Audio Localization: The Basics

Audio localization is the process of taking sound content, especially when recorded, and adapting it to a target audience that speaks a different language. It is suitable for every kind of business and very effective to expand your business globally.

What you need to know about Audio Localization

When it comes to audio localization it’s better to let experts handle it, but if you want to understand better what it’s all about, there are some very important steps of the process you must consider when audio localizing content.

1. Analyze your target audience

Some countries prefer to receive localized content more than others, statistics show it is the case of Germany, Italy, and France just to name a few. So, it is important to identify the country’s preference as your first step. However, this is not the only thing that matters. When translating the audio into another language it’s equally important to know and consider the idioms, culture, traditions, and religion of that specific audience.

2. Set a budget

Audio localization is not something a business can do entirely on its own, localization, in general, requires a range of skills offered only by specific professional figures such as copywriters, localizers, audio engineers, translators, and so on. If you want to audio localize your content, you should keep in mind it has costs and you should know how much of your budget are you willing to dedicate to this process before getting into it.

3. Clear communication

The goal is to convey the message and values of your business to a foreign audience. In order to do that, the translation in the other language needs to be clear and coherent with both the values of the business and the culture and expectations of the consumer. Always make sure that the translation emphasizes both of these two important elements.

Audio Localization process: how it works

Step 1: Getting voice samples

Voice is not an element you should overlook, on the contrary, it’s something you need to choose carefully since it will represent your brand. Your choice will depend on how many voices you need if male or female and other features of your audio localization project.

Step 2: Drafting the script

The script can be drafted in English and translated into the target language. The translation ideally should have all the features and elements presented in the draft and use language and terminology typical of the target audience.

Step 3: Recording the audio

The experts you are working with to achieve audio localization may offer you the option to record in a studio. This will allow your business to have access to professional recording equipment and audio engineers to assist you in the process.

Now you are ready…

Now that you have learned what it takes to achieve good results with audio localization, you know what tools and expertise you need to look for to start an audio localization project.

You are ready to communicate your content to a foreign audience and reach more people!

If you still have doubts, here you can find plenty of information on different types of localization methods: