Choosing between Simplified Chinese (SC) and Traditional Chinese (TC) for subtitles depends on your target audience and content goals. Using the wrong format may reduce viewership and engagement. So, how do you decide?
Chinese: SC or TC?
Use Simplified Chinese (SC) for Mainland China, Malaysia, and Singapore. Opt for Traditional Chinese (TC) for Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. If your audience is global, analyze viewership data to determine the dominant language preference. Content type and platform matter, too!
Butt Your choice of subtitle format affects readability, user experience, and engagement rates. Many businesses assume SC and TC are interchangeable, but they differ significantly in characters, expressions, and cultural nuances. Let’s break down the key factors in choosing the right subtitle format.
1. Understanding Simplified vs. Traditional Chinese for Subtitles
Simplified Chinese (SC) and Traditional Chinese (TC) are not just different writing systems—they represent distinct linguistic traditions. Using the wrong one can make subtitles difficult to read for native speakers.
Key Differences:
🔹 Simplified Chinese (SC): Fewer strokes, more standardized characters. Used in Mainland China, Singapore, Malaysia.
🔹 Traditional Chinese (TC): More complex characters, retains historical depth. Used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau.
4️⃣ Quick Example:
English: “Welcome to our platform!”
✅ SC: “欢迎来到我们的平台！”
✅ TC: “歡迎來到我們的平台！”
📌 Fact: In 2023, YouTube Analytics showed that 90% of Chinese subtitles viewed in Mainland China were in SC, while over 80% of subtitles watched in Taiwan and Hong Kong were in TC.
💡 Example: A U.S. company released a documentary with SC subtitles across all Chinese-speaking regions. Engagement in Taiwan dropped by 40% due to preference for TC, proving that local adaptation is crucial.
2. Who Is Your Target Audience?
To choose the right format, define your audience geographically:
| Region | Use Simplified Chinese? | Use Traditional Chinese? |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland China | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Taiwan | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Hong Kong | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Macau | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Singapore | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Malaysia | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
📌 Tip: If your content is for both audiences, consider providing dual subtitles (SC + TC) to maximize reach.
💡 Example: A global e-learning platform saw 35% higher engagement in Taiwan after switching from SC to TC subtitles for business courses.
3. What Type of Content Are You Subtitling?
Certain content types have clear SC or TC preferences:
- Movies & TV Shows
🎬 SC for Chinese streaming platforms like iQIYI & Tencent Video
🎬 TC for Hong Kong & Taiwanese productions on Netflix - Educational Content
📚 SC for Mainland China (Bilibili, Xuexi.cn)
📚 TC for Taiwan (Hahow, Coursera Taiwan) - News & Documentaries
📰 SC for government & business media
📰 TC for independent media in Hong Kong & Taiwan
Example: A Taiwan-based YouTuber gained 50,000 more views after switching from SC to TC subtitles for cultural documentaries.
