Subtitles aren't just for deaf people

Something I've noticed more and more lately when browsing the BBC site is the increase in subtitles and title cards on their videos. Obviously video has boomed on the web, with more and more content being provided that way. But while the ear-bud infested commuter is now a common sight, volume can still be an issue for some.

I, for example, read BBC News during my lunch break to help me catch up on events. I do this with my volume turned down to the point of off, so any video that relies on the sound alone is a waste of time. That's why I'm a big fan of the rise of text in video -- because I can now consume and understand what's going on.

So next time you're producing video content, remember that subtitles aren't just for deaf people, they can also be useful in other situations. It's therefore important to try and communicate visually as well as audibly.