Audiovisual translation services

LinguaVox provides audiovisual translation services for media production companies, international marketing teams, corporate training departments and broadcast companies. Since 2000, we have managed complex media projects in more than 150 languages, with a focus on timing, cultural adaptation and clear delivery formats. Whether you need content for internal corporate communications, professional training programmes or international advertising, we provide the linguistic support required to reach international audiences.

Audiovisual work requires a distinct skill set from document translation. Translators need to manage timing, reading speed, spoken language nuances and line lengths simultaneously. Each request is assessed according to the source language, target language, cultural context of the target audience, video file format and production deadline. We assign each project to a linguist familiar with the specific linguistic and technical constraints of audiovisual media.

The audiovisual translation process

Successful audiovisual projects require a coordinated effort. The process begins with a review of the source material, available script and intended output. We then determine whether the project requires subtitling, transcription, voice-over translation, dubbing adaptation or a combination of these services.

Translating spoken language involves specific challenges. What works in writing may sound awkward when spoken. Our translators focus on creating content that sounds natural, matches the visual cues and stays faithful to the original message. Subtitles need careful timing with the speakers' delivery, while dubbed scripts have to account for phrase length to support natural lip-syncing.

Typical media content and formats

We work on a wide variety of audiovisual formats and platforms:

• Corporate promotional and brand videos.
• Training videos and educational materials.
• Webinars and conference recordings.
• Podcasts and audio interviews.
• Subtitling for accessibility (closed captioning).
• Video-on-demand content.

We support a broad range of file formats, including SRT, VTT, STL, DOCX, PDF and editable script formats. Providing the original source video or a clean transcript significantly speeds up the process and preserves context for the translator and subtitler. Where no transcript exists, we can produce one in the source language first, which then serves as the base for all subsequent translation, subtitling or voice-over adaptation. This avoids parallel work on different source materials and keeps terminology consistent throughout the project.

Workflow and quality checks

Quality in audiovisual translation is defined by timing and clarity. After the initial translation, we conduct an independent bilingual revision. During this stage, a second professional linguist checks the translation for timing precision, readability and natural tone. For subtitling projects, they check that the subtitle text remains on screen long enough for the viewer to read comfortably without blocking essential visual elements.

Our project managers then carry out a delivery review, checking that the translated files match the intended media format, that all technical specifications have been met and that the language is consistent across all project files. This structured approach is particularly important for larger projects involving multiple languages or lengthy media assets, where the same terminology may appear in subtitles, voice-over scripts, transcripts and supporting documentation.

Technical constraints for audiovisual media

Each type of audiovisual translation imposes specific technical constraints. Subtitles have strict character-per-line and character-per-second limits to support accessibility. Voice-over translation requires scripts that accommodate the speaker's natural pace.

Where multilingual dubbing is required, we prepare the script so that translated phrases follow the original speaker's timing as closely as possible. The goal is to preserve the message while making the target-language version clear and recordable.

Requesting a reliable quote

Send the source video or audio file, a transcript if available, the required language pairs, the intended deadline and the final format you require — for example, SRT files for subtitles or ready-to-record scripts for voice-over. Clarify if the project needs to comply with specific accessibility standards or regional media regulations.

Word count is the starting point, but the nature of the media, the number of speakers, the need for timing precision and the final production requirements all determine the scope of the project.

For multilingual projects, it is also useful to send any existing terminology lists, previous subtitle files or approved voice-over scripts. These references help keep names, product terms and recurring phrases aligned between the media asset and the wider communication campaign.

Frequently asked questions