Freelance Captioner Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of digital content, the demand for freelance captioners has never been higher.

As multimedia communication continues to grow, so does the need for skilled individuals who can accurately and creatively transcribe and caption our digital narratives.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a freelance captioner?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the fascinating field of captioning,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable freelance captioner job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Freelance Captioner Duties and Responsibilities

Freelance Captioners are tasked with interpreting and transcribing audio content in a variety of media formats.

They are responsible for providing accurate and timely captions for videos, ensuring the hearing-impaired can access and understand the content.

Freelance Captioners perform the following duties and responsibilities:

• Listen to audio content and transcribe it into written text
• Sync the captions with the corresponding visuals and audio
• Ensure the accurate interpretation of nuances, accents, dialects, and slangs
• Correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax errors
• Use captioning software and equipment effectively and efficiently
• Maintain a high level of accuracy even when dealing with fast-paced dialogue or complex terminology
• Review and revise captions based on feedback or quality checks
• Ensure captions meet compliance standards and regulations
• Stay updated with the latest industry trends and captioning standards
• Communicate with clients to clarify requirements, receive feedback, and deliver completed projects

 

Freelance Captioner Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Freelance Captioner to provide accurate and timely captions for our multimedia content.

The Freelance Captioner will be responsible for transcribing and syncing captions with videos, ensuring they match the spoken dialogue and align with the video’s visuals.

The ideal candidate will have excellent listening skills, a keen eye for detail, and excellent command of the English language, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

 

Responsibilities

• Transcribing audio from videos accurately
• Syncing captions with the spoken dialogue in videos
• Ensuring captions are free from grammatical errors and typos
• Editing and adjusting captions for readability
• Maintaining a consistent style across all captions
• Meeting specified deadlines for caption delivery
• Revising captions based on feedback

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a captioner, transcriber, or similar role
• Excellent command of the English language, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Strong listening skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under tight deadlines
• Proficiency in captioning software
• Understanding of industry-standard captioning formats and styles

 

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Opportunity to work on diverse projects
• Remote work

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Freelance Captioner
• Work Environment: This is a remote position with flexible hours. You will need a reliable internet connection and a quiet space to work.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Content Manager or Project Coordinator.
• Pay Rate: Pay is based on the length and complexity of the project, as well as candidate experience and qualifications.
• Location: Remote
• Employment Type: Contract
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a brief cover letter outlining your captioning experience, and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Freelance Captioner Do?

Freelance Captioners are typically self-employed individuals who provide captioning services for various types of media such as videos, movies, television shows, and sometimes live events.

Their main task is to accurately transcribe the audio content of a program into written text that is timed to synchronize with the visual content on screen.

This includes not only dialogues but also other relevant audio elements such as sound effects and music cues.

Freelance Captioners may work with different types of captioning, including closed captioning, open captioning, and subtitles for different languages.

They must have a keen understanding of the context and cultural nuances to accurately transcribe content for a diverse audience.

They may also be responsible for editing and proofreading captions for accuracy, coherence, readability, and adherence to specific captioning guidelines and regulations.

Freelance Captioners often collaborate with producers, directors, and other media professionals, and must meet their deadlines.

They may work across various industries, including entertainment, education, advertising, and news.

Their services are essential for making audiovisual content accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

 

Freelance Captioner Qualifications and Skills

A competent freelance captioner should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Excellent listening skills to accurately decipher and transcribe audio
• Fast and accurate typing skills to keep up with real-time or pre-recorded audio
• Excellent command over the English language, including grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Knowledge of captioning software and technologies used in the industry
• Ability to interpret and convey non-verbal cues such as tone, sound effects, and speaker identification in captions
• Strong research skills to look up names, technical terms, or cultural references that appear in the audio
• Attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency in the captioning
• Ability to work independently and meet strict deadlines
• Knowledge of specific captioning guidelines and standards, such as those for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community

 

Freelance Captioner Experience Requirements

Freelance captioners may start their career with minimal experience, often through volunteer roles, internships, or part-time jobs in transcription, subtitling, or captioning roles.

These initial experiences help them to develop their listening skills, language proficiency, and typing speed.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience often have a solid understanding of different captioning software, stenography tools, and may have experience in closed captioning, live captioning, or subtitling.

They might also have experience in various industries such as broadcasting, entertainment, or education.

Those with more than 3 years of experience usually have a proven track record of meeting deadlines, delivering accurate captions, and adhering to specific style guides.

They may also have experience in specialized areas such as real-time captioning for live events, or captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Freelance captioners with over 5 years of experience may have developed a highly specialized skill set.

They might have experience in multiple languages, be proficient in real-time captioning under high-pressure situations, or have experience in leading and training junior captioners.

 

Freelance Captioner Education and Training Requirements

Freelance Captioners typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, though having a bachelor’s degree in English, Communications or a related field can be beneficial.

Extensive knowledge of the English language including grammar, punctuation, and spelling is vital.

Additional proficiency in other languages can be a significant advantage in this field.

There are numerous courses and training programs available that specifically focus on the skill of captioning.

These courses help individuals learn the use of captioning software and the necessary keyboarding skills to transcribe spoken words and sounds into text format.

Some employers or clients may require captioners to have a certification from a recognized institution such as the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).

This certification indicates the captioner’s proficiency and speed in transcription.

Experience with relevant software and technology is also crucial in this field.

This includes familiarity with real-time captioning and Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) systems.

Continuing education and staying updated with the latest technologies and trends in captioning can enhance a Freelance Captioner’s skills and marketability.

 

Freelance Captioner Salary Expectations

A Freelance Captioner typically earns an average of $60,000 (USD) per year.

However, earnings can greatly vary based on the number of projects, the complexity of the work, level of experience, and region.

Some Freelance Captioners charge per minute of audio or video, with rates commonly ranging from $1 to $3 per minute.

 

Freelance Captioner Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Freelance Captioner need?

Freelance Captioners should have excellent listening skills to accurately transcribe audio content into text.

They should be proficient in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Typing skills are crucial; a fast and accurate typing speed is beneficial.

Also, they should be familiar with different captioning styles and techniques, and should have basic computer and software skills to use captioning tools.

 

Do Freelance Captioners need a degree?

Freelance Captioners do not necessarily need a degree, however, a background in English, journalism, or a related field can be advantageous.

There are also certification programs and courses available that provide training in closed-captioning, subtitling, and real-time captioning which can enhance your skills and employability.

 

What should you look for in a Freelance Captioner’s resume?

A Freelance Captioner’s resume should highlight their typing speed, proficiency in English or other relevant languages, and experience with captioning software.

Experience in transcribing various types of content such as television shows, movies, webinars, or live events is a plus.

Certifications in captioning or a related field can also be a significant advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Freelance Captioner?

A good Freelance Captioner should be detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy in their transcriptions.

They should be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Good listening skills and a strong grasp of the language they are transcribing are also crucial.

Moreover, they should be able to work independently and manage their time efficiently.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Freelance Captioner?

Hiring a Freelance Captioner can be challenging due to the specific skills required for the job, such as fast typing speed and language proficiency.

However, with the increase in online content, there are many qualified individuals entering this field.

It’s crucial to clearly outline the job requirements in the job posting to attract suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the true essence of being a freelance captioner.

And guess what?

It’s not just about transcribing audio.

It’s about creating accessibility, one caption at a time.

With our detailed freelance captioner job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to set off on your journey.

But why stop there?

Immerse yourself even more with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to crafting meticulous job listings or polishing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every caption is a part of the bigger narrative.

Let’s create that accessibility. Together.

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