Localize a support video

This article is no longer maintained, so its content might be out of date.

We've got two ways to localize a support video. The main way is to localize the captions file and email it to Michael - pretty simple. The other way is to record a localized audio track which Michael will add to a new version of the video, recorded with a localized version of Firefox (we'll only do this with select videos in select locales because it's time consuming).

Localize video caption files

Currently, we're working on localizing these videos for Firefox 29:

You'll see that each video has a corresponding caption file. Please localize the text while leaving the time information alone. When you are finished, email the text files to Michael (mverdi at mozilla dot com). Michael will then add these to the video where they will be available to viewers.

Record a localized audio track

Because this is time consuming we'll only do this for select videos in select locales. Don't record an audio track unless Michael or Joni contacts you about doing this.

To record the track you'll need an audio recording program and, idealy, a microphone.

  • Download Audacity. It's free, available for Windows, Mac and Linux and pretty simple to use.
  • An external microphone should make a much better recording than the one build into your computer. If you don't have access to one, a headset with a built-in mic will work just fine - even if it's one from a smartphone.

Once you've got Audacity and a microphone, translate the appropriate caption file to use as your script. The caption files (and videos) can be found here. You can use the video as a guide to what will be happening. You don't have to say everything as fast as the English version (may not even be possible in some languages). The video can be lengethened or shorted as required to fit the audio.

Important: When recording please add a pause between sections and record about 15 seconds of silence at the end. This will be used in editing to make the audio fit the video.
  1. Hit record (the round, red button) and start speaking.
    Audacity - record
  2. When you are done, click stop (the brown, square button).
  3. Click File and choose Export....
  4. Pick a location to save the file and make sure to save it as a .wav file (this should be the default).
    Export wav
  5. You don't need to edit any metadata on the next screen. Just click OK to save the file.

When you are done:

  • Email your localized audio track Michael (mverdi at mozilla dot com). Be sure to let him know what video it's for and what language it's in! :)

Michael will then record a localized version of the video and add in your audio track. He'll upload it to YouTube and send you the link so that you can put it in the localized version of the article.

These fine people helped write this article:

Illustration of hands

Volunteer

Grow and share your expertise with others. Answer questions and improve our knowledge base.

Learn More