Twitter rolls out automatic captions on new videos – but Deaf users aren’t impressed

Twitter has announced that new videos uploaded to the social media platform will now come with automatic captions, in a move which has prompted a mixed reaction from the Deaf community.

The company had previously said it was working to add automated captions to video by “early 2021”, but launched the setting for all users on Tuesday.

“Where are video captions when you need them? They’re here now automatically on videos uploaded starting today.

“Android & iOS: auto-captions will show on muted Tweet videos; keep them on when unmuted via your device’s accessibility settings.

“Web: use the “CC” button to turn on/off,” Twitter Support wrote in a tweet.

Where are video captions when you need them? They’re here now automatically on videos uploaded starting today.

Android & iOS: auto-captions will show on muted Tweet videos; keep them on when unmuted via your device's accessibility settings
Web: use the "CC" button to turn on/off pic.twitter.com/IHJAI31IvX

— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) December 14, 2021

In responses to other users, Twitter confirmed they’re working on the ability to remove captions from a video shared to the platform in instances where captions may already be burned into the video.

The automatic captions – provided by Microsoft – appear in the language of the device used by the account, but translation is not yet available.

The announcement has since left Deaf Twitter users divided, with many calling for the ability to edit the suggested captions.

“Caption editor,” one person wrote in all-caps, which was liked by 30 accounts.

👏🏽CAPTION EDITOR👏🏽

— Quinn 🦻🏽 (@Quinns_quirks) December 15, 2021

Another responded: “I know there were a lot of people asking if there would be an editor for captions if auto captions are incorrect. I haven’t seen a Yes or No from you. I was wondering if that would be possible in the near future? Thank you!”

Their quality has also been criticised, following a video from a charity where the automatic captions inserted a swear word.

“They haven’t considered that: a) people uploaded videos with open captions, so auto-caps will overlap with these causing many issues; b) Twitter users might want to edit the auto-caps before they upload (like Insta); c) mobile users may want to turn auto caps off,” explained Deaf advocate Charlotte Hyde.

They clearly haven't considered that:

a) People upload videos with open captions, so auto-caps will overlap with these causing many issues.

b) Twitter users might want to edit the auto-caps before they upload (like insta).

c) Mobile users may want to turn auto caps off.

— Charlotte Hyde (@charlhyde) December 15, 2021

One Deaf user noted that this could mean the end for the @HeadlinerClip bot, which enabled Twitter users to request a version of a Twitter video with automatic captions:

Rest In Peace @HeadlinerClip, you have served me so well. https://t.co/ui2hj6HPtW

— Brian Williams (@brcrwilliams) December 15, 2021

Others, meanwhile, were supportive of the move.

Deaf journalist Patrick Dehahn wrote: “Yes! Finally! This is great for accessibility on Twitter.”

Meanwhile, Deaf speaker Meryl Evans commented: “Progress, y’all! Of course, human captions are always better… but a lot of people don’t bother. Twitter is taking care of that!

Progress, y'all! Of course, human captions are always better … but a lot of people don't bother. Twitter is taking care of that! Plus, when this shows up everywhere, it'll become part of video workflow. Thank you @TwitterA11y @TwitterAble @GurpreetKaurSW!#Accessibility #A11y https://t.co/q6JXk2J1zK

— Meryl Evans 🦻 Contact me to speak at your event (@merylkevans) December 14, 2021

“Plus, when this shows up everywhere, it’ll become part of video workflow. Thank you @TwitterA11y, @TwitterAble, @GurpreetKaurSW!

Twitter has been approached by The Limping Chicken for comment.

Photo: Twitter.

By Liam O’Dell. Liam is an award-winning Deaf freelance journalist and campaigner from Bedfordshire. He can be found talking about disability, theatre, politics and more on Twitter and on his website.

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Update – 17.12.21 – 00:15: In response to several questions from The Limping Chicken, a Twitter spokesperson said: “Right now there isn’t a way to edit auto video captions. We’re working on improvements to make the auto video captions experience better for everyone.

“We know auto captions won’t be perfect at first. We’ll continue to collect feedback and make improvements for quality and accuracy.”