Does Your Video Need Subtitles?
Adam Shelton
Subtitles can boost your explainer video's performance in more ways than you may think...
Here at Squideo we have a simple subtitling process to ensure you achieve the highest engagement levels possible. As many web users now watch their videos without sound, the addition of subtitles can increase comprehension, keep your audience engaged and allow your video to appeal to a wider audience due to being able to read what the voiceover is saying.
Why are Subtitles Important?
Viewers would be more likely to watch a video if they could get the full effect without the sound on. This is especially true if the viewer is hearing impaired, or if the user is in a public place where they cannot play sound. If you're on a busy train, scrolling through Facebook or Twitter, the last thing you want is your phone or iPad on loudly, disturbing others. Which is why subtitles are the perfect solution to advertising on social media.
Will Subtitles Affect my Website’s SEO?
Adding subtitles to your video can positively affect your on-page SEO
in many ways. Depending on where the video is hosted and the video’s purpose, there are different solutions to improving your keyword rankings. Google can’t see keywords in videos, but instead refers to a hidden subtitle text file (SRT), allowing you to rank for targeted keywords which have been included in the subtitled content. If hosting the video on your own website, simply upload subtitle text file alongside your video to reap the benefits.
If you are unable to host the video file itself on your own website, you can embed a video via third party hosting (such as YouTube) and include a written transcript within your web page copy, again, allowing you to rank for certain keywords.
Third party hosting means the video add SEO value to your own website, but by having a video on your website, the user’s actions become your SEO tool.
With increased time on page, reduced bounce rate, receiving links to your site due to good content and high site speed, Google will favour pages featuring video over your competitors, as these indicate you have relevant and user-friendly content on your site.
Subtitles can increase viewer rates if the video is unable to be viewed with sound, meaning the viewer doesn’t miss out on the core message of your video.

What About Different Languages?
Another benefit of having subtitles is that it can break the language barrier, because you can have subtitles translated into an unlimited number of languages, this is also beneficial for the population of people who have problems with their hearing.
With Squideo’s subtitling service, you will receive two versions of your video, one with subtitles and one without. This will ensure you get the most engagement from your video giving you optimum results.
If you're ready to start your animated explainer video journey, get in touch with the Squideo team today!

Struggling to turn website visitors into actual customers? You’re not alone. High traffic means nothing if confused users leave without converting. Whether it’s unclear messaging, overwhelming copy, or a lack of instant clarity; these issues silently kill conversions. In fact, most visitors decide whether to stay or bounce in under 10 seconds. That’s where explainer videos come in. They simplify, clarify, and sell. Below, you’ll discover five proven strategies to fix low CVR with video, all designed to keep users engaged, informed, and ready to take act 1. Hold Attention Instantly: The 10‑Second Rule Most UX studies highlight that website visitors often bounce from a page in just 10–20 seconds unless they’re presented with a clear value proposition immediately. Explainer videos solve that by offering a play button - a low commitment invitation. On average, 79% of users prefer watching a video over reading text, and 97% say the right explainer helped them better understand a product. Action Tip: Place your explainer video above the fold and keep it to 60 seconds or less. That time frame aligns with best practices and keeps users engaged. 2. Cut Through Overload by Simplifying Complex Ideas When visitors don't understand what you're offering, they leave. Explainer videos work because visuals and narration stick better than text. In fact, viewers retain 95% of a message from a video versus only 10% from reading. They also help unpack intricate information, like SaaS features or internal processes, which might otherwise overwhelm. Action Tip: Use animation to highlight how your product solves a problem or improves life, not just what it does. 3. Build Trust Quickly Without Walls of Text Trust is a key conversion driver. When people land on your site, they want answers fast. They’re not looking to scroll through paragraphs to figure out what you do. They want clarity and confidence. That’s why explainer videos are so powerful. They build trust by simplifying your message and delivering it in a way that’s easy to understand and hard to forget. Brands using explainer videos report up to an 81% boost in sales conversions, and some see support tickets drop by over 50%, because the video handles the heavy lifting upfront. There's real science behind it, too. Studies show that people retain information better when it’s delivered through both visuals and audio. An explainer video does exactly that, combining clean animation with clear narration to connect faster and stick longer. If trust is the barrier, video is your shortcut. 4. Seamlessly Guide Viewers to Take Action Explainer videos should end with a clear and compelling CTA. After 90 seconds of content, viewers are primed to act. Videos don’t just engage, they drive deeper attention. Landing pages with video keep visitors on-site longer, increase click-throughs, and boost conversions. Action Tip: Combine your video with a strong visual CTA right below, like “Book a Demo” or “Watch the Next”. 5. Multiply Touchpoints, Multiply Conversions Explainer videos don’t live on landing pages alone. Deploy them across email campaigns, social ads, pitch decks, and internal comms - honestly the list goes on! One study shows that personalised videos in outreach emails can lead to 5× higher open rates and 8× more replies. Action Tip: Reuse your core 60‑second explainer in trimmed formats for LinkedIn, YouTube prereels, and support libraries. Explainer videos aren’t just a marketing accessory, they’re high-conversion powerhouses. When done with clarity, creativity, and strategic placement, they become your silent salesperson. Squideo’s style is clean 2D visuals, a flair for storytelling , and a rhythm that keeps viewers watching. Got a brief ready? Share it with us today for a free , no-pressure quote. Not quite there yet? Download our free brief template to get started in minutes.

In the past, we have had clients approach us asking if we create whiteboard style animated videos and the answer is, no, we don’t. We’re not doing this to be mean or awkward, in fact, quite the opposite ! We only want the best for our clients, and we don’t believe that whiteboard videos are the best. In this article, we will explore what whiteboard animations are and why we don’t like creating them for our clients.