A clear guide to subtitling rates — per minute and per file — with typical price ranges and the cost-drivers behind every video project.
In this article
The standard subtitling rates in the industry reflect the years of experience that audiovisual linguists need to craft quality subtitles.
Within subtitling services, other processes are required too, such as audio and video translation. The video is transcribed in the source language, and the text is then translated into the target language to ensure the highest-quality output.
This subtitling rates guide is based on the standards in the UK. However, since the UK is an international hub for audiovisual production, these rates also reflect the standards of the international market.
Typical Subtitling Rates
Rates for subtitling can vary depending on a number of factors, such as project requirements, video quality, complexity, and length.
The prices also vary by industry — each one requires a different approach to creating subtitles.
The target language also has a major impact on the final cost, because different languages have different complexity levels.
Subtitling Rates Per Minute
In most cases, subtitling projects are charged by the minute. Rates per minute are the industry norm.
The simplest project would be creating subtitles in the same language as the audio. This involves transcription of the audio — the words are first typed out and then formatted before creating the subtitles.
Complex projects may also involve translation into a different language after transcription, before the subtitles are created.
Subtitling Rates Per File
Completed subtitles are always delivered in a timed-text file format such as STL, WebVTT, or SRT. A per-file rate may be charged depending on the type of file required.
Subtitles can be open or closed captions. For open captions, the subtitles are synced with the video and burnt in before delivery. Good subtitling can be complex because of the duration of the subtitles, frame rates, and reading speeds — it is important to work from text to maintain the accuracy of character limits and speed.
The starting rates for subtitling are listed in the table below.
| GBP | EUR | USD | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subtitling rates per minute | £8–20 | €10–20 | $12–22 |
Steps of the Subtitling Process
Subtitling has its own criteria, specifications, and rules, so each project follows a defined process. Every step has its own rate. Here's a brief overview from start to finish.
Transcription with Time Coding
The first step involves transcribing the spoken audio into text, word for word. Time codes are then added to each paragraph for cue points.
Cueing, Condensing, and SRT File
In many cases, other services are required. The script is condensed to fit the available space on screen, and it is then converted into SRT file format.
Subtitling Translation
The transcription is translated by an expert translator into the target language. This requires special skill: the translated text must convey the meaning and fit into a restricted space.
QA by a Second Translator
The completed translation is reviewed by a second translator to spot any inaccuracies or nuances.
Sync Subtitles for Approval
The subtitles are synced to a low-res video and sent for client approval. Any changes are made at this stage.
Final Sync and Burn-In
Once approved, a final sync is done and the subtitles are burnt into the video. The project is complete and ready for delivery.
Subtitle File
In some cases, clients prefer to burn in the subtitles themselves. A subtitle file in the format of their choice is created and delivered.
| Step | GBP | EUR | USD |
|---|---|---|---|
| English transcription and time coding | £8/min | €10/min | $12/min |
| Transcription with cueing, condensing, SRT | £9/min | €12/min | $14/min |
| Translation | £13/min | €17/min | $19/min |
| QA by a second translator | £8/min | €11/min | $12/min |
| Sync subtitles | £9/min | €12/min | $14/min |
| Final sync and burn-in | £5/min | €7/min | $9/min |
Get Quality Subtitling
Get competitive subtitling services with GoLocalise, ensuring quality at every step. Get in touch for a quote on your next project.
Subtitling and Translation Services in All Languages
As a leading voice over agency, GoLocalise provides end-to-end audio and video localisation — subtitling, voice over, translation, and transcription.
We follow industry-standard practices so that every subtitling project undergoes stringent quality control. Get in touch today to request a quote for your next subtitling project.
