Zoom has fulfilled its promise to add auto-generated captions or live transcription to all free Zoom meetings accounts. Zoom webinar accounts and paid zoom meetings users can also enjoy the auto-generated captioning services.
The feature generates automatic captions during a zoom video call and makes Zoom services accessible. Initially, Zoom was offering AI-powered automatic captions for paid accounts, only causing a lot of criticism. The zoom marketing manager of chats and meetings highlighted the significance of everyone being able to connect and communicate using Zoom.
The lack of proper accessibility tools limits individuals with disabilities when communicating using video. Without the live captions, Zoom meeting hosts had to employ third-party captioning service providers or manually add captions, which is costly and time-consuming.
The organization has continually improved its accessibility options over the years. They have support for screen readers, allow visibility of multiple videos simultaneously and allow a language interpreter to be visible when another user is speaking. The auto-generated captions only support the English language, but Zoom says it will include other languages in the future.
Importance of Auto-generated Captions
Zoom is focused on developing a platform that is accessible to the diverse communities in the world. Features like automatic free Zoom captions play a critical role in that mission. You have probably been frustrated when using Zoom calls due to unclear speech.
The live subtitles found at the bottom of the screen showing what participants are saying are significant. Captions enable users to participate in classes, meetings, hangouts, and watch movies. They help you figure out what is happening and understand the message. Some people suffer from hearing fatigue, headaches, and energy rain from focusing too much on the speakers. You do not need to concentrate hard if there are captions since you can see the presenters’ words on the screen. Handling third parties to provide the captions is complex, and you will also spend a lot of money.
How to Enable Closed Captions on Zoom
Zoom has integrated free, live captions with all payment plans. The feature is a game-changer, and it is easy to use. Before the broader release of the feature, free account Zoom users who require automatic captions would have to send a request.
However, live transcriptions were available after the release. Users were required to enable the captions from the back end. The feature is free, and enabling it will embed the subtitles on your screen below the speaker and the participants.
Sign in to the application’s web portal to enable the captions for your zoom account. In the navigation panel, find the profile, then click on account management. Select the account settings tabs, then click on the meeting. Scroll down to Closed Captioning found before the Save Captions and after Remote Support tabs. Toggle the closed captioning to enable it.
Click Turn On n the verification dialog that displays to verify your change. Individuals can make the setting mandatory for the account’s users by clicking the lock icon and choosing Lock. Below the Closed Captioning tab, you will see a check box with “Enable live transcription.” Clicking on it will display the transcript on the side panel during the meeting. Toggle the Save Captions button to save your subtitles.
Enabling Third-Party Captions on Zoom
An account owner or an individual with administrative privileges can enable real-time speech to text services during Zoom meetings. If you are a single user with access to multiple accounts, you must contact your admin to enable the functionality to all users via their web portals.
Participants can also privately request the host to use the meeting toolbar to turn on live transcriptions during the meeting. As aforementioned, Zoom supports manual and third-party live captioning services. To enable third-party captioning within a meeting you are hosting, click Closed Captions.
If you have a Captionist, open the participants’ window and hover over the individual’s name. Click More and Assign to Type Closed Caption. If you do not have a professional, open the Closed Captioning window to enable you to type the subtitles manually.
Auto-generated captions provide subtitles on a Zoom meeting. The feature allows accessibility and makes it easier to follow the presentation. Additionally, it saves you the money you would have spent hiring captioning services.
Besides automatic captioning, the company offers several accessibility tools, including keyboard accessibility, screen reader support, and voicemail accessibility, to provide an equitable experience.
