Audio Description: Storytelling Through Speech

Audio Description (AD) makes visual media accessible to blind and low-vision audiences by adding narrated descriptions of important on-screen elements during natural pauses in dialogue. Think of it like closed captions for the blind. Or like listening to an audiobook, but better — more detailed and nuanced.

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Audio descriptions communicate essential visual information like actions, facial expressions, scene changes, costumes, and text appearing on screen. The goal is for blind and low vision viewers to have a similar viewing experience as sighted viewers. 

That’s also why it’s something AI hasn’t quite been able to capture yet. Good audio descriptions have that essential human element: empathy.

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With the rise of digital and streaming, audio description has transformed from a rare accommodation to an expected asset of professional media. Audio descriptions are now mandated in many broadcast, streaming, and educational environments by the American Disabilities Association (ADA). 

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Not to mention, they expand your video’s reach and longevity and support inclusivity, from film festivals to streaming platforms.

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How Does Audio Description Work?

Audio description is all about describing what’s onscreen as accurately as possible within given time constraints. Like closed captioning and foreign-language subtitling, it’s both art and science. 

1. Identifying gaps: First, the program is watched in full to identify available gaps for audio description, especially those with important visuals.

2. Scriptwriting: Next is writing descriptions for each spot. This is where our creative juices come in — writing compelling, accurate descriptions within the time constraints.

3. Revision: The descriptions are then analyzed by our editors to ensure they will fit in the identified windows. In some cases, some lines are paraphrased to fit time constraints.

4. Recording: The script is then recorded by a professional voice talent or a synthetic voice. Synthetic voices are typically used for neutral programs like documentaries or educational programs, while creative programs like films and TV shows will usually require human voices.

5. Review: The recording is reviewed for proper pronunciation and effectiveness.

6. Delivery: AD is typically delivered as an audio file. The audio file may contain just the AD or it may contain the “mixdown,” which includes the source audio and AD.