Although YouTube videos have become more accessible in recent years with captioning, there is no automated way to create an audio description for YouTube viewers who are vision-impaired.
YouTube Audio Description is a feature that provides a spoken narration of a video’s content. It can be used to provide information about the video for people who are unable to see it.
In this article, we’ll provide a full guide to YouTube Audio Description, including how to enable it and how to use it.
What Is Audio Description?
An audio description is a form of auditory communication that provides descriptive information about what is happening onscreen to people who are unable to see the video. It can be used to provide information about characters, locations, and events for people who are unable to see the video.
How YouTube Audio Description Works
YouTube audio description basically provides a spoken narration of a video’s content. The audio description is typically provided by a narrator who is watching the video and providing information about what is happening onscreen. YouTube started to support this feature in 2015 after the technology was developed by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Types Of Audio Description
Audio Description on video-sharing websites like YouTube is typically provided in two forms:
- Pre-recorded: This type of audio description is recorded by a narrator and is synced with the video.
- Live: This type of audio description is provided by a live narrator who is watching the video and providing information about what is happening onscreen in real time.
Moreover, audio descriptions can also be implemented on TV and in movies. For example, many channels on Dish Network have audio descriptions available for select programs.
On VOD services like Netflix, audio description is available on some titles with a similar feature called “Video Description”.
In cinemas and theaters, live audio description is sometimes provided through headsets that deliver the narration directly to the listener while in museums and galleries, recorded descriptions are often played through portable devices.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Audio Descriptions?
There are several benefits to using audio descriptions. Audio descriptions can make videos more accessible to people who are blind or have low vision. It can also provide information about the video for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Additionally, audio descriptions can be used to improve the comprehension of a video for people with cognitive disabilities. Moreover, audio descriptions can make videos more interesting and entertaining for people who do not have a disability.
How Do I Enable Audio Descriptions On My YouTube Channel?
To enable audio description on your YouTube channel, go to the “Settings” tab and select “Audio Description.” You will then be able to choose whether you want to enable audio description for all videos on your channel, or just for certain videos.
Some Tips for Creating Good Audio Descriptions
Here are some tips for creating good audio descriptions:
– Make sure to describe all on-screen action, including character movements, gestures, and facial expressions
– Use clear and concise language
– Avoid using jargon or technical terms
– Speak at a natural pace
– Choose a narrator with a clear and pleasant voice
– Use background music and sound effects sparingly
– Make sure the audio description is synchronized with the video
The Demand for Accessible Videos for Blind and Low-vision Audiences
The demand for accessible videos for blind and low-vision audiences has grown in recent years. This is likely due to the increase in online video content and the growth of social media. As a result, there is a need for audio description services that can provide accessible versions of popular videos.
There are a number of companies that offer audio description services and these companies primarily serve the entertainment industry and produce audio-described versions of movies, TV shows, and live theater productions. For blind and low-vision audiences, these services provide an alternative way to enjoy popular culture.
The Financial Angle
There is a lot of money to be made in the audio description industry. The global market for audio description services was valued at $325 million in 2020 and is expected to reach $545 million by 2025. This growth is primarily driven by the increase in demand for accessible content and the growth of social media.
The audio description industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% from 2020 to 2025. This growth is primarily driven by the increase in demand for accessible content and the growth of social media.
Conclusion
Audio description is a service that provides a narration of what is happening onscreen in real time. This service is used to make videos more accessible to people who are blind or have low vision. YouTube audio description can be enabled easily on the “Settings” tab which can make all or some of the videos on your channel have an audio description.
