Large-Scale eLearning Localization

How Peoplying Delivered 2.5M Words of Korean and Japanese Subtitles in 4 Months

Expanding eLearning into new markets is not just about translating text—it’s about keeping the learning experience clear, natural, and easy to follow in real video playback. When courses cover multiple industries and technical topics, quality and consistency become even more critical. This case study shows how Peoplying supported an anonymous global eLearning platform by localizing English course scripts and video subtitles into Korean and Japanese at scale—delivering 2.5 million words within 4 months while protecting readability, terminology consistency, and learning context.

Project Overview

A global eLearning platform partnered with leading universities and professional instructors to publish online courses. To expand across Asia, the client launched a large localization project to deliver:

Source language: English
Target languages: Korean, Japanese
Content types: lecture scripts + subtitle files
Goal: fast delivery without lowering learning quality

The client needed a workflow that could scale quickly, keep terminology consistent across many subjects, and ensure subtitles felt natural in real viewing conditions.

Key Challenges

1) High Volume Across Multiple Course SeriesThe project required translating approximately 2.5 million words, including both lecture scripts and subtitles.

2) Tight TimelineAll deliverables needed to be completed within 4 months, with multiple course series releasing in parallel.

3) Complex Subject MatterCourses covered many specialized areas, including:

IT and software
data science
business
engineering

4) Subtitle Quality Must Work “In Video,” Not Just on PaperSubtitles needed to be easy to read while watching:

natural phrasing for spoken language
clean line breaks
readable length and pacing

5) Consistent Quality Across Two Target LanguagesThe client required strong consistency in:

key terms and course concepts
tone and teaching style
formatting rules for subtitles

Peoplying’s Approach

1) Upfront Analysis and Style RulesPeoplying set clear standards before production:

defined tone by lecture type (university-style vs practical training)
built language-specific style guides
created termbases for key course terminology

2) Subject-Matched Translator Teams for ScaleTo handle multiple domains at once, Peoplying built parallel teams:

assigned translators by specialty (IT, business, engineering, etc.)
ran production in team-based workflows to keep throughput stable

3) Subtitle Translation with Readability ControlsPeoplying translated scripts and subtitle files with real subtitle constraints in mind:

adjusted length for easy reading
improved phrasing for natural spoken flow
respected timing and on-screen viewing limits

4) SME Review for Technical AccuracySubject Matter Experts (SMEs) validated:

key terminology and concepts by industry
incorrect literal translations that did not fit the lecture meaning
unclear phrasing that could confuse learners

5) In-Context QA in Real PlaybackAfter translation, Peoplying built subtitles into actual video playback for final checks:

timing
line breaks
on-screen readability
final meaning and learning clarity

This step ensured the subtitles worked for learners in real viewing conditions—not only in text files.

Results

Peoplying successfully delivered:

2.5M words localized (EN→KO, EN→JA)
100% completion within 4 months
multiple course series launched without schedule delays
stronger terminology accuracy through SME review
improved learner-facing subtitle quality through in-context QA

The client evaluated Peoplying as a key partner in supporting global learning content expansion.

What This Shows

eLearning localization is not just translation—it is localizing the learning experience.
With the right process and specialist staffing, large-scale projects can meet both timeline and quality needs.
SME review and in-context subtitle QA are essential for advanced eLearning content, especially across technical subjects.