Audio Descriptions

Overview

An audio description is:

A narration track that verbally describes key visual content that is not accessible via audio alone.
Also known as “video description,” “visual description,” “descriptive video” and simply “description.”
Created through a thoughtful process that considers how much visual information to convey, what words to use and when to include them.

People who are blind can understand much of a video’s content by listening to its audio. However, if a video includes content that is only presented visually (e.g., on-screen text or key actions that are not obvious from the audio), this visual information must be described. This benefits people who are unable to see the video due to blindness or low vision. It also benefits people who are visually distracted (e.g., watching a video in the background while multitasking).

Integrated description is the process of building in description of visual content directly into the video during scripting and production, thereby avoiding the need for audio description.

Extended audio description is audio description that requires a pause in the video (i.e., if there aren’t otherwise enough gaps in the program audio to insert a description.)

Avoiding the Need for an Audio Description

The need for audio description can be avoided by ensuring all important visual information is communicated verbally. Here are some examples:

For videos featuring multiple speakers with no additional visual content (i.e., “talking heads”), audio description is generally not required if each speaker introduces themselves when they first speak and their names and affiliations are also shown on screen. A narrator should read the closing credits to ensure full accessibility.
Integrated Described Video (IDV) – This website from Accessible Media, Inc. (AMI) includes a series of high-quality videos produced to educate on the benefits of integrated description.

Prioritizing Your Videos for Audio Description

Videos can be prioritized for audio description using the same variables that are used for prioritizing videos for captioning:

Audience demographics – If the target audience for a video is likely to include individuals who are blind or low vision, the video should be a top priority.
Traffic – Your most popular videos should be a high priority.
Publication date – Newer videos should be a high priority.

In general, it is best to focus initial efforts on high-impact videos, for example:

Videos available to the public on a high-use website
Videos that will be used multiple times in a course
Videos developed by several faculty members to be used in several different classes

Does the Video Need Description?

In addition to the above considerations, videos can be prioritized based on the need for audio description.

A Key Accessibility Test: Listen Without Watching

To determine need, listen to the audio for portions of your video (if you have eyesight, close your eyes). Are there any important details that you’re missing? Rate the video using the following scale:

High need – Nothing makes sense with audio alone.
Medium need – The video is generally understandable, but critical details are lost.
Low need – Some information is lost, but it isn’t critical.

Educational Context: Demonstrations and Procedures

For instructional content (example: a nursing video demonstrating a procedure) the narration may seem sufficient at first glance. However, unless someone can understand the procedure without seeing it, key details may be missing.

Examples of visual details that often require description include:

Hand placement or movement
Changes in equipment or settings
Visual cues that indicate success, error, or safety concerns

If those details are not already communicated verbally, audio description is required.

Marketing Communications Context: Conveying Mood and Meaning

Marketing and promotional videos often rely on visuals to convey tone, emotion, and impression. These elements are just as important as factual information and must also be accessible.

It can feel awkward or unnecessary to describe emotions, atmosphere, or visual style aloud, but accessibility requires doing exactly that.

Examples include:

Describing facial expressions, body language, or reactions
Conveying the mood of a scene (e.g., energetic, welcoming, celebratory, serious)
Describing visual storytelling elements that support brand identity or emotional impact

If a visual is intended to make viewers feel something, that experience should be shared through audio description.