Multimedia Translation Services: Beyond Written Words

In business and academia, multimedia translation is a term that’s usually thrown around, sometimes with minimal knowledge. Most business owners don’t know about it, and if they do, understand little of its potential to scale their business. In this article, we’ll investigate exactly what multimedia translation is, and why hiring a multimedia service company could provide the break your business needs.

What is multimedia translation?

Audiovisual translation or, multimedia translation, refers to a branch of translation that uses digital tools to express multiple modes of media e.g., language, music, text, videos, and images, into different languages.

While translation mainly started to help with academic work, it has quickly changed the game for global business.

The field has grown rapidly over the years, thanks to the increased internet accessibility and the rise of social media.

Types of multimedia translation services

Besides the conventional translation of text documents from one language to another, multimedia translation companies offer a variety of services. 

The five main services offered include:

• Subtitling & captioning

If you have original content in video format that you want extended to an international audience, subtitling is what you need. 

It involves translating dialogue and any audio in a video to the target language, and then overlaying that text on the video.

• Localization

This service involves creating media content that’s purposely for your target audience. This may involve a second website in the native language of your customers and creating video content purposely for that demography.

Some companies will also translate your software and provide training to your audience in their local languages. 

This way, all aspects of your business will feel localized for its target audience.

• Transcription

For businesses with a ton of audio content like business meetings, conferences, or presentations, transcription converts that audio into words. 

Multimedia service companies often convert the audio and then translate the document into the languages needed.

• Dubbing and voiceovers 

Dubbing is a service provided mainly for video content, where a native speaker’s voice is used to replace the original dialogue on screen. 

Voiceovers, on the other hand, involve a native speaker narrating written content to the target audience in their dialect. 

• Interpretation

Most multimedia service companies also hire interpreters to help out in international meetings and other events. 

Usually, the interpreters can handle multiple languages and may work remotely or on an in-person basis.

Benefits of multimedia translation

Now that you’re up to speed, here are a few benefits you can enjoy by hiring a professional multimedia translation service.

1. Expanded market base. 

With a good translation service, you can run ads in multiple countries and in different languages to reach new customers.

1. Improve customer loyalty. 

Most customers prefer shopping in their native language. Translation allows you to connect and engage with them in a way they love.

This increases the number of your repeat customers. 

1. Competitive advantage

Multimedia translation increases your business’s online presence and visibility. 

Customers from all over the world can find your products easily and have a personalized way of interacting with your message.

This could be a massive edge over your competitors when done correctly and could make you dominant in your field.

Final thoughts

It’s clear that leveraging on multimedia translation is more than just translating written words. With the right company, it could be the secret weapon your business needs when tapping into new markets.