Enable Automatic or Manual Closed Captioning in Zoom Follow

Table of Contents:

Overview

Zoom Automated Closed Captioning

Manually-Typed Closed Captioning

Overview

Closed captioning allows a host or another meeting attendee, assigned by the host, to add closed caption text to a live video. There are two ways to do closed captioning in Zoom: via Automated Closed Captioning (ACC), or manually-typed closed captioning.  

Zoom Automated Closed Captioning (ACC)

Once the Zoom Host enters their webinar or meeting, they need to enable the automated closed captioning option.

Instructions:

1. Select the Live Transcript option in the Zoom menu. There is a CC icon on the option button.  
2. Under Live Transcript, select the Enable Auto-Transcription button:
3. Once enabled, each attendee can toggle live transcription on or off individually. There are two ways for attendees to display closed captioning: as subtitles or in a full transcript. 
   • Subtitles will display at the bottom of the screen. The viewer will  have the option to hide subtitles.
   • Full Transcript opens a new window and displays a time-stamped and labeled script, created in real time.

The screenshot below demonstrates Subtitle View on the left and Full Transcript View on the right:

Once turned on, the automated closed captioning works with whomever is talking, regardless of their Zoom role. If someone's mic is on, it will transcribe! There is no opt-out option. 

Zoom Automated Closed Captioning FAQ 

1.  Can I automatically turn Zoom Automated Closed Captioning (ACC) on for every session?
   • No, while ACC is automatically an option on all Pathable meetings and webinars. It must be turned on in each Zoom session once the Zoom Host enters in order to work.
2. Can I force all attendees to have Zoom ACC on/off?
   • No, there is no global force on or off option for Zoom ACC to attendees. 
3.  Does Zoom ACC work in languages other than English?
   • No, at this time, Zoom ACC only works with the English language. 
4. Can Zoom ACC transcribe a video that is shared during a session?
   • Yes, Zoom ACC will transcribe videos that have speech within them.
5. Does Zoom ACC also work for my breakout rooms?
   • No, Zoom ACC does not work with breakout rooms at this time. Closed Captioning can be manually typed in this case. 
6. Does Zoom ACC get saved to the recording of the session?
   • Zoom ACC can be included in the recording and toggled on/off by the viewer in Pathable as long as it was enabled before the meeting begins.

Manually-Typed Closed Captioning 

Admins may also choose to have a person type the closed captions directly via Zoom. This version of closed captioning is not automatic.  In the case, you will need a transcriptionist to have closed captioning. 

Instructions:

1. Ensure the transcriptionist has the appropriate permissions for the type of session:

• For a Meeting-type session: ensure that the transcriptionist is an attendee in the meeting -- that's it!  You'll be able to assign them their powers once the Zoom meeting has started, but before the attendees arrive.
• For a Webinar-type session: ensure that the transcriptionist has a role in Pathable that allows them to attend as a panelist, or plan to promote them to co-host once the Zoom meeting has started, but before the attendees arrive.

2. Once Zoom is live, but before attendees arrive:

• Select the Live Transcript option in the Zoom menu. There is a CC icon on the option button.  
• Select the Assign a Participant to Type button, to assign someone else to type, or select the I will type button, if you are the transcriptionist.

For a walkthrough of the manual-transcription process, please see the short video below: