production Factor

Burned-In Captions

Whether the video has subtitles or captions burned directly into the video image (hardcoded), as opposed to relying on YouTube's auto-generated closed captions or having no captions at all.

A large percentage of YouTube viewers watch without sound — especially on mobile and in social feeds. Burned-in captions ensure these viewers can follow the content without turning on audio. They also improve comprehension and accessibility, which correlates with longer watch times.

Effect on views

+0%

trend only

When present

The video has subtitles permanently embedded in the video image, visible to all viewers at all times.

Videos with this factor

Donald Trump is Eroding our Communities’ Trust in the National Guard Adam Schiff

347K views

Trump can't comprehend service Jason Crow

12K views

An important phone call Kathy Hochul

3K views

Rep. Stansbury Responds to Trump's Primetime Election Speech Melanie Stansbury

2K views

I'm proud to lead the Green New Deal for Public Schools Act with Rep. Jayapal. Edward Markey

1K views

When absent

The video relies on YouTube's auto-generated captions or has no captions at all.

Videos without this factor

Rep. Jasmine Crockett Talks Trump, Elon Musk, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and More with Jimmy Kimmel Jasmine Crockett

375K views

The President appears increasingly to have lost touch with reality. Jon Ossoff

21K views

I’m voting NO on Trump's Fed Takeover Elizabeth Warren

5K views

Rep. Dave Min on CNN—07/23/2026 Dave Min

2K views

"Senator Murray, what were the 90s like?" Patty Murray

1K views