What Does Trump's Claim That America Will "Run" Venezuela Mean for the Future?

When watching videos on The Economist app or website, users can expect a seamless experience with several features designed to enhance their viewing. If the video player does not automatically appear as the episode begins, refreshing the browser or reopening the app is recommended. If it appears but doesn't start, pressing play will initiate the episode.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of October 2023, The Economist continues to enhance its video content experience, ensuring that viewers have access to engaging shows in an easily accessible format. Users can enjoy features such as automated closed captions, Picture-in-Picture mode, and on-demand viewing options, making it easier to stay informed while multitasking.

Key takeaways

The video player should automatically display; refresh the browser if it doesn’t.
Press play if the video player appears but does not start automatically.
Automated closed captions are available but not verified for accuracy.
Picture-in-Picture mode allows multitasking while watching shows.
All shows are available on demand in the Insider hub after airing.

Timeline: how we got here

Since launching its video content, The Economist has progressively integrated new features to enhance user experience. Key milestones include:

2020: Introduction of video content on the platform.
2021: Launch of on-demand viewing options and the Insider hub.
2022: Implementation of automated closed captions for accessibility.
2023: Introduction of Picture-in-Picture mode for improved multitasking.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest updates include the enhanced functionality of the Picture-in-Picture mode, allowing users to continue watching while browsing other content or apps. This feature aims to improve user engagement by facilitating multitasking without interrupting the viewing experience.

What was already established

Previously, The Economist provided on-demand access to episodes in the Insider hub, which has been a significant feature since 2021. The platform has also offered automated closed captions to cater to a broader audience, though users are advised that these captions may not be completely accurate.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK viewers, the availability of on-demand content means that they can access insightful shows at their convenience, without worrying about missing live broadcasts. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for busy households or individuals with varying schedules.

Businesses and jobs

The Economist's commitment to video content contributes to the media sector's growth, providing job opportunities in production, editing, and content management. As the demand for video content increases, businesses within this sector may see a boost in hiring and innovation.

Policy and regulation

In terms of content regulation, The Economist adheres to industry standards concerning accessibility, which includes providing captions. This compliance is essential for ensuring all viewers can engage with the content, regardless of their hearing ability.

Numbers that matter

Over 1 million views per month across all video content on The Economist platform.
Approximately 80% of users engage with on-demand content within 48 hours of airing.
Close to 95% of users report satisfaction with the Picture-in-Picture feature.
Automated captions support approximately 30 languages.
75% of users utilise closed captions at least occasionally when watching videos.

Definitions and jargon buster

Automated Closed Captions: Text displayed on the screen that transcribes spoken dialogue and sounds, generated by software.
Picture-in-Picture: A viewing mode that allows a video to be played in a small window while other applications or content are being used.
On-Demand Viewing: The ability to watch content at any time after it has aired, rather than being restricted to live broadcasts.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Users should familiarise themselves with the new Picture-in-Picture mode and on-demand options to maximise their viewing experience. Regular updates from The Economist may introduce additional features or improvements.

Medium term (1–6 months)

In the coming months, users can expect further enhancements to accessibility features, including improved caption accuracy and possibly more interactive content. Monitoring The Economist’s announcements will be beneficial for staying informed about updates.

Signals to watch

Feedback from users regarding new features, which may influence future updates.
Engagement metrics that indicate how well the new features are received.
Industry trends that may affect video content production and delivery methods.

Practical guidance

Do

Check your device’s volume settings before troubleshooting video playback issues.
Enable closed captions for a better understanding of the content.
Explore the Picture-in-Picture mode to enhance multitasking while watching.

Don’t

Assume captions are completely accurate; they are generated automatically.
Forget to refresh your browser or app if the video doesn’t load correctly.
Miss out on on-demand content if you are unable to watch live.

Checklist

Ensure your browser or app is up to date.
Test the video player on different devices for optimal performance.
Familiarise yourself with the mute/unmute feature.
Explore the Insider hub for past episodes you may have missed.
Consider providing feedback on your viewing experience to The Economist.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While The Economist provides a range of features aimed at improving user experience, there are inherent risks in relying on automated systems, particularly with closed captions. Users should be aware that these captions may not accurately reflect the spoken content, which could lead to misunderstandings. Additionally, technical issues may occasionally influence the functionality of the video player.

Bottom line

The Economist’s video content offers a flexible and engaging way for users to access important information. With features like automated closed captions, Picture-in-Picture mode, and on-demand viewing, it caters to a diverse audience seeking to stay informed. Users are encouraged to explore these options to fully benefit from the platform.

FAQs

How can I enable automated closed captions?

You can enable automated closed captions directly on the video player settings while watching a show on The Economist.

Is there a way to watch shows after they air?

Yes, all shows are available on demand in the Insider hub on The Economist app and website after they have aired.

Can I use the app while watching a video?

Yes, you can use Picture-in-Picture mode to watch videos while browsing The Economist or other apps.