How does SubtitleFinder find subtitles that match a video file?
SubtitleFinder identifies the release of a video using fingerprints calculated locally in your browser, then searches for subtitles associated with that release. This is more precise than searching only by a movie or episode title because different releases can have different cuts, frame rates, intros, and timing. The complete video is not uploaded for matching; compact fingerprints, file size, filename, and your selected language are used to find compatible results.
Learn how to find an exact-release match →Does SubtitleFinder upload my video?
No. SubtitleFinder does not upload the complete video for subtitle matching. Your browser reads only the portions needed to calculate provider-compatible fingerprints. The search sends those fingerprints with the file size, filename, and selected subtitle language. Optional translation or audio transcription begins only after you choose it and follows the separate processing described on the privacy page.
See exactly what is processed →Why are downloaded subtitles out of sync?
Downloaded subtitles are often out of sync because they were timed for a different release of the same movie or episode. Different cuts, studio intros, frame rates, and edits can create a constant delay, gradual drift, or a sudden timing jump. An exact fingerprint match is usually the best first fix because it links the subtitle to the same video contents instead of relying only on the title.
Diagnose subtitle timing problems →How does video fingerprint subtitle matching work?
Video fingerprint matching calculates short identifiers from selected parts of a local file and compares them with identifiers stored by subtitle providers. A matching fingerprint is strong evidence that a subtitle belongs to the same encoded release. The fingerprint is useful for lookup but is not a playable video excerpt, and the file portions read to calculate it stay in the browser.
Understand movie-hash matching →What is the difference between an exact match and a filename match?
An exact match means a provider associated the subtitle with the video fingerprint calculated from your file, so it has the strongest chance of matching the cut and timing. A filename match is a candidate inferred from details such as the title, season, episode, year, or release name. It can still be useful, but it may need synchronization if the underlying release differs.
What happens when there is no exact subtitle in my language?
For a non-English search without an exact result in the requested language, SubtitleFinder also checks English. An exact English result may be offered for translation into your selected language. If no exact requested-language or English result exists, filename-based candidates may still appear and can require timing adjustment. Translation and other optional processing run only after an explicit action.