Imagine trying to enjoy a movie when you can’t actually see what’s on the screen. Suddenly, a huge portion of the story—communicated by the actors’ gestures, the set design, and other visual elements—becomes almost impossible to follow. This is where audio description comes in.
For people who are blind or have low vision, audio description is a vital tool that helps them understand what is happening on screen. It turns visual information—like who is walking, what they are wearing, and how they move—into words that fill in the gaps left by dialogue alone. By including audio descriptions, developers can help build a more inclusive internet that meets everyone’s needs.
What Is Audio Description?
Audio description (AD) is defined as “the verbal depiction of key visual elements in media and live productions.” It is a spoken narration that explains what viewers would normally learn from sight alone. AD covers facial expressions, important movements, scene changes, costumes, and on-screen text. Think of AD as the spoken equivalent of alt text for images. Just like alt text describes a picture’s contents when you can’t see it, audio description tells you what is happening visually when you are unable to follow by sight.
Because so many key story elements are conveyed without dialogue, AD ensures blind or low-vision users are not missing out. For instance, a character might make a worried face or show a letter to another actor without saying anything. Without words describing these details, viewers may lose track of the story. That is why this accessibility measure is so important—not just for visual comprehension, but also for equal participation in popular culture.
How Is Audio Description Created?
Creating audio descriptions is both an art and a science. It calls for careful planning and precision so the narration enriches the original content without interrupting dialogue or other important sounds. In general, there are two main steps: writing the script and voicing the narration.
Writing the Script
A trained describer, or sometimes an automated tool, watches the content and notes crucial visual elements that are not otherwise explained. This includes body language, set design, and even text on signs. A human writer can craft a highly accurate script, but some creators use AI-generated drafts as a starting point. A hybrid approach—AI plus human editing—can offer speed and cost benefits while maintaining quality. Once the script is ready, it is carefully timed to fit into breaks between lines of dialogue or music cues.
Voicing the Description
The next step is to record the narration. Human-voiced AD typically uses professional voice actors who can deliver the right tone and clarity. An alternative is synthesized speech, where a computer-generated voice reads the script. This can be faster and cheaper but might lack the warmth and nuance a human can provide. After recording, an audio engineer mixes the new narration with the existing soundtrack. Quality assurance is essential: the final version must be clear, accurate, and properly timed so it helps the viewer without overwhelming the original audio. Many organizations also test the finished product with actual users to confirm it meets their needs.
How Is Audio Description Published?
When it comes to publishing audio descriptions online, developers have a variety of technical approaches:
- User-Selectable Audio Track: Many streaming services and video players provide a separate track that includes AD, often referred to as a Secondary Audio Program (SAP).
- Pre-Mixed Versions: Sometimes, the AD is integrated directly into the main audio track, so every listener hears the narration by default.
- Extended or Integrated Descriptive Audio: In content with rapid action, an extended track may pause or slow the video to allow sufficient time for detailed narration.
- Separate Files on Streaming Platforms: Services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime frequently offer multiple audio versions, including AD, which viewers can select. Physical media (DVDs, Blu-rays) often include these options too.
- Mobile Apps and Live Performances: Apps can synchronize real-time narration with a live show or museum exhibit, allowing users to hear descriptions without disturbing others.
- Text-Based Alternatives: If adding audio tracks isn’t feasible, a WebVTT description track can be paired with a screen reader to deliver the same information through speech.
Benefits of Audio Description
While the primary users of this feature are people who are blind or have low vision, there are many others who benefit. Students who like to listen to content while taking notes, commuters who cannot watch a screen, and people who multitask all gain from this practice. Even individuals seated far from a display or those preferring a more multi-sensory viewing experience can find it helpful.
For content creators, adding audio descriptions can grow their audience and boost engagement. Accessibility also supports legal compliance in many regions, protecting organizations from potential lawsuits or fines. Beyond that, it improves a brand’s reputation by demonstrating care for all viewers. Some producers have even seen gains in search engine optimization (SEO) when they create written scripts or transcriptions as part of the process, which can lead to better discoverability of their content online.
Alternative to Audio Description
In some cases, offering audio descriptions may not be possible or practical due to limited budgets, time constraints, or technical hurdles. Still, there are alternatives that can help ensure some level of accessibility:
- Descriptive Transcripts: A transcript that includes not just dialogue, but also details on the visuals. This gives readers enough information to follow the narrative independently.
- Captions with Added Context: Although captions are mostly designed for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, they can be adjusted to include simple notes like “[John grins]” or “[Mary enters the room],” aiding those who need more visual context.
- Embedded Descriptions in Dialogue: Some creators write scripts that naturally mention key visuals, such as, “Look at that bright red balloon floating into the clear sky!” This type of embedded language can fill in some gaps without a formal AD track.
- Assistive Technology Integration: Proper use of HTML, ARIA labels, and structured content can also help screen readers convey visual information more effectively.
- Live Describer Services: For virtual events or video calls, a live describer can offer on-the-fly narration. This can be a good choice if you cannot embed pre-recorded descriptions in the media.
Why Audio Description Is Worth Prioritizing
At its heart, accessibility is about recognizing each person’s perspective. When web developers and content creators integrate audio descriptions into their videos, they do more than fulfill legal requirements: they make a statement that everyone belongs. By adding thoughtful narration, you help paint the full picture for anyone who can’t see it, broadening your audience and enriching the viewing experience for all. Even small improvements can bring about major changes in how people engage with your content.
Collaborating with experts, like the team at 216digital, can guide you through each step, from scripting to publishing. In the end, it isn’t just another feature—it’s a powerful bridge to inclusivity, ensuring nobody is left out of the story.
