How to Create a PowerPoint Video with Narration and Closed Captions
Question details
The user needs to convert a narrated 16-slide presentation into a continuously looping kiosk video with closed captions for Section 508 accessibility compliance.
- Product
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating an accessible, auto-looping kiosk video presentation.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs a reliable method to export a narrated slideshow as a video while retaining synchronized closed captions.
Ensure your microphone is properly configured to record clear narration and prepare a written transcript of your audio to create the closed captioning file later.
Export to Video and Add Captions via PowerPoint
Record your narration, export the slideshow as a video, and then insert a WebVTT caption file to ensure accessibility compliance.
PowerPoint allows you to attach closed captions to video files using the Playback tab. This method ensures that viewers can toggle subtitles on or off during playback, which is highly beneficial for Section 508 compliance.
Go to the 'Slide Show' tab on the ribbon and select 'Record Slide Show' to capture your voiceover for each slide in your presentation.
Click 'File', select 'Export', and choose 'Create a Video'. Select your desired resolution, ensure 'Use Recorded Timings and Narrations' is checked, and click 'Create Video'.
Write a text file in WebVTT (.vtt) format using a plain text editor like Notepad. Ensure it contains the synchronized timestamps and exact text of your recorded narration.
Open a new blank PowerPoint presentation or slide. Go to 'Insert' > 'Video' to insert your newly exported video. Click the video to select it, go to the 'Playback' tab, and click 'Insert Captions' to attach your .vtt file.
While still in the 'Playback' tab with the video selected, check the 'Loop until Stopped' option to ensure the video runs continuously on your kiosk display.
Burn Captions into the Video using a Video Editor
If PowerPoint fails to retain closed captions during standard playback on external devices, use a dedicated video editing tool to burn hardcoded captions directly onto the video.
Create Narrated Presentation Videos with WPS Presentation
WPS Office provides an intuitive Presentation tool that allows you to easily record audio narration, rehearse timings, and export your slides as high-quality videos for kiosks and displays.
- 1. Open Your Presentation: Download and install WPS Office, then open your existing PowerPoint presentation.
- 2. Record Narration: Navigate to the 'Slide Show' tab and select 'Record Slide Show' to add your voiceover.
- 3. Export to Video: Go to 'Menu' > 'Export to Video' to save your narrated presentation as an MP4 file.
- 4. Pair with Captions: Use your generated MP4 with a free subtitle tool or media player that supports .vtt files for accessibility compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What format should my caption file be for PowerPoint?
PowerPoint supports the WebVTT (.vtt) format for closed captions. You can create these files using a basic text editor like Notepad by adding specific timestamps and the corresponding text.
Why aren't my captions showing when I export my PowerPoint to a video?
When you export a presentation to video directly from PowerPoint, it merges slides and audio but often drops embedded closed captions. To fix this, you must export the video first, re-insert the video onto a blank slide, and attach the caption file using the 'Playback' tab.
How do I make the presentation loop endlessly for a kiosk?
If you are running the presentation directly, go to the 'Slide Show' tab, click 'Set Up Slide Show', and check 'Loop continuously until 'Esc''. If using an inserted video object on a single slide, select the video, go to the 'Playback' tab, and check 'Loop until Stopped'.
What is Section 508 accessibility compliance for videos?
Section 508 requires electronic and information technology to be accessible to people with disabilities. For videos, this means providing synchronized closed captions and audio descriptions so deaf or hard-of-hearing users can fully understand the content.
