zappmedia
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Languages. Service. Quality. Technology.

Your video.
In every language version.

New markets need more than a translated audio track. We bring together language, voice, subtitles and visuals to suit your audience, medium and budget – even when no script is available.

Corporate · E-learning · Explainer videos · Documentaries · Social media

Languages. Service. Quality. Technology.

Turnaround
Hours–days

depending on project volume and requirements

Experience
30+ years

localization experience at zappmedia GmbH, since 1993

Projects
90,000+

completed localization projects

Client testimonials
1,047

published feedback from our clients

Languages
80+

for translation, voice recording, subtitling and transcription

Certification
ISO 9001

TÜV-audited quality management at zappmedia GmbH, since 2006

Which method fits?

The result depends on the material and intended use. This overview supports your choice; explore each method in detail below.

MethodApproachTypical uses
Subtitles & SDHPreserve original audioTutorials, social media, documentaries
Classic voice-overTarget-language voiceInterviews, documentaries, corporate
Traditional dubbingAdapt dialogue to unchanged visualsFilms, series, demanding dialogue
AI lip-syncAdapt lip movement to the audioSuitable adverts, e-learning, short videos
Professional voice or speech synthesis?Balance expression and production volumeBrand films, factual content, frequent updates
Video avatarsDigital presentationProduct updates, training, explainers
On-screen text & motion graphicsLocalise visible content tooGraphics, UI, lower thirds, infographics
Hybrid: AI & human reviewCombine tools deliberatelySeries, archives, mixed requirements
Transcreation & modular productionPlan ahead for more marketsAdvertising, humour, brand messages

Methods in detail.

Subtitles & SDH

Translated subtitles convey the content while preserving the original visuals and audio. We shorten the text without losing its meaning and account for line breaks, reading speed, cuts and speaker changes.

SDH adds relevant sound cues, speaker identification and delivery information, such as a slamming door or an ironic tone. Scope and target platform are agreed in advance.

Classic voice-over

One or more target-language voices overlay the original voices. The original audio can remain quietly audible, preserving an authentic sense of expression and delivery.

For complete re-recording, the original voice is replaced. Adapted translation, suitable speaking duration, direction and an appropriate audio mix connect speech and visuals.

Traditional dubbing

Professional voices replace the originals while the visuals remain unchanged. Translation and dialogue writing need to align meaning, performance and lip movement.

Depending on the production, the work involves translators, dialogue writers, actors, dialogue directors, Foley artists, editors and sound teams. Work and casting are planned for the project.

AI lip-sync

AI lip-sync adapts areas of the image to the new audio. It requires a suitable target script, good audio material and agreed rights for editing the image and voice.

Close-ups, strong emotion, fast cuts, side views and obscured mouths can complicate the process. We assess suitable scenes and review the visual result; technical examples are available on zappmedia.io.

Professional voice or speech synthesis?

Professional human voices use emotion, expression and subtle emphasis deliberately. Speech synthesis can suit clearly structured factual texts and regularly updated content.

The choice depends on the script, audience and intended impact. Synthetic versions also require checks of pronunciation, wording and timing. Text-to-speech is covered on zappmedia.io.

Video avatars

Video avatars are digital people whose voices, facial expressions and gestures are generated partly or entirely synthetically. They can present standardised, frequently updated content without a new shoot.

Before use, we establish design, rights, audience and language quality. Suitability is assessed using the specific example; natural emotional impact is not assumed.

On-screen text & motion graphics

Lower thirds, charts, UI screens, infographics and calls to action are part of the language version. Depending on available project files, we replace text, create localised text layers or adapt animations.

Longer texts, different scripts and right-to-left reading directions require space and typographic changes. The source layout and available editable files determine the approach.

Hybrid: AI & human review

A hybrid workflow combines suitable automated steps with editorial and technical review: for example, translation with dialogue editing, synthetic speech with professional key passages, or AI-generated subtitles with editing.

With AI lip-sync, post-production can correct critical shots. We define automated steps and human review and approval points in advance. Cost, timing and impact are assessed for your material.

Transcreation & modular production

Advertising, emotional or humorous videos may need cultural adaptation. Wordplay, idioms, country references, claims, units and date formats are reviewed for the target market.

Modular planning makes further language versions easier: independent visual and text timing, neutral B-roll, text-free sequences, space for longer graphic text, and separate music, effects and speech tracks.

W3C WAI · Captions / Subtitles

Keep your message.
Adapt the version.

We translate the content and carry the chosen production approach through to the finished language version.

Voice-over & re-recording

Professional voices in the target language replace or overlay the original voice. Script, direction and timing are planned together.

Subtitles & SDH

Translated subtitles preserve the original audio. SDH subtitles for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers add speaker identification and relevant sound cues according to the agreed scope.

Visuals & graphics

Lower thirds, charts, UI screens, infographics and calls to action are adapted in language and design.

No script?
We start with the original.

A video in one language can be the starting point for many more versions.

Transcribe the audio

We create a script from the original audio, with speaker changes and timecodes if required. The transcript is prepared for the next production step.

Adapt the text to the medium

Translation accounts for speaking duration, reading speed and visual context. A literal translation is often insufficient.

Assemble the version

New voice recording or subtitles are synchronised with the visuals, mixed or integrated, and delivered in the agreed format.

Documents & deliverables

One clip
or an entire archive.

We plan individual productions and series for businesses, media and learning.

From the original
to the finished version.

Language and technical production work together.

  1. Material & method

    We review video, audio, script and project files. We agree languages, platform, rights, approvals and method.

  2. Script & translation

    We transcribe the audio if needed. Target texts are adapted to timing, speakability, readability and visual context.

  3. Recording & editing

    Casting, native-language direction, recording, subtitles and graphics follow the agreed production plan.

  4. Review & delivery

    We review the finished versions and deliver the agreed masters, audio tracks or subtitle files online.

Method, scope, use.
The basis of your quote.

Script, language pair, number of versions, visible text, usage rights and post-production determine the work involved. Our price lists provide guidance; your fixed quote brings together the agreed services and resources.

For larger video archives, we plan reusable workflows and templates. Subtitles can reduce production work compared with a new recording; the right choice depends on audience, visuals and audio.

Your individual quote and agreed scope apply to your project.

Audio price list ↗

Questions & answers

Can you translate a video without a script?

Yes. We first transcribe the original audio and create the script. Translation, adaptation to the medium and the chosen voice recording or subtitling follow.

When should we choose subtitles or voice-over?

Subtitles preserve the original audio and can suit tutorials, documentaries and social media. Voice-over conveys the content through a target-language voice. Viewing conditions, audience, impact and budget guide the choice; we advise based on your material.

How do SDH subtitles support accessibility?

SDH subtitles communicate important sounds and speaker information as well as dialogue. They are one part of accessible media. Other requirements, such as audio description, player functions or platform rules, need separate assessment for the intended use.

Where can we explore AI lip-sync and technical video production?

The video module on zappmedia.io explains the technical options and shows examples. Here, we plan the language and editorial work and the appropriate combination with professional voice talent.

Client references from zappmedia

A selection of our clients and partners.

Your project. Your quote.

Send us your source material, target languages and preferred deadline. We clarify the requirements and quote for the services your project needs.