Multimedia localization workflows are inherently complex, and the demand for localized content continues to grow. This demand has attracted Language Service Providers (LSPs) to expand their activities into multimedia localization, offering subtitling and voice-over services. While a wide array of AI tools is available for these tasks, their value in increasing productivity in multimedia workflows for LSPs remains uncertain. This study evaluates the productivity, quality, cost, and time efficiency of three multimedia localization workflows, each incorporating varying levels of AI automation. Our findings indicate that workflows merely replacing human vendors with AI tools may result in quality degradation without justifying the productivity gains. In contrast, integrated workflows using specialized tools enhance productivity while maintaining quality, despite requiring additional training and adjustments to established practices.

As demand for multilingual video content rises, multimedia localization is becoming crucial for Language Service Providers (LSPs), offering revenue growth and new business opportunities. To cope with labor-intensive multimedia workflows and the rise in client demand for cheaper and faster multimedia localization services, LSPs are starting to leverage advanced AI applications to streamline the localization process. However, workflows and tools adopted by media service providers may not be suitable for LSPs, while the plethora of available solutions makes it hard for LSPs to choose the ones that most effectively optimize their workflows. In this presentation, we assess AI technologies that offer efficiency and cost reduction in the traditionally human-driven workflows of transcription, translation, voice-over (VO), and subtitling with the goal to provide recommendations for LSPs on how to evaluate which tools work best for their processes.