TikTok is set to take a significant leap towards making its platform more accessible. The social media giant has announced that starting next month, all videos will feature automatic captions by default.
Notification alerts users to upcoming feature
Jonah Manzano recently shared a notification from TikTok, notifying users about the impending change. While the platform currently allows users to enable auto captions, this feature will soon become the standard for all video clips. The option to “Allow auto-captions” will also be removed from the video upload process.
TikTok’s commitment to inclusivity
In an official statement, and as reported by Social Media Today, TikTok clarified:
“You can modify the captions authorisation status for any video that has already been posted before November. After which, all eligible videos in supported languages will have captions by default. This ensures that TikTok is inclusive and everyone can enjoy the app without language limitations.”
The app also assures creators that they will still have the option to edit or delete captions even after their videos have been posted. However, the opt-out feature will be removed, making text captions a staple on TikTok clips.
A move that benefits everyone
The new feature aims to make the platform more user-friendly for people with hearing difficulties. However, it doesn’t stop there. Regular users who often find themselves watching videos without sound will also benefit from this move. In an age where auto-captioning is increasingly important, TikTok’s decision sets a precedent that other apps might follow.
Although automatic captions are available on YouTube and Facebook/Instagram, they are not activated by default and don’t cover all videos. With this change, TikTok is not just staying ahead of the curve but is also broadening the range of content accessible to all users. The feature will initially be available for English language videos, with plans to extend it to other languages.
