How to Add Translation to YouTube Videos: Expand Your Reach

Reading time

7 Min

Date

01 Jun 2024

Translate YouTube Videos into Any Languages: Basic Rules

Want to reach a global audience on YouTube? Translation can work wonders for that matter!

Take the case of our partner Kids Diana Show, for instance. They launched 20 translated channels and raked in over 160 million subscribers across those channels, with a monthly global viewership of 2.5 billion. Impressive, isn't it? And the cherry on top: localizing your channel isn't as challenging as you'd think. Let's dive into key strategies, tactics, and AI tools to help you globalize through translation.

Key Takeaways

  • Subtitles and Captions

Adding subtitles can increase engagement by 57% and improve accessibility.

  • Multi-language Audio

Use YouTube’s multi-language feature for dubbing videos with voice actors or AI dubbing tools.

  • Full Channel Localization

Consider creating fully translated channels for maximum reach and engagement.

  • Cultural Sensitivity

Tailor your translations to account for cultural nuances and preferences.

  • Use AI Tools

Leverage AI translation tools like Vidby, AIR Translate, and Descript for efficient and cost-effective localization.

The Power of Targeting Specific Language Groups

There are many English speakers on YouTube, like 1.45 billion of them! But there are also over 12 million English-speaking creators trying to get noticed. On the other hand, there are 602 million Hindi speakers, 548 million Spanish folks, 274 million Arabic listeners, and way fewer creators in those languages. Think about all the views you're missing by not translating your content. Let's explore the main steps to adapt your content and reach those audiences.

How to Translate Videos on YouTube

Kicking off your global journey, here are the three main strategies to get into multilingual content.

  1. Start with Subtitles

57% of viewers prefer videos with subtitles, which is a winning strategy. Don't forget to translate the metadata too. YouTube Studio provides a nifty auto-caption feature, but occasionally, it could use manual finesse to ensure accuracy. If you're inclined, you can craft your subtitles in YouTube Studio. To add subtitles correctly, take a look at this instruction.

  1. Go Multi-Language with AI Help

The next step of scaling through translation is adding audio tracks through YouTube's multi-language feature. It allows creators to add dubbing to their new and existing videos, but here's the catch – YouTube’s not doing the dubbing for us. You can opt for the classic touch of voice actors or dive into the wave with AI dubbing to get those multi-language audio tracks. You can find more details in our guide on how YouTube's multi-language audio can supercharge your content.

  1. Full Translation and Localization

Want to go really big? Creating fully translated channels is the way. For example, HZHtube Kids Fun localized their content into 12 languages and reached over 54 million subscribers globally. But let's be real, managing translations, coordinating audio recordings, and overseeing multiple channels can be a task. Luckily, there's relief: you can use dedicated YouTube services that can localize your channel seamlessly without you investing a dime. Learn more about effective strategies in our tools and strategies guide.

YouTube recommends AIR Media-Tech as the go-to for content translation and localization. We handle everything from translating and dubbing your content into over 50 languages to customizing it for local audiences. Reach out to us, and let’s take your content global!

What to Translate in Your Videos

To ensure your videos are fully accessible to a global audience, focus on translating the following elements:

  • Title

A clear and compelling title in the target language can attract viewers.

  • Description

Provide a detailed and engaging description to inform viewers about your content.

  • Audio

Dubbing the audio into the target language can significantly enhance the viewer experience.

  • Subtitles

Essential for accessibility and catering to viewers who prefer reading along.

  • Metadata

Including tags and other metadata can improve your video's discoverability. Our article about YouTube metadata provides detailed tips.

Tips on How to Earn Money by Translating Your Videos into Other Languages

Expanding your video content into multiple languages can open up new revenue streams. Here are some tips to monetize your multilingual content:

  • Ad Revenue

More views from diverse audiences can increase your ad revenue.

  • Sponsorships

Brands targeting specific language groups might be interested in partnering with you.

  • Merchandising

Create merchandise catering to different cultures and languages.

  • Memberships and Donations

Encourage international viewers to support your channel through memberships or donations.

Instruction on How to Add Translation to Videos

Adding translations to your videos can be done in a few simple steps:

  • Upload Your Video

Start by uploading your video to YouTube.

  • Access Subtitles Section

Go to YouTube Studio and select ‘Subtitles’ from the menu.

  • Add Language

Click ‘Add Language’ and select the desired language.

  • Upload Subtitles

Upload your subtitle file or use YouTube's auto-translate feature.

  • Review and Publish

Review the translations for accuracy and publish the video.

Best YouTube Video Translation Tools

Many AI tools and translation services for creators are popping up, but not all are made equal. At VidCon 2023 in Anaheim, the biggest event for creators, we spotlighted the ones that truly stand out. Here's the list for you:

This tool allows AI translation and dubbing in 70 languages. The kicker? Their AI dubbing sounds just like a real human voice.

This service from AIR Media-Tech handles all the heavy lifting, from dubbing and AI translation to full-on channel localization. And the best part? It requires no investment on your side.

This is an audio and video editing tool that provides sound molding and also features auto-transcription.

Did You Know?

Localized content can increase your YouTube views by up to 47%! Translation isn’t just about language; it’s about connecting with diverse audiences on a deeper level.

Translating and localizing your YouTube content is easier than ever with the right strategies, tools, and services. Reaching a global audience can significantly increase your viewership and subscriber base. And AIR Media-Tech is always here to help you on your journey to global success.

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