for our customers. Our collaboration has blossomed over time, thanks to their ability to deliver a consistently high-quality, professional service in every situation. REM Traduzioni has always been the partner of choice for us when it comes to multilingual communication.
Giacomo D.
Advertendo Srl · Italy
REM Traduzioni is a DEMA Solutions company
“
I got to know REM Traduzioni a few years ago when I joined the Ferretto Group. Elisabetta and Gloria were already trusted suppliers to the Ferretto Group and after the first few days I knew I would not be disappointed. The quality of the translations provided, the professionalism of the team, and their willingness to take on even the most urgent and complex projects make REM Traduzioni an invaluable partner on which we can rely to develop all our communication projects.
Annachiara B.
Ferretto Group SpA · Italy
REM Traduzioni is a DEMA Solutions company
“
I think I can say that REM Traduzioni has grown with us. We were one of their first customers over 30 years ago, and our ongoing relationship, built on complete trust and mutual respect, has evolved into a true partnership. Elisabetta and Gloria are our trusted translation service providers that we rely on for all of our translation needs and we consider them an integral part of our team.
Alessandro B.
Ufficio Veneto Brevetti · Italy
REM Traduzioni is a DEMA Solutions company
“
REM Traduzioni is our firm’s partner of choice in the field of language services. We rely on REM for some of our most sensitive and important projects and they always deliver on time and with professionalism.
Alessandro C.
Partner – BTLAWS · Italy
REM Traduzioni is a DEMA Solutions company
“
We are happy with your service, which we consider professional and fast
Antonella T.
Rossi & Rivieri · Italy
Free report
Subtitling solutions for every audience.
Download our free report to learn how professional subtitling helps your videos reach international audiences and makes them accessible to everyone.
Subtitling questions
Choose the output based on publication, not only language pair.
Can you work from a video without a transcript?
Yes. The workflow can begin with audio/video transcription before translation and subtitle timing.
Can subtitles be burned into the video?
Yes. Encoding/hardcoding can be included when the publication workflow requires subtitles to be permanently visible.
What is the difference between SDH and translated subtitles?
Translated subtitles mainly transfer dialogue across languages. SDH is accessibility-focused and can include relevant sounds, speaker identification and other information that a hearing viewer receives from the audio.
Can subtitles be reviewed after another supplier creates them?
Yes. Subtitle review can cover language, timing, segmentation and target-language readability in context with the video.
Send the video and tell us who needs to understand it.
The correct subtitle workflow depends on source quality, target language, publication channel and whether the audience needs translation, captions, SDH or a combination.
Talk to DEMAHow can we help?
Tell us what you need and we’ll get back to you with the solutions.
Insights
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