Captioning vs. Transcription: What's the Difference?
Transcription produces a standalone written document, a text file or page you read separately from the recording. Captioning takes that same spoken content and synchronizes it as on-screen text timed to the video, so it displays alongside the recording as it plays. Many matters need both, a transcript for the case file and captions for presenting the video itself.
What Does Transcription Produce That Captioning Doesn't?
Transcription produces a standalone written document, a text file or page you read separately from the recording, useful for citing, searching, or filing as its own document.
What Does Captioning Produce That Transcription Doesn't?
Captioning synchronizes the same spoken content as on-screen text timed to the video, so it displays alongside the recording as it plays, rather than existing as a separate document.
When Do You Need Transcription Instead of Captioning?
When you need a written record to read, search, or cite in filings, separate from the video or audio itself, transcription is the right service.
When Do You Need Captioning Instead of Transcription?
When you need on-screen text for playing a video deposition or piece of evidence in court, so viewers can follow along with the recording as it plays, captioning is the right service.
Can a Single Video Need Both Services?
Yes. A video exhibit that needs a written transcript for the case file and also needs to be shown with captions in court would need both transcription and captioning produced from the same recording.
Is One Service More Expensive Than the Other?
Both are typically priced per audio minute or per hour, so cost depends more on the length of the recording than on which specific service is being used.
Does the Same Human Review Process Apply to Both?
Yes. Both transcription and captioning start with an AI-generated draft that's then reviewed by a human professional for accuracy, speaker labeling, and timing before delivery.
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