Netflix launches dialogue-only subtitles

Until now, Netflix subtitles in the original language mean turning on Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH/CC), which include not only dialogue but also audio cues like [phone buzzing] or [dramatic music swells], as well as speaker names. 

The new option for original language subtitles shows only the spoken dialogue. It will first appear on new titles coming to Netflix, starting with season five of drama You. 

According to Netflix, nearly half of all viewing hours on its platform in the US happen with subtitles or captions on.

Many viewers use subtitles because they want to keep the TV volume low, have trouble understanding the characters on-screen, or because of poor audio quality from their speakers or smartphones. 

For the new season of You, viewers will see two subtitle options in English: English, which shows only the spoken dialogue, and English (CC), which includes both dialogue and audio cues like [door slams]. 

These subtitles will be made available on all new Netflix originals in every language it offers in addition to SDH/CC going forward.