Sep 25

How to use AI for Video Localization

Daria Hudec
https://colossyan.com/posts/how-to-use-ai-for-video-localization

In an increasingly connected world, businesses are expanding their horizons, reaching global audiences, and breaking down language barriers. 

Video content has become one of the most important tools for conveying your message. It’s been on the rise and 96% of marketers have said it’s an important part of their marketing strategy. But what if your audience speaks different languages? How can you take those videos further?

This is where the art of localization comes into play. Video localization is a vital strategy for businesses and organizations looking to expand their global reach and connect with diverse audiences on a personal level. With the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), video localization has become faster, more efficient, and incredibly accessible. 

In this article, we'll explore how to use AI for video localization and its many benefits.

What is Video Localization?

Localization is the process of adapting existing content to a particular country, region or market. When considering localizing video content, this can include making changes to scripts or dialoguse, visuals, colors, captions, vocabulary and cultural references.

You might think - oh, so it’s just translating and changing a few things around.

Localization is much more than that.

There are nuances that go into understanding different markets.

Imagine a UK-based real estate company that decides to expand to the United States. They both speak the same language, so using the same marketing materials should work, right?

Besides the obvious differences in accents and pronunciation, variations in vocabulary (like flat vs apartment or condo) may confuse a potential customer. Even certain colors or symbols could be considered offensive.

Localization is an all-encompassing approach that requires some initial time and effort.

Why Localize Video Content?

The advantages of using AI for video localization are undeniable. From improved user experience to enhanced brand image, there are a host of reasons and benefits for video localization. 

1. Expand your reach

When you localize video content, you’re sharing your message with a wider audience - people in different countries and regions that speak different languages. By adapting your content in this way you’re able to reach viewers that you normally wouldn’t be able to if you had stuck with your original content.

2. Increase Search Visibility and SEO Rankings

Localizing content can improve your SEO score, ranking you higher on search engines in local markets. When a user makes a search in their native language, the localized content will come up since it’s more relevant. 

3. Better User Experience

This one may be one of the most obvious, but also the most overlooked. As more businesses realize the importance of the customer, the focus on creating relevant, relatable content has become a cornerstone of their marketing strategies. 

A user who finds content in their own language and geared towards their cultural circumstances is more likely to have a pleasant experience. Great for business.

4. Enhance Brand Image

When a business is sensitive to cultural differences and aims to focus on its customers, they’re seen as more aware. It shows respect and understanding for other cultures, fostering a more personal and emotional connection. This improves overall brand image and reputation.

5. Stay Competitive

When you localize video content, not only do you present as more culturally sensitive and on the ball, but you’ll also gain an advantage over competitors that haven’t yet invested in engaging global audiences. The enhanced brand image mentioned above establishes a solid presence by getting there before anyone else.

6. Improve Engagement

When you focus on the end-user by personalizing content using local references and specific linguistic patterns and vocabulary, it’s easier to establish an emotional connection that spurs engagement. 

You can compare this to browsing the web or scrolling through socials. When you see something that’s tailored to your tastes and preferences, you’re more likely to engage. On the other hand, the ads and content that make you stop and say “this has nothing to do with me” ultimately do more harm than good. 

7. Increase Sales & Conversions

When you can engage customers and users and speak to them in their own language, you’re closer to closing sales and converting. Personalized content builds credibility and trust, which leads to a higher likelihood of conversion. This study found that when content is personalized, 80% of consumers are more likely to make a purchase

The Challenges of Video Localization

Before looking at AI's role in video localization, what about the challenges faced by businesses when expanding their content globally? 

Traditional video localization involves a time-consuming and resource-intensive process:

  • Hiring multilingual actors
  • Managing complex translations
  • Scouting locations or paying for studio time
  • Renting video, lighting and sound equipment
  • Coordinating voiceovers
  • Production as well as pre-and post-production editing costs

Overall it's a costly undertaking that often sacrifices speed for quality.

The Role of AI in Video Localization

AI has emerged as a breakthrough tool in the realm of video localization. 

Its capabilities extend far beyond simple text translation. AI can now analyze video content, transcribe spoken words, and even create lifelike avatars to represent localized messages. 

This technology ensures that the original message's nuance, tone, and context are preserved, delivering an authentic experience to viewers in any part of the world.

Benefits of Using AI for Video Localization

The advantages of using AI for video localization are undeniable. Here's why businesses are turning to this technology:

Speed and Efficiency

AI can translate video content swiftly, reducing time to market for localized videos. In fact, Colossyan's automated translation feature can autotranslate a video draft into 20+ languages, in just 4 clicks!

This efficiency is critical in today's fast-paced digital landscape. With AI and a well-thought-out plan, you can establish a workflow that lets you breeze through content creation.

Consistency

With AI, you can maintain content quality and consistency across multiple languages. Say goodbye to the variability that often accompanies human translation and differences in production. 

Cost Savings

One of the biggest challenges of localizing video content is the cost. AI eliminates the need for the extensive list of challenges mentioned above. It streamlines the process, saving businesses valuable resources.

Global Reach

AI can help you break language barriers by offering localization in many languages (in Colossyan’s case it’s over 70 languages), ensuring your message resonates with diverse audiences.

Easier Personalization

Localizing video content involves translation, but needs to focus especially on accents and different linguistic variations. AI allows you to choose from a variety of accents, so even if your videos are in English, if you’re targeting a demographic in Ireland or India, you’ll have the option to choose a more appropriate voice.

Instant Editing

With traditional video production, making any changes is virtually impossible. You have to go back and refilm scenes or add an awkward voiceover. Using an AI video generator like Colossyan allows you to edit a script directly in the draft and create a new video in minutes.

Brainstorming Partner

Sometimes coming up with the idea is the hardest part. Thanks to AI, you don’t have to deal with the anxiety of a blank canvas. Tools like Colossyan’s AI Script Assistant can help generate a script, brainstorm ideas, and reword existing texts. There’s also the AI prompt-to-video tool that helps new users create videos when they’re not completely comfortable or accustomed to using all the features. 

Conclusion

AI has become a powerful ally for businesses looking to expand their reach and engage with diverse audiences through video localization.

With its speed, efficiency, and global capabilities, AI ensures that your message breaks through language barriers, while creating an impactful and authentic connection.

Start your free trial of Colossyan to harness the power of AI and unlock the world of video localization today.

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