For years, captions made YouTube more usable for millions of viewers. Now, with audio descriptions, creators can go further—making visual content understandable for people who are blind, low-vision, or anyone who can’t adequately see what’s on screen. If you have Multi‑Language Audio enabled on your channel, you can add a “Descriptive Audio” track alongside your other language tracks. Viewers simply choose it from the audio selector (e.g., “English with Audio Description”) and hear succinct narration describing key visual moments during natural pauses in the original audio.
What are audio descriptions?
Audio description is a secondary narration track that explains essential visual information—on‑screen text, actions, scene changes, gestures, charts—so the story or message makes sense without sight. Good descriptions are brief, objective, and timed to fit the natural gaps in dialogue or sound. They don’t add opinions; they clarify visuals.
Why this matters for accessibility (and everyone else)
- It unlocks meaning: If your video relies on visuals for comprehension—product demos, tutorials, trailers, explainers—viewers who can’t see those visuals miss the point. Description bridges that gap.
- It meets standards: For prerecorded video with audio, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) require audio description at Level AA. Meeting AA is the benchmark many organizations aim for in policy and procurement.
- It improves equity and reach: Blind and low-vision viewers get first-class access to your content. And many others benefit—people watching on small screens, in glare, or multitasking.
- It future-proofs your library: Accessibility features are increasingly expected across platforms, classrooms, and workplaces. Adding descriptions now protects content value over time.
What creators can expect
- A native workflow: In YouTube Studio, under Languages, you can upload a descriptive audio file in a supported audio‑only format. It must roughly match the video length and be in the same language as the primary audio.
- Viewer choice: Descriptions live alongside language tracks. Viewers opt in when they need them—no splitting your audience or publishing multiple versions by default.
- Content control: You keep creative intent while ensuring visual meaning isn’t lost. If your video lacks natural pauses, consider editing to create space or craft an integrated script that describes visuals in your main narration.
How to make strong audio descriptions
- Focus on what’s essential: Describe only the visuals needed to understand the content. Prioritize on‑screen text, actions that change meaning, and visual cues that drive the narrative.
- Be objective and concise: Use present tense, active voice, and neutral tone. “The chart title reads ‘Quarterly Growth’” beats “A compelling chart about success.”
- Time it well: Place descriptions in pauses or create short gaps. Keep them audible over background music and effects.
- Integrate when you can: In demos and tutorials, weave the description into your script: “Select File, then Save,” instead of “Follow these steps.”
- Plan ahead: Write scripts with accessibility in mind. Integrated description often reduces production time and avoids the need for separate tracks. Psst! Ciao has a training session called "Designing and Writing with Accessibility in Mind." Get the details in our training catalog.
Business and compliance upside
- Broader audience = better performance: Accessible videos earn more watch time and engagement in diverse contexts—workplaces, classrooms, public institutions.
- Policy alignment: Many organizations require WCAG AA. Audio description is a common sticking point for video libraries; YouTube’s feature lowers the barrier.
- Brand trust: Demonstrating inclusion isn’t just ethical—it signals quality, care, and professionalism.
Where descriptions matter most
- Tutorials, product walkthroughs, UI/UX demos: Screens and steps often convey critical information only visually.
- Marketing and explainers: On‑screen graphics, lower-thirds, and text callouts carry key messages.
- Education and training: Diagrams, charts, and procedures need clear description to be learnable for all.
Getting started today
- Audit your top videos: Identify titles where visuals carry meaning. Prioritize evergreen content with steady traffic.
- Choose an approach: Integrated description for process videos; separate descriptive track for storytelling or visually dense pieces.
- Script, record, and upload: Craft concise lines, record in the same language, and upload the track via YouTube Studio, Languages menu, Descriptive audio option.
- Promote and measure: Announce the new track, add a note in the description, and track engagement. Invite feedback from blind and low‑vision viewers.
- Need help with accessibility? Download our practical guide or reach out!
The bottom line
Audio descriptions on YouTube aren’t just a feature—they’re a commitment to inclusive communication. When creators make visual meaning audible, more people can learn, laugh, and participate. That’s good accessibility—and good content strategy.