Video Localization Using AI (2024)

The internet connects people wherever they are around the globe. They could be basking in the Mediterranean, shopping in the Orient, or exploring South America, and people will have localized videos to satisfy their viewing cravings.

That is why excelling in global communication requires going local. And that’s where video localization comes in. But wait?

Isn’t that a hefty project requiring technical, language, and cultural expertise? Would it surprise you that you don’t need to be a pro to create high-quality localized videos relying only on artificial intelligence? Sounds far-fetched? It isn’t, and we’ll share why. Read on.

What is Video Localization?

A localized video is any content modified and adapted to suit a particular audience’s regional, linguistic, and cultural preferences.

Content creators engaged in video localization must analyze their audience’s unique attributes to modify and adapt the video’s format, dialogue, graphics, text information, and cultural references to make it more relevant and “culturally appropriate.”

Essential Components of Video Localization

Localizing videos doesn’t only require translating words from one language to another. Creators and video makers must also consider the target audience’s differentiating characteristics, including time and currency formats, colors, and cultural values and beliefs. Localized videos must incorporate the following components.

Transcription

This component is essential because it lays the foundation for converting an original text into a target language (i.e., English to Chinese). It paves the way for subtitling and dubbing.

Subtitles (closed captions)

YouTube has mastered the art of closed captions, which you can integrate into localized videos, too. Subtitling displays spoken content translated into another language or presented in the original dialect. It’s the perfect tool for viewers who cannot listen to the video’s audio and still understand what they’re watching.

Dubbing

Some viewers are satisfied with translated subtitles, but others might require corresponding audio. Creators replace the original audio (e.g., English) with a voiceover in a different language (e.g., German).

Lip-syncing voiceover

Dubbing requires delivering identical content but in a different language. On the other hand, lip-syncing replaces the audio material altogether. The most important consideration is to pick audio that closely mimics the actor’s or AI presenter’s lip movements.

Text translation

This component differs from transcription in that it focuses on printed words on the video. For example, the word “ndaloni” can replace a “stop” sign in the video. Infographics and letters must also be localized.

Cultural adaptation

Some cultures don’t understand the American brand of humor. Images that Americans consider funny might be offensive to other people. Video localization requires content modification to make it more “culturally appropriate” to the target audience.

Conversion of formats and measures

Many countries observe the day-month-year format, while most East Asians adhere to a year-month-date sequence. Others use month-day-year. It’s the same with currencies, with most countries using a decimal point while others use a comma. Measurements also vary (i.e., Imperial for the US and Metric for the rest of the world).

Benefits of Video Localization

Modifying and adapting videos for localization isn’t easy. It’s labor-intensive, requiring countless hours and an eagle eye for detail. However, the advantages of video localization can make the endeavor worthwhile.

Expands audience reach

Did you know that only one in five people speak English? You will miss the 80% potential audience if you don’t localize your video. For example, over 1.3 billion people speak Chinese, but only ten million know English. That translates to billions of people your video doesn’t (or cannot) reach. Localizing video content from English to Chinese should improve your audience reach.

Boosts engagement and conversion rates

Expanding your target audience gives you more opportunities for meaningful engagement. More people will understand the video and its message, allowing you to transform them from ordinary viewers to potential customers.

Enhanced user experiences

Viewers will be happy with your content because they feel how much thought you put into communicating with them. Positive user experiences can also boost engagement and conversion rates.

Ensures culturally relevant content

Part of increased audience engagement is knowing people’s unique values, beliefs, preferences, and cultures. They know you recognize and value their unique perspectives and needs.

Competitive advantage

Video localization keeps competitors out of reach by conveying your brand’s cultural sensitivity and customer-centricity to audiences.

Boosts SEO campaigns

Localized videos can increase your Google rankings, allowing more people to discover your URL and bring more business to your site.

Ensures compliance with laws and regulations

Some countries have strict laws regarding digital content. Modifying your videos to reflect cultural understanding can help you avoid legal consequences for noncompliance.

How AI Helps in Video Localization

Video localization can boost your internet presence in unimaginable ways. But how can generative AI technologies simplify your video localization projects? Here’s how.

Automated video translation

Many AI video makers have multi-language support, capable of translating text into different languages accurately and quickly. For example, Puppetry supports multiple languages, so you will never have to worry about converting text from one language to another.

Hassle-free captioning and subtitling

AI videomakers can also add automated subtitles and captions. You don’t need to worry about a well-crafted video script because AI can produce a compelling narrative. Puppetry uses the latest GPT-4o for this.

Accurate dubbing and voiceover

Worry no more about synchronizing audio recordings with lip movements. AI can animate a talking head to make it look like it’s conveying the message. Alternatively, you can add AI-generated voiceovers and voice clones to your videos.

Digital AI presenters

Hiring an actor or video host is costly. AI has the answer with a digital AI avatar. You can pick an AI-generated presenter or create one from your photo collection.

Cost-efficient video editing

Editing videos requires technical expertise and expensive tools, but not with AI. You can publish a studio-quality video within minutes for only several dollars a month.

Quick image generation and visual design

Want to add a Chinese character to your video to appeal to Chinese audiences? How about a Latvian, Arab, or Senegalese? Creating culturally appropriate images is a cinch with AI.

Final Thoughts

Video localization is quick, easy, and effective with an AI-powered video maker like Puppetry. You only need to identify your target audience, use ChatGPT to develop culturally appropriate content and rely on AI video tools to produce content that resonates with your audience.

Try Puppetry Today!