Overview
Make every video count by adding audio descriptions that help all viewers engage. It’s a simple way to enhance accessibility, meet compliance, and follow a key principle: if you can’t see it, you should be able to hear it.
What is an Audio Description?
An audio description is a spoken narration that describes key visual content in a video for people who are blind or have low vision. It provides information about important actions, settings, facial expressions, and on-screen text that are not conveyed through dialogue or sound alone.
Think of it like a voice that “paints a picture” of what’s happening visually.
Techniques for Meeting Standard
It can be provided as:
- Integrated description — description is included in the main speakers’ scripts
- Separate file — description is in a timed text file (VTT file that goes into the media player to be read by the AD tool) or synched audio file; must be supported by the media player (in our case, Panopto)
Where to Place AD
Audio descriptions should be placed before the audio content section to help establish context, details and key elements.
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Panopto: The audio description feature allows AD to be typed into the side panel and played as an optional track for users.
- Resource: How to Add Audio Descriptions
- YouTube: There currently is no AD track option.
An Overview of What to Describe
The following guidance is adapted from The Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP) Description Key - What to Describe to apply to videos we typically create and curate for higher education courses.
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Decide what to describe by prioritizing clarity. According to the Described and Captioned Media Program (DCMP), focus on describing the most essential visual information viewers need to follow and understand the learning goals of the content. Prioritize key actions and details—especially those that could cause confusion if left out—and keep the description concise while still conveying meaningful information.
- The type of video influences what needs to be described. In narrated PowerPoints, most on-screen content related to the topic should be described. In scenario-based videos, some visuals like b-roll may not require description. As a general rule: if it’s on screen and supports your teaching point—and isn’t already covered in narration—it likely needs to be described. More guidance will be provided in the video format-specific section of this page.
- Start with the big picture. Set the scene first—briefly describe the overall image, chart, or setting before focusing on details.
- Describe meaningfully. Name important objects, settings, or media types like photos, maps, or archival clips. Include shapes, colors, or textures only when they affect understanding.
- Identify people with care. Use names or roles to identify individuals. Describe actions or physical traits when relevant, but stick to what’s visible—don’t assume feelings.
- Note transitions. Mention when scenes change, time passes, or when montages, titles, or still images appear that impact comprehension.
How to Weave AD into Different Video Formats
Note: Links to resources will be added as they are created.
- Narrated Slide Presentations. Includes narrated PowerPoints or other slide-based lectures used to deliver structured content with voiceover.
- Demonstrations, Tutorials & Screen recordings. Covers hands-on or step-by-step recordings—such as lab work, software walkthroughs, tool usage, or technical processes.
- Talking Head. Features the speaker talking directly to the camera with no change to the background – for some lectures, course introductions, or weekly updates.
- Interviews & Panels. Includes expert interviews, faculty/staff conversations, or group discussions designed to explore a topic collaboratively.
- Field, Promotional & Scenario-Based Videos. Filmed on-location, these videos showcase real environments, introduce programs or services, or depict real-world situations for training or reflection.
Resources
For more, review these additional resources:
- DCMP - Description Guidelines
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WC3: Description of Visual Information
- Technique G78: Providing a second, user-selectable, audio track that includes audio descriptions
- For this technique, there must only be a talking head with no change to the background elements in the video. Technique G203: Using a static text alternative to describe a talking head video
Support
For support, email [email protected]