Inspired connections through accessibility: Real-time closed captioning and translations

At Webex Events (formerly Socio), we are constantly looking for new ways to improve key customer engagement touchpoints and expand accessibility of virtual and hybrid events. These events and sessions can be joined from practically anywhere in the world, opening an entirely new global audience to any event. As these types of events become the new normal, event technology platforms are expanding their native capabilities to include tools that provide inclusive experiences for all, breaking down language and accessibility barriers in the process.

Webex Events is happy to announce that beginning later this month, real-time closed captioning and translations will now be available on Webex Events web and mobile apps.

Captioning and translation, on any device

Closed captioning has long been an invaluable accessibility tool, one that can be used in many different instances across a multitude of audiences. For deaf and hard of hearing audiences, real-time closed captioning helps to meet Section 508 compliance, providing a crucial accessibility tool for your event.

What’s more, closed captioning has been gaining traction among general audiences as social platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made captioning commonplace for those who choose to watch video without sound. Not only is it convenient, but closed captioning has been shown to collectively improve comprehension, retention, and overall understanding.

The same goes for global audiences, who utilize closed captioning and translations to bridge the language gap with clarity and accuracy. Attendees can choose from either English closed captions or translated subtitles, available in over 30 languages including Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Dutch and German.

Now, attendees will never miss a detail with speech to text converted in real-time during a live streamed event. AI powered closed captioning ensures reliability and accuracy for the user by continuously learning and improving over time. Meeting attendees where they are, real-time closed captioning will be available on any device, offered on their desktop or via their mobile event app during a live session.

For event planners, native closed captioning and translation is now included with Webex Events Streaming and RTMP live-streamed sessions. Easily enabled, simply choose closed captioning and translations during set-up of each live stream. Event attendees can easily access closed captioning and translation from within their desired session on either their desktop or mobile versions of the event app.

Learn more about Webex Events and how to promote inclusivity with an accessible event platform.