Do audience members need to install anything to use mobile surtitles?

In SurtitleLive's workflow, no. Audience members can join from a viewer link or QR code in a mobile browser, then choose their language before entering the live subtitle screen.

What is the biggest operational risk with mobile surtitles?

The risk is usually not the phone itself but the delivery workflow around it: venue signage, QR-code distribution, language selection, and operator readiness. Those details matter more than simply having a mobile viewer available.

How to Deliver Mobile Surtitles Without Requiring an App | SurtitleLive Planning

Short answer

The cleanest mobile surtitles workflow is usually browser-based: give the audience a viewer link or QR code, let them choose a language on their own phone, and avoid app-install friction on show day.

How to Deliver Mobile Surtitles Without Requiring an App

Requiring an app download adds friction at the worst possible moment: when the audience is entering the venue. For many theatres and festivals, a browser-first flow is easier to explain, easier to support, and easier to repeat across one-off performances.

What the Audience Flow Needs

Clear entry point through a viewer link or QR code
Fast language selection on the phone
No account creation for the audience
Readable text on a live-updating screen
Simple support instructions for front-of-house teams

Operational Questions to Answer Before the Show

Where will the QR code be shown or printed?
Which languages should be available at entry?
Who is responsible for testing the viewer flow before doors open?
Do you also need a projection path for patrons who are not using phones?
What instructions does front-of-house staff need for common audience questions?

What to Test in SurtitleLive

SurtitleLive’s live deployment workflow is designed around a viewer link and QR-code entry path. Audience members can open the browser experience, choose their subtitle language, accept the viewer agreement, and follow the live subtitles without app-store installs.

For venue and touring considerations beyond the audience phone flow, continue with Opera Surtitles Software Checklist for Festivals and Touring Productions.