Universal Subtitles, or how to subtitle your videos online

Universal Subtitles is a online tool that is responsible for adding subtitles to videos and movies. With a simple interface it is an easy-to-use resource, so the task of adding subtitles becomes less tedious. In the case of videos that are too long, there is the option to continue the task another day.

Main characteristics of the project

• It is a project of a non-profit organization and a community of volunteers.
• It is free and open source software.
• It is based on HTML5 and Javascript and not proprietary software like Flash.
• It is 100% web based, there is nothing to download.
• The video can be hosted on any platform or format.
• Anyone can add subtitles to any video.

The project is financially supported in part by Mozilla through Mozilla drum beat.

A useful tool that you can learn more about in its Official Site.

How to subtitle online videos using Open Subtitles

The procedure is simple, to start it is necessary to copy a URL of the video in another language that you are interested in subtitling, then the interface to add writing is made available, displaying three ways to add the subtitles:

• Begginer: automatically stops every 8 seconds for writing
• Magical Autopause: stops when we stop typing
• Expert: it is not automatic, you need to use the TAB key to stop it

The keys for quick access in this application are: TAB to advance and Shift + Tab to return the video a few seconds back.

The next step, after adding the subtitles, is the synchronization of the sound and the text, in this phase we can run, shorten or lengthen the duration of the subtitle according to the video process. To add the text we press the down arrow when it starts and we press again when we want to change. At the beginning it can be difficult but with use you will notice that it is an easy and practical system.

Finally we go to the moment of reviewing the material, if our subtitles have not been completely right, we can move, shorten and delete them, this is the quality control department.

The system will allow us to share the result on Facebook, Twitter or through our blog.

Sources: MozillaDrumbeat & Seven ears