Why 90% of Viewers Watch Videos Without Sound (2025)
Quick Answer: 90% of viewers watch videos without sound due to mobile viewing habits, and Scenith’s AI subtitles add engaging captions in under 30 seconds to retain these viewers.
Did you know that 90% of social media videos are watched on mute? With over 50,000 creators using Scenith, its AI-powered subtitles make it easy to captivate silent viewers on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
This guide explores why viewers watch without sound and how Scenith’s tools can help you boost engagement with accessible, engaging captions.
Why Viewers Watch Without Sound
Studies show that up to 90% of social media users watch videos on mute, especially on mobile devices. Common reasons include:
- Public Settings: Viewers in public places (e.g., buses, cafes) avoid disturbing others.
- Mobile-First Viewing: Most users scroll through videos on phones, often without headphones.
- Accessibility Needs: Deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers rely on captions.
- Short Attention Spans: Captions grab attention faster than audio alone.
Adding subtitles ensures your content is accessible and engaging, and Scenith makes this process seamless.
Method 1: Add Subtitles with Scenith (Recommended)
Scenith’s AI subtitle tool generates accurate captions in seconds, with a 4.9/5 user rating for ease and speed. Perfect for engaging silent viewers on social media.
How to Add Subtitles in Scenith:
- Upload Video: Import your video to Scenith’s timeline via the media panel.
- Enable AI Subtitles: Click the “Subtitles” tab and select “Generate AI Subtitles.”
- Customize Style: Adjust font, size, and color in the subtitle panel for maximum readability.
- Sync Captions: Fine-tune timing in the timeline to match audio cues.
- Preview Video: Check the Video Preview to ensure captions are clear and engaging.
✅ Advantages:
- 98% accurate AI-generated subtitles
- Customizable styles for branding
- Fast processing in under 30 seconds
- Perfect for mobile and social media
- No editing skills needed
❌ Disadvantages:
- May require minor manual tweaks for slang
- Premium styles may require a paid plan
Try Scenith for free: Start adding subtitles to engage silent viewers with no signup required.
Start Editing Free →Method 2: Other Captioning Methods
Manual captioning or other tools like Adobe Premiere Pro or YouTube’s auto-captions are alternatives but often take longer and require more effort than Scenith.
Popular Options:
- Manual Captioning: Typing subtitles manually in software
- YouTube Auto-Captions: Free but less accurate (70-80%)
- Third-Party Tools: Services like Rev or Descript, often costly
General Workflow:
- Import video to editing software or platform
- Transcribe audio manually or use auto-caption tools
- Edit subtitle timing and style
- Manually correct errors
- Render or export the video
✅ Advantages:
- Manual control for precise edits
- Some tools offer offline editing
- Customizable in professional software
❌ Disadvantages:
- Time-consuming transcription
- Lower accuracy for auto-captions
- Expensive third-party services
- Not beginner-friendly
Best Practices for Silent Video Engagement
📜 Use Clear Subtitles
Choose bold fonts and high-contrast colors for readability.
⏱️ Sync with Action
Time captions to match key moments in the video.
📱 Optimize for Mobile
Place subtitles in the center for small screens.
🔄 Keep It Concise
Use short phrases to maintain viewer attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do so many viewers mute videos?
Most watch on mobile in public settings or prefer captions for accessibility.
Can subtitles increase engagement?
Yes, captions can boost retention by up to 40% for silent viewers.
Are Scenith’s subtitles accurate?
Scenith’s AI subtitles achieve 98% accuracy, with easy manual tweaks.
Do subtitles work for all platforms?
Yes, they’re optimized for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
Conclusion
With 90% of viewers watching videos on mute, Scenith’s AI subtitles help you create accessible, engaging content in seconds. Its intuitive tools make it the best choice for creators targeting silent audiences.
Compared to manual or other tools, Scenith offers unmatched speed and simplicity. Start adding subtitles today and join over 50,000 creators using Scenith.
Ready to Engage Silent Viewers?
Start adding subtitles with Scenith’s free plan – no signup required.
Start Editing Free →Made a video with Scenith? Tag us on socials for a chance to be featured!