1. Introduction to Subtitles & Captions

Before contributing, it is essential to distinguish between the two types of files:

• Captions (CC): Designed for the deaf or hard of hearing. They are created in the same language as the audio and include relevant sounds (e.g., [Upbeat music playing]).

• Subtitles: Designed for viewers who do not understand the spoken language. These are translations into a different language.

2. How to Create Captions (Same Language)

This is the workflow for generating the accessibility foundation for any WordPress.tv video.

Step 1: AI Generation with Vibe

We use Vibe (a local, AI-powered tool) to get a fast and highly accurate initial transcript.

• 1. Installation: Download and install Vibe on your local machine on https://thewh1teagle.github.io/vibe.

• 2. Upload: Drop your video file into the application.

• 3. Settings: Select the video’s original language or use “Auto-detect.”

• 4.Process: The AI will transcribe the audio and generate a raw .srt file.

Step 2: Fine-Tuning with Subtitle Edit / Open Credits

AI transcripts are rarely perfect. Manual “polishing” is required. You can download and istall Subtitle Edit: https://github.com/SubtitleEdit/subtitleedit/releases

1. Synchronization: Open the .srt in Subtitle Edit (or Open Credits) to ensure text aligns perfectly with the speech.
2. Technical Review: Correct any specific terminology that the AI might misinterpret.
3. Readability: Ensure no more than two lines of text appear at once.

Step 3: Format Conversion

WordPress.tv often requires specific formats like TTML.

• Use an online converter or the “Export” feature in Subtitle Edit to convert your .srt to .ttml. You can use: https://www.better-converter.com/Subtitles-Converter/Str-to-TTML-Subtitle-Converter

3. How to Create Subtitles (Translation)

Once the original Captions are ready, creating translations allows our global community to access the content.

• Auto-Translation: In Subtitle Edit, use the “Auto-translate” feature to generate a parallel column in the target language (e.g., English to Spanish).

• Human Review: A manual review is mandatory.

• Export: Save the translated file and convert it to the required format.

4. Alternative: Using the YouTube Subtitle Generator

If you prefer a cloud-based workflow:

• Upload the video to a YouTube channel (can be set to “Unlisted”).

• Wait for YouTube to generate automatic subtitles.

Automatic synchronization is not yet available for Spanish, in this case you can upload your .srt file.

• Use the YouTube Studio editor to correct the text and timing.

• Download: Download the .vtt or .srt file and proceed with the conversion for WordPress.tv.

You can also translate this subtitles by adding a new language on Youtube Studio editor.

Here you can see the example video which has been subtitled in Spanish and then in English. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUWJ2CRj8zA

5. Uploading to WordPress.tv (For Moderators) Once you have your finalized files (.ttml or .srt):

1. Navigate to the video edit page on WordPress.tv.
2. Locate the Subtitles/Captions section.
3. Upload: Select your file from your computer.
4. Language Assignment: Select the correct language for the file being uploaded.
5. Publish: Save changes to make the subtitles live.