Audio Description
What is Audio Description?
Audio description (AD) (also known as “description,” “video description,” “described video,” or “verbal description”) is a narration of meaningful visual information in a video that provides additional context by describing visual elements that are important for understanding the content but are not communicated through the existing audio. Audio Description is a secondary narration track that can be activated via media player settings for viewers who wish to enable them.
Why does Audio Description Matter?
Many viewers can understand a video simply by listening to its narration and dialogue. However, when important information is presented only visually, such as text on slides, charts, demonstrations, graphics, or physical actions, for example, those elements must also be communicated through audio in order to be accessible to people who cannot see the screen or have difficulty understanding what is happening.
Accessible video is an important component of inclusive teaching. Providing audio descriptions helps ensure that students who are blind or have low vision can access the same information as their peers. Audio descriptions also benefit students who may be multitasking, processing information more effectively through audio, or in an environment where screen visibility is limited. By providing audio descriptions, faculty can help ensure that all learners have equal access to instructional content, course concepts, and learning opportunities.
Accessible videos help ensure that all students can engage with course content, participate fully in learning activities, and demonstrate their knowledge without unnecessary barriers. When visual information is communicated effectively through narration and audio descriptions, instructional materials become clearer, more usable, and more inclusive for everyone.
When is Audio Description Needed?
Audio description is needed when important information is presented visually but is not fully explained through the existing narration or dialogue. Their purpose is to ensure that viewers who are blind or have low vision can access the same meaningful content as sighted viewers (American Council of the Blind, n.d.)
When reviewing your video, ask yourself:
“Would someone who cannot see the screen still understand the important information being presented?”
If the answer is no, additional audio descriptions may be necessary.
Audio descriptions are commonly needed in:
- Lecture Recordings with Slide Presentations
- Instructional Demonstrations
- Videos Containing Animations
- Tutorials
Focus on the takeaway or trend rather than describing every visual detail.
Examples of Content That May Need Audio Descriptions
|
Visual Content Type |
Examples |
Less Accessible Narration |
More Accessible Narration |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Charts, Graphs, and Data Visualizations |
Line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, infographics, data dashboards |
"As you can see from this graph, enrollment increased over time." |
"The line graph shows enrollment increasing steadily from 2,000 students in 2019 to 3,500 students in 2024." |
|
Images, Diagrams, and Visual Examples |
Maps, scientific diagrams, artwork, medical diagrams, flowcharts, historical photographs |
"Here is the process." |
"This flowchart illustrates a four-step process: application submission, review, admission decision, and enrollment." |
|
On-Screen Text |
Key terms, equations, quotes, definitions, labels, instructions |
"We'll use this formula throughout the chapter." |
"We'll use the quadratic formula throughout this chapter. The formula is: x equals negative b plus or minus the square root of b squared minus four a c, all divided by two a." |
|
Demonstrations and Physical Actions |
Chemistry experiments, musical instrument demonstrations, fitness exercises, software tutorials, equipment operation |
"Click here." |
"In the upper-right corner of the screen, select the Settings button represented by a gear icon." |
|
Silent Visual Sequences |
Animation sequences, demonstration videos, time-lapse recordings, silent procedures, screen recordings |
No narration. For example, a video demonstrates how to calibrate a microscope while the instructor performs each step silently. |
"First, adjust the eyepiece until the image appears clear. Next, place the prepared slide in the center of the microscope stage and secure it with the stage clips. Turn the coarse adjustment knob slowly until the specimen comes into view. Switch to the 40× objective lens and use the fine adjustment knob to sharpen the image." |
Tips for integrated audio descriptions
For some videos, such as presentations and instructional videos, the best way to handle description is not to need it at all — that is, all the visual information that users need to understand the content is integrated in the main audio. This is called “integrated description”.
- Incorporate descriptions in your video script to reduce the need for audio descriptions. If you are displaying a graph or image, describe it in detail as part of your narration. For example, instead of saying, “as you can see from this graph”, say something like “This pie chart shows the results of a survey in which people aged 16 and over were asked about their preferred devices for accessing the internet.”
- When writing your script, review your slides to identify essential visual information and write descriptions for them that fit into the script naturally. Look for images, charts, diagrams, and animations.
- When text appears on screen and is important for understanding the lesson, read it aloud whenever possible. This reduces the need to create additional descriptions later and improves clarity for all learners.
- Focus on meaning, not every visual detail. Audio descriptions should communicate the essential information students need to understand the lesson.
- Ask yourself, “what information would a student miss if they could not see this slide?” Build that information into your narration.
Tips for writing audio descriptions
- As much as possible, audio descriptions should occur between the natural pauses in the original audio, enhancing, rather than detracting from, the existing content
- Make descriptions clear and concise by:
- Describing action in the present tense, which helps descriptions feel natural and synchronized with the video.
- Using gender-inclusive language
- Using plain language and avoid technical terms
- Match your style, tone, and pace to the original audio
- Audio descriptions should communicate essential information efficiently. Focus on what viewers need in order to understand the content, rather than describing every visual detail.
Video Player that Supports Audio Description at CLU
- Panopto: supports WebVTT files.
To learn how to add audio description within Panopto, please check out the resource below:
Third-party Support for Audio Description
3Play Media: Faculty who wish to outsource the creation of captions, transcripts, or audio descriptions may choose to use 3Play Media at their own expense.
3Play Media offers a range of accessibility services, including AI-assisted and human-reviewed captions, transcripts, subtitle translation, and audio descriptions. Their English Standard Audio Description service includes professional human review to help ensure accuracy and accessibility compliance.
Reference Pricing (as of July 2026)
The following pricing is provided for general reference only. For the most current pricing, service options, and turnaround times, please consult the 3Play Media Pricing page.
- English Standard Audio Description:$9.00 per minute
Standard Turnaround Time
- English Standard Audio Description: 5 business days
Note: Pricing and turnaround times are subject to change. Please refer to 3Play Media's website for the most up-to-date information.
Digital Learning is Here to Help!
The Digital Learning Department is here to support you every step of the way in developing accessible lecture videos and course materials. For additional assistance or clarification, please contact us at digitallearning@callutheran.edu or stop by our office in Room 122 in Pearson Library.
References:
U.S. Department of Justice. (2020, February 28). ADA requirements: Effective communication. ADA.gov. https://www.ada.gov/resources/effective-communication/
American Council of the Blind. (n.d.). The Audio Description Project. Retrieved July 15, 2026, from https://www.acb.org/audio-description-project
Lewis, E. (2025, February 24). What is audio description? 3Play Media. https://www.3playmedia.com/blog/what-is-audio-description/