alugha makes video content globally accessible: multilingual, inclusive, and uncompromising.

What is alugha?

“Language mustn’t be a barrier—it should be a bridge.”
— Bernd Korz, Founder & CEO of alugha

alugha is more than a cloud-based software suite and video platform—it’s a mission. We strive for a world where videos are accessible to everyone, in every language—without detours and without compromises.

The idea is in our name: alugha means “one language” in Swahili.

A mission born from an idea

The story of alugha began with a simple but pivotal goal: make videos accessible to everyone—regardless of language, background, or disability.

When Bernd Korz published over 500 tutorials on YouTube in 2012, the requests poured in: “Can you upload the video in English too?” Back then, there was no way to offer a single video with multiple audio tracks. The vision emerged to build a system that could do exactly that. The idea of adding a second audio track alongside the original wouldn’t let go—but neither the technical framework nor a platform existed at the time. Together with his then-15-year-old son Niklas, Bernd developed the first prototype in 2012. That vision became Alugha GmbH in 2014—today a globally recognized pioneer for multilingual and accessible video communication.

“From day one, my vision was a world where language is no limit to education and communication—with full respect for European data protection and digital sovereignty.”
— Bernd Korz

With a proud European identity, alugha deliberately stands for “Made in Germany”—not as a slogan, but as a promise of data protection, technical independence, and reliability.

The alugha ecosystem

alugha provides a complete ecosystem for creating and distributing multilingual videos—efficiently, sustainably, and accessibly:

• dubbr: An all-in-one platform and software suite with AI-assisted tools for transcription, translation into 200+ languages, and a voice-over studio—combined with human quality assurance. “AI meets Human” stands for speed and accuracy. Includes a glossary for brand-consistent terminology, accessibility checks aligned with Netflix and ARD/ZDF/WACG standards for compliant subtitles, automatic metadata (titles/descriptions), real-time collaboration with asset/project management, and many more smart features.
• alugha Player: Unique multitrack technology. Multiple language versions are combined in a single video file. Viewers can switch languages seamlessly—no loading times, no data waste. Bonus: automatic start in the browser language for an out-of-the-box experience.
• Hosting & Security: GDPR-compliant hosting on European servers. No backdoors, no dependency on U.S. or Chinese platforms. The secure alternative to YouTube and Vimeo.
• Accessibility by design: Compliant subtitles, audio description, closed captions, and automated A11y checks not only ensure legal compliance (e.g., BFSG 2025)—they also increase reach and engagement because more people can find, understand, and use your content.
• Full Service & API: From raw footage to localized publication—or integrated into your existing platforms.

This architecture delivers a complete solution—flexible, scalable, and future-proof.

What makes us different (our USPs)

1. Multitrack instead of multiversion
   Rather than hosting separate videos per language, we combine all tracks in a smart container—including audio description and closed captions. That saves storage, bandwidth, and maintenance effort.
2. AI + Human = quality at speed
   Our workflows connect modern AI (transcription, translation, voice cloning) with human refinement. You get efficiency—without the typical AI errors.
3. Data protection & digital sovereignty
   We build in Europe and host in Europe—no backdoors in third countries. We combat deepfakes and misuse with strict policies and transparency.
4. Accessibility as a core principle
   Inclusion isn’t a bonus; it’s a duty. In line with legislation (e.g., BFSG/EAA) and our conviction, we enable accessible subtitles, audio description, closed captions, and more.
5. Sustainability & efficiency
   Less data volume, fewer redundant videos, energy-efficient infrastructure: we align economy with ecology.

“We have a responsibility to shape technology that serves people—not the other way around.”
— Bernd Korz

Our values

Our values aren’t decorative—they guide us every day:

• Authenticity over deepfakes: Voice cloning only on request and with explicit consent.
• Zero tolerance for illegal or offensive content: Harmful material is consistently removed and reported.
• Transparency & democratic processes: We make decisions traceable and open.
• Education & sustainability: We support educational projects (alucation) and invest in social value.

Impact on business, society, and the environment

• Reach + precision: Companies can distribute content worldwide in multiple languages on modest budgets—localized and culturally apt.
• Accessibility & inclusion: People with hearing or visual impairments aren’t an afterthought—they’re naturally included.
• Cost efficiency: In many cases, customers save up to 80% compared to traditional translation studios.
• Legal compliance: With accessibility and content-regulation laws in mind, alugha is a forward-looking partner.
• Ecological footprint: Fewer redundant data sets reduce energy consumption—a digital contribution to sustainability.

Looking ahead

alugha is evolving continuously—from real-time translations for live events to secure voice-cloning solutions and new offerings for education, NGOs, and international events.

What’s next?

• Real-time translations for live events: Live dubbing/subtitles in multiple languages directly in the stream.
• Voice Cloning 2.0: Quality improvements, consent and review processes, misuse detection & watermarking.
• Intelligent video analytics & adaptive localization: Content-based scene detection, terminology recognition, automatic language selection by region.
• Accessibility “Next”: Automated closed captions (multilingual, speaker-separated, timing optimization) and context-aware audio description (object detection, scene changes, reading-speed options), style guides & quality metrics.
• Audiobook functionality for print & digital: TTS-based audio outputs with chapter marks, article-to-audio, optional voice selection, and a screen-reader-friendly player—especially for people with visual impairments.
• alucation & open education: More freely accessible learning content, toolkits, and workshops.

“We remain true to our vision: an inclusive, sustainable future of global communication.”
— Bernd Korz

About alugha

Alugha GmbH, based in Mannheim, has been developing technologies since 2014 to break down language barriers in digital communication. With its unique multitrack player, AI-assisted video/audio workflows, and a consistent focus on accessibility and sustainability, alugha is regarded as a European alternative to international platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.