What is Multimedia Localization?

Multimedia has become one of the most important ways of connecting with an audience in the digital age. But what if you want to reach multiple cultures, all speaking different languages? This is where multimedia localization comes in.

The multimedia localization process goes far beyond simply translating words, it will transform the content to perfectly reflect the culture you’re targeting from the currency used to reflecting local conventions. It’s a complex process and one that might seem like an unnecessary task at first. But in today’s increasingly global business world it’s a must for connecting with audiences around the world, allowing you to leverage more opportunities and reach new markets.

Put simply multimedia localization will take your original content and transform it with a new audience in mind. Rather than it being obvious that content has been translated, it will appear original because it was tailored exactly to meet the expectations and needs of each location.

The process of Multimedia Localization

Multimedia localization is a complex process, with multiple activities and resources needing to be coordinated to deliver a finished, fully integrated localized piece of multimedia content. While the steps of multimedia localization will vary depending on the project it can often be split into 5 steps.

1. The original text and audio will be transcribed in the original language. This should include everything from scripts to on-screen text.
2. The multimedia then needs to be broken down, allowing the different members of the team to start working on the localizing the content and recording where it will need to go in the sequence at the final stage.
3. The content of the multimedia will then be translated. This will include taking the target culture into consideration, for instance changing certain phrases and nuances.
4. Depending on how you want the final project to look this step could include completing voice over audio, subtitling, or another process to make the content accessible.
5. Finally, the finishing touches of the project will be added in the post-production phases before being rendered and handed back to you ready to use.

Types of Multimedia Localization

There are differing types of multimedia localization, reflecting the diversity with multimedia itself. Each option that you could choose from has benefits and which one is best will depend on a variety of factors, such as how you want to portray your message or your budget. Often multimedia localization projects combine several different types of processes to create a final product that meets all your needs. Among the types of multimedia localization are:

• Voice over – A voice over can be used in lots of different types of multimedia content to change the audio in the clip. It’s read from a script and for the purpose of localization it would be conducted by someone from the target audience reading translated script, allowing the audience to connect with the message.
• Subtitles – Where a voice over isn’t suitable, such as if actors are on-screen talking, subtitles can be a consideration. A translator will write the audio into the target language and this can then be added to the media as text, reflecting what is being said in the audio.
• Dubbing – Dubbing involves mixing supplementary sounds with original sound production. In terms of multimedia localization, it can be used to add different sounds that better reflect where it will be viewed, for instance the music that is playing or background audio clips that add to the content.
• Graphic designs and text – Where graphic designs and texts have been used in the multimedia, it may be necessary to localize these too. For instance, to change the language, currency, or date format to reflect where the multimedia will be viewed in the world. This step ensures that viewers of the new content get the same experience as speakers of the native language for the original.

The multimedia can come in a range of formats too, such as video, HTML5, Flash, or audio, giving you the flexibility to make you content accessible in a way that engages with the target audience.

Our Area of Expertise

Our expertise don’t just come from translation experts but our ability to combine linguists with designers, technology engineers, project managers, and more to create a complete solution. It means that when you work with us on a multimedia localization project, you know that professionals will handle every aspect of your task.

On average, members of our in-house team have 10 years of experience and when we use freelancers, they’re meticulously tested so we only use translators of the highest calibre. Our industry specialist translators have a minimum of a university relevant degree and 5 years of experience in the field, so you know that your message won’t get lost in translation.

Adding value to your projects

With the support of our translators, linguists, and wider team, we can add value to your projects. With our multimedia localization expertise, you can take you original message and branding to a whole new audience, expanding your reach and boosting business as a result. Our translators will work with you to ensure that your target audience connects with your multimedia content.

5 Reasons to Partner with CONTENTECH

1. We work with you to meet your needs, from the budget to deadlines.
2. All our translators and linguists are in-country based so you know the translated content will reflect the intended location.
3. We’ve worked with many global household names – Apple, Samsung, Nokia and Microsoft to name just a few.
4. We make sure we’re accessible to answer your questions, with multiple channels to contact us at a time that suits you.
5. Our rigorous quality assurance program means our work always meets high standards.