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AUDIO DESCRIPTIONS
A Simple Guide for Video Creators
Goal
Why it Matters
Audio descriptions make videos accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. They describe important visual details so viewers can understand what’s happening even if they can’t see the screen.
This tutorial explains what audio descriptions are, when you need them, and how to create them without needing editing skills or expensive software.
Quick Wins (Start Here)
If you only do a few things, start with:
Describe important visual information whenever it’s not clear from the audio
Use simple, natural language
Add audio descriptions only when the visuals convey something meaningful
These small changes make your content more inclusive and easier to follow.
What Are Audio Descriptions?
Audio descriptions tell the viewer about important visual information in a video.
They fill in details like
Actions (“She picks up the product from the shelf”)
On-screen text (“A banner reads: 20% Off This Weekend”)
Important visuals (“A red warning light starts flashing”)
Scene changes and transitions (“The screen fades to the checkout page”)
They do not describe every single movement. Only the visuals needed to understand the content.
Audio Descriptions vs. Captions
These are two different accessibility tools.
Audio Descriptions
Describe what is happening visually
Support people who are blind or low vision
Added as narration or as a separate audio track
Captions
Display spoken dialogue and sounds
Support people who are Deaf or hard of hearing
Captions help with sound.
Audio descriptions help with sight.
Many videos need both.
What To Do
How to Add Audio Description to Your Videos
Step 1. Review Your Video for Key Visuals
Ask yourself
Does the video include actions not explained in the audio?
Is there on-screen text your audience needs?
Are there charts, graphs, products, or demonstrations?
If visuals convey important information, you’ll need audio descriptions.
Step 2. Decide Which Type of Audio Description You Need
Standard Audio Descriptions
You record a voice describing essential visuals and place it between natural pauses in the video.
Extended Audio Descriptions
The video is paused to make room for longer descriptions.
Most small business videos do not need this level of detail.
Step 3. Write a Simple Description Script
Keep descriptions
Short
Clear
Factual
Objective
Example:
“Sarah places the blue mug next to the laptop.”
Not: “Sarah puts a cute mug beside the computer.”
Step 4. Record Your Audio Description
You can use
Your phone’s voice recorder
A simple microphone
Your regular video editor
Speak clearly and naturally.
Step 5. Add Your Recording to the Video
In your video editor you can layer the audio description track beneath the main audio.
Step 6. Test Your Video
Watch your video with your eyes closed.
If the story makes sense, your descriptions are doing their job.
Example
Imagine you run an online boutique and you’re showing a new dress.
Your video says
“This is our new spring dress.”
But visually, you show
The dress color
The floral pattern
The way the fabric moves
A close-up of the back tie
Your audio description could be
“A white dress with blue flowers appears on screen. The model turns, showing a bow tied at the back.”
This helps blind and low-vision customers understand what makes your product unique and what they might be buying.
Tips & Common Mistakes
What To Do
Describe only what matters
Keep sentences short
Maintain a neutral tone
Place descriptions during natural pauses
Include the descriptions in your transcript for an added benefit
What To Avoid
Over-describing every detail
Adding personal opinions
Talking over important dialogue
Long descriptions that disrupt the flow
Helpful Tools
In full transparency, if you aren’t handling this task in-house, it will be an investment to hire out.
Video Caption Corporation — professional services
3Play Media— Plugin using AI voices
WCAG Guidelines
Audio descriptions support these WCAG criteria
WCAG 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded)
WCAG 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded)
WCAG 1.2.7 Extended Audio Description (Prerecorded)
Not all levels apply to every small business, but knowing the basics helps you stay aligned with accessibility standards.
Next Steps
After adding audio descriptions, explore:
All of these help different types of users enjoy your content.
Want Help With accessibility?
If you’d like professional support, we can help:
We offer a full suite of digital accessibility services.
Web Accessibility Initiative
To geek out and go deep on the history and technical criteria for WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) W3C is the resource for you.
Recommended Digital Accessibility Resources
Monthly Content Accessibility Checklist
Easy first steps to track and integrate accessibility into the digital content you create on a regular basis for your business.
The accuracy of information on this website is subject to change. Implementing these accessibility tips by no means ensures your website is fully compliant with current guidelines or laws. You should consult with a professional to audit and/or remediate your site and obtain an accessibility statement.
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