Netflix & Chill? Only if the accessibility features are working! But how exactly do they work - you know, on the product side?
What are the Accessibility Requirements for Synchronized Media?
As a global media platform, there’s a lot to keep in mind: accessibility compliance across different legislations, compatibility with who knows how many different end user devices (not only different operating systems for mobile apps and a desktop version, but smart TVs too), localization of content…
That’s a lot of quality assurance to do! If you want to learn more about what pertains to accessibility testing of synchronized media, watch out for the recap of the June 12th study group session.
Shows and movies are available with subtitles, Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH/CC), audio descriptions (AD), and dubbing in over 30 languages.
SDH or CC…? Say what?
If you are wondering if there is a difference between Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH), Closed Captions (CC) and subtitles, then yes, technically there is! And I really mean in the technical specs here. The terms are often used interchangeably, but sometimes the distinction may be helpful:
Captions can either be in the same language as the original media or a translation of what is said. Watching the original sound version with captions in your preferred language is often simply called “subtitles”.
SDH Subtitles reflect the language of the media.
Below is an explanation from the Netflix Partner Help Center: What is the difference between subtitles, SDH and CC?
SDH (subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing) and CC (closed captions) are both intralingual [where the language of the subtitle file is the same as the language of the video it relates to] and close in form, contents and purpose but have some key differences.
Both file types are intended to support the viewing needs of people who cannot hear the audio fully - the files replicate dialogue, music and sounds in text form - but differ in terms of technical spec and style. (from Netflix Partner Help Center: What is the difference between subtitles, SDH and CC?)
Audio Descriptions: What’s important on the Screen?
Audio descriptions (sometimes also called visual descriptions or visual commentary), like image descriptions, are always a bit of a subjective matter: What is important? How much should be described in order to understand the scene, but not to overwhelm the audience?
A documentary may need little additional description thanks to the continuous commentary. Action scenes are a different breed: How well could you follow the scene from the sounds of explosions alone?
The answer will always depend on the nature of the original content you are working with. But the one aspect that will not change is your goal: You want people to independently understand and enjoy the content.
“For me, Netflix’s Audio Description feature has meant being able to enjoy TV series and movies at the same time as my family and friends - having access to details that I previously missed because I couldn’t see them.”
- Netflix user Alba García Falagán from Madrid, Spain
Q&A with Elisa Beniero, Senior Manager of Strategy & Innovation at Netflix
What is the product roadmap for accessibility features at Netflix?
Beniero: We are continuously expanding our catalog of titles with Audio Description (AD) and Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH) across more languages and more titles. Today, all Netflix original films and series support AD and SDH for the language in which they were originally produced, and we continue to make these features available across more of our catalog and in more languages
Do you have further statistics on the use of Audio Descriptions or captions?
Beniero: Nearly one-third of all Netflix users use accessibility tools and features, underscoring how central accessibility is to the Netflix experience. In 2025 alone, we added more than 13,000 hours of Audio Description across 34 languages, adding over 30% more hours than we did in 2024.
Titles like Squid Game and Adolescence are among the most watched with subtitles, while Wednesday and When Life Gives You Tangerines rank among the most watched for users using dubbing or audio descriptions.
What is the quality assurance process like for AD?
Beniero: Netflix works with a network of experienced partners to produce and quality control AD across our catalog. Our process includes review stages to ensure accuracy, quality, and consistency before content is made available to users.
We recently launched an authoring tool for AD workflows, Originator Studio, which was designed with full screen reader compatibility as a core principle, ensuring that blind and low vision professionals can fully participate in AD workflows. Additionally, we encourage all our specialized AD partners to include blind and low vision talent in their workflows.
“Netflix’s Audio Description helps me experience films and series in a more complete and independent way. It allows me to follow every moment of the story and feel fully immersed in the experience, connecting with the same emotions as someone without a visual impairment.” - Netflix user Francesco Gallucci from Rome.
What is the average time span until ADs are available to users?
Beniero: Netflix has an established process for ensuring all of our original films and series support AD for the language in which they were originally produced. For our original catalog, on average, nearly all of the AD and SDH we produce is available at launch, meaning users can access these features from the moment a title goes live on the platform.
We are continuously working to expand AD availability across more languages and more titles. Availability may vary depending on the title and the region in which it is available.
As a global service with users in more than 190 countries, we know language and format are instrumental in how people connect with stories. A decade ago, non-English language series and films represented less than a tenth of total viewing on Netflix. Today, it’s more than a third. In 2025, 70% of viewing on Netflix came from users watching a title from a country other than their own.
"Since Audio Description in Spanish became available on Netflix, I can watch series and movies on my own and exercise my right - as a blind person - to entertainment.” - Netflix user Silvia Lozada from Mexico City
Every Global Accessibility Awareness Month, Netflix curates its Amplifying Accessibility Awareness collection.
And there’s more ahead. We look forward to supporting more languages, including bringing ASL to Netflix in the near future.
What accessibility features do you use?
For me, it’s become a habit to switch on the captions. Even if I understand the language, some accents still give me trouble, especially if combined with background noises or in hushed conversations (which are all too often very relevant to the plot!). Captions just make it a more relaxed experience, without having to rewind because I couldn’t catch a word.
What do you need to enjoy Netflix & Chill? Is that covered with the accessibility features we talked about here? Which features do you actively use, and are there any you would like to see as part of the future of streaming?
Share your own feedback to improve accessibility on Netflix: How to share accessibility-related feedback
Resources
Netflix Partner Help Center: What is the difference between subtitles, SDH and CC?
Help Center: Share your feedback
Disability Belongs: Netflix Disability Inclusion Report (2023)
US Access Board ICT Baseline for Web: Synchronized Media
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