The Power of Small UX Tweaks: YouTube’s Smart Subtitles Positioning

This weekend, I finally got around to catching up on some classic movies I hadn’t had time to watch yet. I settled on The Departed, and in hindsight, it couldn’t have been a better pick.

Aside from Jack Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio’s phenomenal acting, one surprising detail stood out for me—subtitle positioning!

Yes, you read that right—subtitle positioning.

Typically, video players place subtitles in the center of the screen by default. But what YouTube did with positioning was a subtle yet brilliant user experience enhancement.

Instead of sticking to the center, the subtitles were positioned closer to the person speaking on the screen.

Here’s why this small change had such a big impact:

1. Clearer Dialogue Attribution

When multiple characters are on the screen, having the subtitles placed closer to the person speaking gives viewers a clear visual cue as to who’s talking. This becomes even more useful on larger screens like a TV, where it can sometimes be challenging to follow rapid dialogue shifts between characters.

2. Helpful for Language Barriers

For those watching movies in different languages and relying entirely on subtitles, this feature is a lifesaver. It’s much easier to track conversations when you can visually connect the dialogue with the character, especially if you’re unfamiliar with their voices.

3. Enhanced Accessibility

This change is also a great accessibility feature for users with special needs. For individuals who have difficulty hearing or processing rapid speech, having the subtitles nearer to the speaker helps with comprehension, making it easier to follow along.

Thoughtful Design Choices Matter

Of course, there are other factors that can be taken into account for even better subtitle positioning, such as avoiding covering important on-screen content.

But even without a complicated algorithm, keeping subtitles closer to the person speaking is a small but impactful change that improves the viewing experience.

This is a great example of how small UX improvements can have a significant effect on how people engage with content. And that’s the kind of attention to detail that makes for a truly great product.

Props to the YouTube team for figuring this out.

I wouldn’t be surprised if other major streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Disney+ Hotstar, and Apple TV follow suit.

Sometimes, it’s these seemingly minor adjustments in user experience that make a Product Manager’s role so deeply meaningful.

Would you like to see this feature across all streaming platforms? Let’s hope more follow YouTube’s lead!