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Adding Subtitles and Accessibility Tools – Manual | CUBE

1. Preparation (approx. 10 minutes) 

Objective: Set up the environment and materials for working with subtitles and accessibility tools.

Steps:

  • Familiarize yourself with subtitle editing features in CapCut and caption management in YouTube Studio.
  • Familiarize yourself with the dedicated tutorial for hands-on subtitle practice.
  • Have accounts set up on both platforms and necessary video files pre-loaded.

Checklist:

  • CapCut installed (desktop or mobile).
  • Dedicated tutorial from DIGITAL on STAGE website/YouTube channel.
  • Sample script or transcript available for use.

2. Introduction to the Tools (approx. 15 minutes)

Objective: Introduce the concept of accessibility in digital performance and video work.

Steps:

  • Briefly discuss why accessibility matters: inclusion, audience reach, legal compliance.
  • Present examples of subtitled content and highlight common issues (e.g. timing, readability, tone).
  • Walk through the basic interface of CapCut:

○ Importing video

○ Adding and syncing subtitles manually or automatically

○ Styling text for readability

Trainer Tip: Emphasize clarity, accuracy, and timing—not translation, but communication.

3. Hands-on Practice (approx. 30 minutes)

Objective: Let participants experiment with creating and styling subtitles.

Steps:

  • Task 1: Import a short video into CapCut and add subtitles manually using a written script.
  • Task 2: Adjust subtitle timing and placement; experiment with font, size, and background for clarity.
  • Task 3: Export the subtitled video and upload it to YouTube as an unlisted video.

Trainer Tip: Encourage peer review—participants can watch each other’s videos and offer feedback on clarity and flow.

  1. Advanced Features and Creative Use Cases (approx. 15 minutes)

Objective: Explore how subtitles and accessibility features support wider audience engagement.

Steps:

  • Demonstrate YouTube Studio’s auto-captioning feature and how to edit/fix generated subtitles.
  • Show how to add language-specific subtitles or descriptive captions for visual actions.
  • Discuss creative subtitling: using text to reflect tone, character, or rhythm.

Trainer Tip: Encourage thinking of subtitles as part of the dramaturgy—not just a technical layer.

5. Wrap-Up and Feedback (approx. 10 minutes)

Objective: Reflect on accessibility as a creative and ethical practice.

Steps:

  • Recap the importance of subtitles for inclusion and clarity.
  • Invite participants to share what they found challenging or eye-opening in the process.
  • Provide a checklist for subtitling best practices.

Post-Training Follow-Up

  • Share a guide with recommended tools (e.g. free transcription services, accessibility checklists).
  • Encourage participants to subtitle at least one piece of previous work and share it with the group.
  • Optional: Create a shared library of subtitled performance excerpts as a reference.

Trainer Tip: Suggest building subtitle creation into the early stages of digital content planning, not just as an afterthought.