*Netflix is introducing a new subtitle option designed for the increasing number of viewers who use captions even though they are not deaf.
The streamer recently rolled out dialogue-only subtitles, a simplified alternative for those who prefer on-screen text without the extra clutter of sound cues like “[door creaks]” or “[phone buzzing].” The new feature, which debuted with the final season of “You” starring Penn Badgley, is aimed at hearing audiences who still rely on subtitles for clarity, comprehension, or convenience, The Washington Post reports.
Traditional closed captions, meant for deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers, often include non-verbal audio descriptions. Netflix’s updated version strips those out, offering clean, dialogue-focused captions in English and other languages across its original content.
To activate the feature, viewers can choose their preferred language in the settings menu. Options labeled with “(CC)” indicate standard closed captions, while the new dialogue-only subtitles come without that tag.
According to a February 2023 YouGov poll, nearly one-third of American adults regularly use subtitles, even when watching content in a language they understand. That number jumps significantly among younger audiences, with over half of adults aged 18–29 saying they prefer watching with captions on.
Scroll to continue reading
Subtitles can help with deciphering heavy accents, low dialogue audio, or watching in noisy environments. Other streamers have also begun addressing these common viewer frustrations: Apple TV, for instance, automatically enables captions when a viewer rewinds more than 10 seconds, and Roku offers an “On replay” mode that does something similar.
Still, not everyone is a fan. Some complain subtitles distract from visuals or disrupt pacing. Yet the shift toward normalized, stylized, and user-friendly captions reflects a broader trend.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB.COM: Netflix Drops First Teaser for Final ‘Squid Game’ Season | Watch
We Publish Breaking News 24/7. Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for our Free daily newsletter HERE.
