Effects of screen size on subtitle layout preferences and comprehension across devices

Abstract

The present study sheds light on the possible effects that screen size can have on preferences and comprehension of subtitled audiovisual material. Thirty participants watched three subtitled video excerpts displayed on three devices with different screen sizes (monitor, tablet, and smartphone). After watching each excerpt, they filled out preference and comprehension questionnaires. This study aimed to provide new empirical evidence on viewers’ needs and preferences concerning readability by analysing the reception of subtitles across screens. The results obtained indicate that smartphone devices had the most unsatisfactory effects, suggesting the need to undertake further research on small screens to improve subtitle readability.

Keywords

• accessibility
• new technologies
• readability
• screen size
• subtitling