subbed

Subbed refers to video content that includes subtitles displayed on screen, typically translations of dialogue from one language into another. It is used to enable understanding of foreign-language media and is common for films, television, anime, and streaming content. Subbed content can be official, produced or licensed by rights holders, or fan-made, often called fansub, produced by volunteers to provide access where an official subtitle is not available.

Subbing encompasses several practices. Official subtitles are created by licensed distributors and may be released with streaming, home video, or broadcast. Fan-subbed content arises when fans translate and time subtitles for titles not yet released in a given region. Subbing quality varies based on accuracy, timing, and localization choices, and may reflect different dialects, terminology, or humor.

Technically, subtitles can be soft or hard. Soft subtitles are separate data that can be turned on or off during playback, while hard subtitles are burned into the video image and cannot be removed. Subtitles come in various formats, such as SRT, WebVTT, or ASS/SSA, and require careful timing to synchronize with dialogue, including line length and display duration.

Subtitles enhance accessibility for deaf and hard of hearing audiences and expand a title’s international reach. They may also raise considerations about copyright, translation quality, and cultural localization. In some regions, subbed releases are later complemented or replaced by dubbed versions, while in others both options are available concurrently.

See also: subtitles, dubbing, captioning, localization, fansub.