How to produce videos in other languages to reach global audiences

In today's globalized world, the ability to communicate in multiple languages is critical to the success of multinational companies, online courses, international events and other initiatives.

Producing videos in other languages not only expands the reach of your message, but also strengthens engagement with diverse audiences around the world.

In this post, we explore different approaches to creating multilingual videos, from recording with native actors to using artificial intelligence technologies, highlighting the advantages and challenges of each method.

Why produce videos in other languages?

Video is a powerful tool for communication, education and marketing. However, to truly reach global audiences, it is essential that this content is available in multiple languages.

By offering videos in other languages, businesses can significantly expand their reach, improve engagement, and strengthen their international presence.

How to produce videos in other languages?

There are several effective strategies for producing multilingual videos. Choosing the right method depends on your specific project goals, budget, and target audience.

Below, we explore four main approaches:

Option 1: Recording with native actors or actresses

One of the most effective approaches is to record with native speakers of the target language. This technique involves translating and adapting the original script into new languages, followed by expert review to ensure that the message is conveyed in a culturally appropriate way.

• Advantages

  • Authenticity: Native speakers provide a natural feel and emotional connection with the audience, which can be especially important in marketing or education contexts.
  • Production quality: Although the investment is higher due to the need to duplicate recordings and production, the end result adds value to the project, offering a high-level final product.

• Challenges

  • Cost: Duplicating content and hiring professionals for each language involves additional costs.
  • Complexity: Managing a multilingual project requires careful coordination between translators, editors and the production team.

Option 2: Subtitling content in multiple languages

Subtitling is a practical solution that involves translating spoken content and inserting subtitles in the target language, allowing the original video to be understood by a wider audience.

• Advantages

  • Cost-effectiveness: Subtitling is a more cost-effective alternative compared to recording with new actors.
  • Flexibility: Subtitles in multiple languages can be added to a single video, significantly increasing reach without the need for reshoots.

• Challenges

  • Engagement: Reading captions can distract viewers from the images, especially in videos with a lot of visual action.
  • Cultural limitations: There are countries where the local culture may have a preference for original content in the native language.

Option 3: Adaptation using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial intelligence technology offers an innovative solution for multilingual video production.

Using advanced lip sync techniques and pronunciation adaptation, it is possible to modify Portuguese recordings so that they are spoken in other languages, such as English or Spanish.

It translates, adapts the content and digitally adjusts the actor's lip movements, as well as adapting the audio so that it sounds natural in the target language.

• Advantages

  • Efficiency: There is no need for re-recording, making this option faster and less expensive.
  • Visual consistency: The original video remains intact, maintaining visual and aesthetic consistency.

• Challenges

  • Naturalness: Although AI technology is advancing, there may still be limitations in how natural the end result looks.
  • Audience acceptance: Some audiences may prefer to watch videos with native actors or subtitles rather than digitally adapted versions.

Option 4: Produce animated or stock video videos

For videos that use animation, motion graphics or stock footage, creating multilingual versions can be simpler and more straightforward. In these cases, it is possible to hire native voice-over artists to record the narration in each desired language, without having to redo the visual content.

• Advantages

  • Ease of adaptation: As visual content does not involve the presence of actors, it is enough to change the narration to create versions in different languages.
  • Reduced cost: Compared to recording new scenes, simply replacing the narration is more economical and faster.

• Challenges

  • Limitations on emotional reach: The absence of actors can limit the emotional impact and connection with the audience in some types of content.
  • Dependence on voiceover quality: The success of multilingual video depends on choosing a voiceover artist who adequately captures the tone and intent of the original content.

Conclusion

Producing videos in other languages is an effective strategy to expand the reach and engagement of companies, educators and event organizers.

From recording with native actors to using AI and creating animated content, there are a variety of approaches available, each with their own benefits and challenges.

To ensure your message is understood by a global audience, choosing the right strategy for your project is essential.

To maximize the results of your video production, consider partnering with Silvertake Video and discover how we can help take your content to the next level by creating versions in other languages that resonate with new audiences. Get in touch.