Closed captions are timed text intended to convey spoken content and relevant non-speech information, such as speaker identification or meaningful sounds. Unlike text permanently burned into the picture, closed captions can generally be selected or hidden in a compatible presentation. Availability, supported format and rendering controls depend on the programme and playback system.
A practical example
A viewer watching with sound muted may rely on captions that identify a doorbell or music cue as well as spoken dialogue. Ordinary translation subtitles might omit some of that information, so the two options can serve different accessibility needs.
A common misunderstanding
A CC button does not prove captions exist for every source. Check the actual programme options and distinguish selectable captions from text already embedded permanently in the video picture.
Related terms
Further reading
Stable technical definition. Editorial approach