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

I asked Trump’s nominee to lead the IRS if Trump can legally tell the IRS to target any taxpayer. Elizabeth Warren

536K views

If Trump were purposefully doing Russia’s bidding... Sheldon Whitehouse

17K views

Show me your budget, and you'll show me what you value. Gabe Amo

5K views

Let's call this Republican spending package what it is: the Billion Dollar Ballroom Act. Brendan Boyle

2K views

16 years of the ACA! Dwight Evans

1K views

When absent

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

Videos without this factor

Senator Whitehouse Votes NO on Bove Sheldon Whitehouse

558K views

Case for Congress - Appropriations for Hawai‘i Ed Case

29K views

Elissa Slotkin on the View Elissa Slotkin

7K views

Durbin Slams Trump’s Slush Fund For January 6 Insurrectionists & Trump Allies During Hearing Richard Durbin

2K views

Live Now: I am speaking from the Senate floor Charles Schumer

1K views