As one of the most effective ways of connecting with an international audience, multimedia localization can quickly propel a business into new markets. Compared to other translation projects, localized multimedia can instantly showcase your product or service to your target audience in their native language.

Here is a look at multimedia localization and the steps it takes to make it happen.

What is Multimedia Localization?

With content that includes audio, video, flash movies, animation, e-learning material, and interactive platforms, multimedia provides a means of communicating with clients in a way that resonates with them. To take that a step further, multimedia localization is the process of modifying that content to fit the needs, social norms, and cultural aspects of the new target market.

Ultimately, anything that is part of the user experience in one language needs to be localized to the target language, including the conversion of currencies, date and time formats, and measurement units, to ensure that all content suits the new market. As such, the goal of localization is to make certain that the material is completely identifiable to the clients, so they feel like they are viewing the content in its original form.

By providing a dynamic experience for customers, multimedia localization can have a great impact on a business.

How is Multimedia Localization Achieved?

When starting a multimedia localization project, there are several considerations to think about to ensure the process goes smoothly. Some questions that should be answered are:

  • What is the goal of multimedia?
  • Which markets is the business trying to reach?
  • How will the target audience use it?
  • How will the localized multimedia be distributed?
  • Where will it reside, such as on the company’s website?

Once the scope of the project is identified, there are numerous steps involved with the multimedia localization process, with each one ensuring that the process is efficient and that the material is translated and localized in a clear and concise way. These steps include:

  • Initial translation. Prior to starting the localization process, source materials have to be compiled. Next, any text that will be spoken should be transcribed, and on-screen captions and text will be put together in a script. By having a transcription of all of the original content, it will be easier to translate the material into the target language. Working with a native speaker of the target language will help make certain that the translation is completely accurate.
  • Video localization. Considering that the main type of marketing media is in the form of video, video localization is one of the most important aspects of multimedia localization. Video localization includes integrating content translation, audio, and all other aspects of the project into the visual components to create a successfully executed multimedia product to attract clients.
  • Audio localization. Part of video localization is audio localization, in which all sound content is translated and adapted to suit the target region. This process includes carefully dubbing voiceovers, so it is essential that the person reading the script is well versed in the language to achieve the correct accent, dialect, tone, diction, and other linguistic features. Additionally, other audio, such as music and various sounds in the video, will need to be localized.
  • This step can be used as an alternative to dubbing to reduce costs and save time by not involving voice talent in the project. In addition, using subtitles can help ensure accuracy since synchronization is easier to achieve than when adding voiceovers.
  • Synchronized translation. After all text and audio material is translated and recorded, the synchronization process will begin to complete the final product. Because there is the possibility of a mismatch between written and spoken words, professional synchronization is critical to the success of the localization.

As one of the most effective ways to reach new clients, multimedia localization continues to be a vital aspect of a company’s marketing strategy. To develop the best multimedia localization product, partner with a language services provider that specializes in that area.

Summary

As one of the most effective ways of connecting with an international audience, multimedia localization can quickly propel a business into new markets. By providing a dynamic experience for users, multimedia localization can have a great impact on a business.