What element significantly contributes to the clarity of instructional videos?

Subtitles and captions play a crucial role in enhancing the clarity of instructional videos by providing visual text representations of the spoken content. This allows viewers to follow along more easily, especially if they have hearing impairments or are non-native speakers of the language used in the video. By displaying the dialogue, important concepts, and instructions, subtitles help ensure that the audience comprehends the material without missing critical information due to auditory challenges or distractions.

In contrast, while animated graphics can enrich the viewing experience by illustrating concepts and maintaining engagement, they do not directly enhance spoken content clarity. Background music can assist in creating a particular atmosphere or enhancing viewer interest but can also compete with the spoken instruction, potentially causing confusion. Voice modulation is beneficial for maintaining audience interest and emphasizing key points, but it does not provide the same level of direct textual support as subtitles and captions do. Thus, the use of subtitles and captions is the most effective way to ensure clear communication of instructional content in videos.