Netflix is ​​finally getting dialogue-only subtitles

Netflix, like many other streaming services, has a subtitle feature. The option is quite useful, especially for accessibility reasons. However, the option’s current behavior can sometimes be annoying. After a long time, Netflix has listened to its users and has begun implementing dialogue-only subtitles.

As mentioned before, Netflix’s subtitles are designed with accessibility in mind. They don’t just caption what people say but also the sounds and actions they perform. This is great for those with hearing impairments. However, many who use subtitles find it strange to read descriptions like “dramatic music playing,” “phone giving away,” and the like.

People without hearing impairments enable subtitles so they don’t miss any dialogue. Surely you’ve come across a movie or series where, for one reason or another, you can’t clearly hear every line of dialogue from the characters. This could be because the characters speak too quietly, because of the quality of your sound system, or because of a poor audio mix, among several other reasons. They also help capture every detail of the story. So, basically, the option is quite useful for everyone. According to Netflix, viewers in the United States spend nearly half of their time on its platform using subtitles.

Dialogue-only subtitles finally arrive on Netflix

Thinking of those who enable subtitles without having hearing issues, the company has begun rolling out a new option. Now, Netflix users can set subtitles only for characters’ dialogue. Of course, the previous subtitle behavior will still be available among the options.

The streaming giant is rolling out the feature starting today for You season 5. It will soon be available for many other titles on the platform until all have dialogue-only subtitles. For now, the option is only available in English, but more languages ​​are expected to be supported as well. Languages ​​available for dialogue-only subtitles will remove the “CC” from the option. For example, instead of choosing “English (CC),” you’ll have to choose the option that simply says “English.” Lastly, the feature is available both on Netflix’s website and dedicated apps.