Netflix rolls out simple subtitles

Netflix is quietly changing the way it displays subtitles and for many it could be a welcome change.

Starting with the final season of YOU, Netflix is launching an additional new subtitle option that displays only the spoken dialogue in the original language. This skips over speaker names and audio cues like [phone buzzing] or [murderous orchestral music plays].

Until now, Netflix has displayed subtitles with just one option - the original closed captions option which includes speaker names and audio cues. But not everyone wants a breakdown of everything happening in a scene. Sometimes we just want to read what's said, not how it's said or what's happening to a random extra off-screen.

Whilst this is a small change, it's a step in the right direction. English is just the beginning with Netflix commiting to offering this in more languages and side-by-side standard closed captions.

It's not just about the subtitles

Nearly half of all netflix viewing hours in the US happen with subtitles or captions turned on. Whilst a lot of this is for accessibility, it's become more and more common for viewers to turn them on for other reasons:

• When listening in crowded environments like a train
• When trying not to wake up a partner or sleeping baby
• When multi-tasking like cooking or doing the laundry
• When watching a non-native show to better understand the dialogue

This viewing behaviour is a great reminder that accessibility is not just about making content accessible to those with disabilities, but also about making content accessible to everyone. By offering both the original closed captions and the new simple subtitles, Netflix is making it easier for viewers to control their own experience.