Video Production Company Johannesburg: Sound On or Off?
Imagine you are sitting in a quiet space—maybe a library, or a café, or even just at your desk in a shared office. You open a website to check out a product you have been considering, and as soon as you load the page, a video automatically starts playing with sound. You instantly feel a bit of panic, scramble to mute it, but by then, you have already attracted a few curious (and possibly judgmental) stares from those around you. We have all been there. And it raises an important question: Should your website videos have sound? The answer is not always straightforward. Many factors, including user preferences, platform behaviour, and video content, influence this decision. While autoplay videos with sound might seem like an easy way to grab attention, they can also be disruptive in the wrong setting. In this article, we will explore whether your website videos should be sound-on or silent, and how a video production company Johannesburg can help you create videos that work seamlessly in both scenarios.
The Rise of Silent Video Consumption
The trend of watching videos without sound is increasing, especially on mobile devices. Research shows that up to 75% of people watch videos on mute, particularly when browsing social media. This is not just a quirky user habit; it is a response to environment-specific factors, like being in public places, or simply a preference for silent consumption when scrolling through content.
For businesses, this shift means it is essential to consider how your videos will be viewed. Will they still make an impact when played silently? A video production company Johannesburg can help create videos that are engaging even without relying on audio, ensuring they are clear and easy to understand, regardless of the viewing situation.
The Benefits of Silent Videos
- Accessibility
Silent videos allow content to reach a broader audience, including those with hearing impairments or individuals in environments where audio is not ideal, like in public spaces or at work. Research shows that over 92% of people who watch videos online—across all platforms—do so without sound. This highlights a broader trend beyond just social media, as users in various environments, from offices to libraries, often prefer to view content silently. This behaviour makes subtitles and captions even more important, as they help make the video accessible to everyone. When you collaborate with a video production company Johannesburg, they can integrate captions and on-screen text, making sure your video is inclusive and accessible to everyone. - User Experience
Users tend to avoid videos that autoplay with sound, especially if it is unexpected or startling. A sudden noise can be jarring, causing some visitors to leave your page immediately. By creating videos that can be watched without audio, you offer users a more pleasant and respectful experience. If you are working with a video production company Johannesburg, they can ensure your content is designed to be appealing and effective, whether the sound is on or off. - Platform Preferences
On social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, videos often autoplay without sound. Since most people are scrolling through these platforms in public or while multitasking, they prefer videos that communicate their message without the need to unmute.
The Benefits of Sound-On Videos
While silent videos are effective in many cases, there are instances where sound is just as important to the viewing experience. Audio elements like background music, voiceovers, and sound effects can transform a video, providing a richer and more engaging experience.
- Strengthening Audience Affinity
Videos with sound can evoke stronger emotional reactions. Music, for example, can set the tone for a video, while voiceovers can provide context and depth. A video production company Johannesburg can help integrate these audio elements thoughtfully, ensuring they complement the visuals and elevate the content’s overall impact. - Brand Identity
Audio, such as jingles, voiceovers, and unique sound effects, can be used to reinforce a brand’s identity. When done right, sound can make your content instantly recognisable. However, this needs to be balanced carefully with the understanding that some users may still prefer silent videos.
Best Practices for Website Videos
If you want to create videos that meet the needs of a variety of viewers, here are a few best practices to consider:
- Incorporate Captions and Subtitles
Regardless of whether your video has sound or not, captions and subtitles are crucial. They ensure accessibility for those who cannot hear the audio and help reinforce the message for silent viewers. Working with a video production company Johannesburg can ensure your captions are accurate and properly timed, enhancing both accessibility and SEO. - Design for Silent Viewing
If your video content needs to communicate a message without sound, focus on strong visuals and text overlays. This will ensure that your viewers can understand the key points of the video even with the sound off. - Allow Users to Control Sound
Avoid the annoyance of autoplay videos with sound. Instead, allow users to choose when to turn the sound on. This small gesture makes the experience more user-friendly and shows respect for their preferences. A video production company Johannesburg can assist in adding controls that let users manage their video experience without frustration. - Test Across Devices and Platforms
Make sure your videos function well across various devices, whether it is on mobile, tablet, or desktop. Additionally, consider the platform where your video will be posted (social media, your website, etc.). Different platforms may have different expectations for sound and video format. Collaborating with a video production company Johannesburg can help you test your videos and optimise them for the best possible performance on each platform.
Conclusion
Deciding whether your website videos should have sound depends on your target audience, the nature of the content, and where it will be viewed. With the rise of silent video consumption, it is important to design videos that can be understood and appreciated without relying solely on sound. However, when sound is essential, it can greatly enhance the emotional depth and overall user experience.
By working with a video production company Johannesburg, you can create videos that balance these considerations, ensuring they work well with and without sound, and across different platforms. In the end, the goal is to meet the needs of your audience while delivering your message effectively and creatively.
Need videos that fit every setting? From muted public spaces to sound-on moments, Sound Idea Digital has the expertise to make your content work everywhere. Let’s chat about your next project—muted or loud!
We are a full-service Web Development and Content Production Agency in Gauteng specialising in Video Production, Animation, eLearning Content Development, Learning Management Systems, and Content Production.
Contact us for a quote. | enquiries@soundidea.co.za | https://www.soundideavideoproduction.co.za| +27 82 491 5824 |