What drives the cost of translating a video — length, word count, subtitling vs voice-over — with typical per-word, per-minute and per-day rates.
In this article
Video translation rates depend on a number of factors — the target language, and whether voice-over, subtitling or transcription is required. Translating audio-video material is an involved process that helps businesses and producers deliver their message to international audiences. The rates below are based on the UK industry standard, a useful guide for the wider market given the UK's role as a hub of audiovisual production. Our published translation rates set out the per-word and per-minute figures we quote from.
How to estimate video translation rates
Video length — videos are measured in minutes, with roughly 100–150 words spoken per minute, so rates are often based on run time.
Number of words — the recording is usually transcribed first so the word count can be calculated accurately, and translation is priced from there.
Subtitling or voice-over — whichever route you choose, you start with a good-quality transcription. Subtitling translates the audio and adds it as captions (open, closed or SDH — each with different costs). Voice-over prepares a script from the transcription, then records the audio in the target language in a professional studio. Voice-over generally costs more than subtitling because of the skills and equipment required.
Examples of typical translation fees
Rates are typically calculated per word (from the transcript) or per minute (from the run time), and vary with language difficulty, the nature of the work and word count.
Translation rates per word
| GBP | EUR | USD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Translation rate per word | £0.145–0.20 | €0.18–0.30 | $0.20–0.32 |
Translation rates per 1,000 words
| GBP | EUR | USD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Translation rate / 1k words | £145–200 | €180–300 | $200–320 |
Transcription rates
| GBP | EUR | USD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transcription rate / minute | £8–10 | €10–13 | $12–15 |
Subtitling rates
| GBP | EUR | USD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subtitling rate / minute | £13–20 | €17–20 | $19–22 |
See our subtitling rates guide for more detail.
Voice-over rates
With voice-over, the final cost depends on whether the video is broadcast or non-broadcast, its nature and other factors. You'll usually account for the BSF (Basic Studio/Session Fee) plus any usage fees on top.
| GBP | EUR | USD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per hour | £300–400 | €350–500 | $390–550 |
| Half day | £900–1,200 | €1,050–1,500 | $1,170–1,650 |
| Full day | £1,800–2,400 | €2,100–3,000 | $2,340–3,300 |
See our voice over rates guide for a detailed breakdown.
Rates per language
Different languages have different price points due to language complexity, voice artist availability and translation resources. Rare combinations, or translators from countries with a higher cost of living, tend to cost more.
Translation services in 100+ languages
GoLocalise offers a comprehensive suite of services for audio-video localisation in 100+ languages — translation, transcription, voice over and subtitling, all under one roof. Get a quote and we'll take care of your project from start to finish.
FAQs
What actually drives the cost of translating a video?
Four things, in roughly this order: how many target languages you need, the length of the script rather than the length of the video, whether you need subtitles or voice over or both, and how fast you need it. Two videos of the same duration can differ substantially in price if one is a dense narration and the other is mostly music.
Is it cheaper to subtitle or to dub?
Subtitling is almost always cheaper, because there is no studio time, no talent fee and no usage rights to negotiate. Voice over costs more and delivers more: the viewer watches the picture instead of reading it. The usual approach for a multi-language rollout is voice over for the priority markets and subtitles for the rest.
Why do rates differ so much between languages?
Mostly supply. Common language pairs have deep pools of linguists and voice actors and competitive rates; rarer combinations have few qualified people and price accordingly. Script length matters too, because some languages expand considerably against English, and you are paying for the translated words.
Do you charge per word, per minute or per project?
It depends on the service, which is why a single number is misleading. Translation and subtitling are usually counted by word or by video minute; voice over is counted by script length and studio time, with usage rights on top for advertising. We quote the whole job itemised so you can see which part costs what — send us the video and script.
Can you give me a figure today?
Usually within a few hours during office hours, and it is free with no obligation. Send the video, the script if you have one, the target languages and where it will be used. Over half of enquiries get a reply within thirty minutes. Request a quote.
Want the number for your project?
Our published translation rates per word, by language group, with what moves the price — and an exact quote for your script in a few hours.
