Subtitles Become Essential for Viewers Worldwide

As of August 2025, subtitles have become an essential part of the viewing experience for audiences around the world. According to the article, nearly 50% of viewers in the US regularly watch English content with English subtitles, a trend that is also strong in other countries, though formal data is still limited.

The rise of streaming platforms has played a significant role in this shift. In 2022, Netflix revealed that 40% of its global users have subtitles or closed captions on all the time, while 80% switch them on at least once a month - far exceeding the number of viewers who need captioning due to hearing impairment. Apple TV also automatically enables subtitles when users rewind a show by more than ten seconds, making it the default option.

Viewers say subtitles help them catch subtle or subtext moments that are integral to a show's plot, especially in complex, multilingual productions. Some even claim they cannot watch a series without subtitles, as they provide a more authentic experience compared to dubbed versions. However, in some cases, subtitles have inadvertently revealed plot twists, frustrating fans.

As the demand for subtitles continues to grow, streaming platforms are finding creative ways to differentiate between languages, such as using color-coded captions in shows like Pachinko. While subtitles reinforce comprehension, especially for non-native speakers, they can also divert attention from visual cues essential for full narrative understanding.