The ability to activate text overlays on TikTok videos ensures content accessibility and enhances user comprehension. This feature displays the audio track as written text, allowing viewers to understand the video’s message even in sound-sensitive environments or when they have auditory processing differences. For example, when activated, spoken dialogue within a TikTok will appear at the bottom of the screen as it is spoken.
Enabling text overlays provides several benefits. Content becomes more inclusive, reaching a wider audience including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. It also allows users to consume content in noisy environments or when they prefer not to use audio. Historically, the inclusion of such features has evolved from basic accessibility considerations to integral aspects of platform design, reflecting a broader commitment to user experience.