This study investigates the effectiveness of video captions in enhancing English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students' listening comprehension and overall language proficiency. The research aims to identify key factors that contribute to the benefits of video captions in language learning and explore how social media-based captioned videos support EFL students in improving their listening skills. This study employed qualitative data collection methods to gain in-depth insights into the effectiveness of video captions in improving EFL students' listening comprehension. The primary method used was semi-structured interviews, allowing participants to share their experiences, challenges, and perceptions regarding the use of captioned videos in language learning. The interviews were conducted with 10 EFL students from UIN Walisongo Semarang, selected through purposive sampling to ensure they had prior experience using captioned videos. The findings indicate that video captions play a crucial role in reinforcing vocabulary recognition, aiding speech segmentation, improving comprehension accuracy, reducing listening anxiety, and increasing student engagement and motivation. Additionally, the study highlights that the effectiveness of captions varies depending on learners' proficiency levels, with beginners relying on captions for comprehension while advanced learners use them to refine their listening accuracy. Captions also facilitate pragmatic learning by exposing students to real-life communication patterns, informal expressions, and cultural aspects of language use.
Keywords: video captions, listening comprehension, EFL students, social media.