6 October 2025

Are subtitles enough or do I need a BSL video?

Subtitles are everywhere. From Netflix to YouTube, training videos to social media clips, we’re used to seeing words appear on screen to support spoken content. They’re a valuable accessibility tool, but are subtitles always enough?

For many people who are deaf or hard of hearing, subtitles provide vital access. They also benefit non-native speakers, people in noisy environments, and those who prefer to watch content on mute. But when it comes to true inclusion, subtitles alone don’t always go far enough. That’s where BSL (British Sign Language) videos come in.

So how do you know when subtitles are sufficient, and when a
BSL video is the right choice?

The Benefits and Limits of Subtitles

Subtitles are a quick and widely accepted way to make content more accessible. They:

Enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to follow along.
Provide support for people learning English or who use it as an additional language.
Make content usable in sound-off environments, like watching a video on your commute or scrolling social media.

However, subtitles aren’t without their limitations. They:

Depend on strong literacy and fast reading speeds – not everyone has these.
Can be overwhelming for longer, more complex content.
Assume English is the viewer’s primary language, which isn’t always the case.

For many Deaf people, BSL is their first language. English may be a second language, or not fully accessible – which means subtitles alone can still leave barriers in place.

It’s also interesting to note that the average reading age for English among BSL users is around 7-9 years old, and that the structure of BSL is completely different from English, with its own unique grammar, syntax, and word order. As a result, even accurate subtitles may not fully convey the meaning or tone of the original spoken content, creating further challenges for BSL users.

Why BSL Videos Matter

A BSL video translates spoken or written content into British Sign Language. It’s delivered by a qualified BSL interpreter on screen, making information fully accessible to d/Deaf audiences who use BSL as their main language.

For these audiences, BSL videos offer:

Improved comprehension – no need to process a second language.
Clarity – especially important for technical, legal, or healthcare information.
Inclusion – a message that their needs are understood and valued.

Simply put, a BSL video isn’t just an accessibility feature, it’s a recognition of language and culture within the Deaf community.

When Subtitles Might Be Enough

There are times when subtitles alone may be sufficient, such as:

Short, simple videos with clear messages.
Informal or entertainment content.
Audiences who are already comfortable with English.

Subtitles can be a good starting point. But if your goal is full accessibility, you may need to think bigger.

When You Should Use BSL

There are certain contexts where BSL translation is far more than a “nice to have” – it’s an essential.

For example:

Public sector information – especially for councils, NHS services, and other government
Healthcare and legal communications where accuracy and understanding are critical.
Safety announcements or emergency updates.
Community engagement with d/Deaf audiences, where trust and inclusion matter most.

In these cases, BSL videos provide the clarity and reassurance subtitles alone may not achieve.

The Most Inclusive Approach

The most effective way to reach the widest audience is often to use both subtitles and BSL. Together, they:

Break down barriers for people with different access needs.
Allow individuals to choose how they engage with your content.
Demonstrate genuine commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Think of it as offering choice. Subtitles support some, BSL supports others – together, they ensure nobody is left out.

Adding Voiceover for True Inclusion

To make video content even more inclusive, a voiceover can also be added to BSL videos. This means a human voice reads the spoken content alongside the BSL and subtitles. With this approach, your video becomes accessible to:

d/Deaf audiences who use BSL.
Sighted people who prefer subtitles.
People who are blind or visually impaired.
Hearing audiences who find it easier to listen than read.

This combination ensures everyone can engage with your content in the way that works best for them.

How A2i Can Help

At A2i, our mission is to make information accessible to everyone. We provide:

BSL video translation for organisations that need to reach Deaf audiences directly.
Subtitling services that are accurate and clear.
Voiceover services for BSL videos, adding a spoken track alongside BSL and subtitles for maximum inclusivity.
A wide range of other accessible formats including Braille, Audio, Large Print, and Easy Read.

We ensure every piece of content is accurate, high-quality, and tailored to your audience. For example, we can combine services – producing a BSL video with subtitles and voiceover or converting documents into Braille and Audio in multiple languages.

Whatever your communication needs, we’ll make sure your message reaches the people who matter most – in the format that works best for them.

To conclude…

Subtitles are a valuable accessibility tool, but they aren’t always enough. For many d/Deaf people, a BSL video provides the clarity, understanding, and inclusivity that subtitles alone cannot deliver.

If your organisation is committed to breaking down barriers, think beyond “minimum compliance” and consider what truly makes your information accessible. In many cases, that means offering both.

At A2i, we’re here to help you make the right choice for your audience. Together, we can create content that everyone can access, understand, and act upon.

If you’d like to chat about how we can make your information more accessible, we’d love to hear from you:

Telephone: 01179 44 00 44

Email: info@a2i.co.uk

Website: www.a2i.co.uk

Explore our transcription services portfolio for reference and inspiration.