The Importance of Captioning on Social Media

Approximately 85% of Facebook and Instagram users don’t use the platforms with sound on, so it’s important to meet your audience’s needs at any volume. Here are some simple ways to up your social media game when diving into the addicting and creative world of online video.

CAPTION YOUR CONTENT

All content on social media should contain captions, for a multitude of reasons. Your content becomes more accessible to those who are hard of hearing, as well as all users viewing without sound. Captions can also assist with SEO on Facebook, and allow the algorithm to more accurately identify and rank your posts. If your video can’t be understood without sound you’re instantly losing a major portion of your potential audience.

ADD MUSIC

Videos that don’t have sound, and don’t need them to make sense, can always benefit from a suitable backing track. If your viewer does have sound on it will make for a more engaging piece of content. There are many royalty free options available to elevate your content. 

PROMOTE TURNING ON SOUND

Sometimes videos require sound for a complete user experience, such as music videos, advertisements for sound equipment, or sketches that rely on sound for comedic timing. In these situations you can add a short “tap for sound” banner on a Facebook video, or select the “SOUND ON” sticker to an Instagram Story. These get the message across without appearing jarring or invasive.