Audio Description

Note: Our guidance for audio description is evolving as we investigate new techniques and resources. Please check back for updates. Last updated: July 15, 2026 

What is audio description (AD)?

Audio description is an extra narration track that explains important visual information people aren’t able to receive from the audio alone. 

Audio descriptions can either be standard (fitting within existing pauses in dialogue) or extended (pausing the video to allow for longer descriptions).

Depending on the type of video or the platform used, audio descriptions can be added in multiple different ways. 

  • Selectable Audio Tracks: Similar to closed captions, users can toggle the description on or off within the main video player. Not all video players have this functionality. 

  • Dedicated Video Files: A separate version of the video is provided that includes the descriptive narration added directly into the audio. 

What is the difference between ‘standard’ and ‘extended’ audio description? 

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Standard Audio Description

Examples of standard audio described videos

‘Standard’ audio description is when audio described content is added into the natural audio pauses of your video. If there is a space in the audio to add additional information, this is where the audio described content is added. 

Standard audio description is needed to meet WCAG 2.1 AA. However, you are only required to add audio description to videos that have important visual information that is not described verbally. 

We recommend, whenever possible, to verbally describe important visual information in the audio of your video. This will reduce or eliminate the need to include audio description. 

Extended Audio Description

Examples of extended audio described videos 

‘Extended’ audio description is when the video ‘pauses’ at moments in the video to audibly describe the important visual information being presented. Extended audio described videos are longer in length than the original video. 

Extended audio description is not required to meet WCAG 2.1 AA.  

See examples of Berkeley videos with audio description

Do I need to add audio description to my videos?

My video was uploaded... Audio description requirements
Before April 26, 2027 Audio description is not required 
On or after April 26, 2027 Audio description may be required 

Flow chart with the question "Does my video need audio description?". Full details in dropdown menu.

Does my video need audio description? 

Initial question: Does your video have sound? 

  • If No: You must provide a descriptive transcript or an audio described video. 
  • If Yes: Does the audio describe all of the important visual information? 
    • If Yes: You do not need to provide audio description. 
    • If No: You do need to provide audio description. 

Who decides? The content owner is ultimately responsible for deciding if all important visual information has been presented in the audio. Learn more: W3C Description of Visual Information

How do I add audio description to my videos? 

There are multiple different options for adding audio description to your videos that will meet WCAG 2.1 AA requirements. Your preferred method will be dependent on your content, your use case, and your available unit resources. 

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YouTube Audio Description

The most straightforward approach to adding audio description to your video is to upload to a media player with the audio description feature available. YouTube has provided AD capability to new YouTube channels created within the last ~3-6 months.

Important: YouTube has not committed to adding this feature to everyone's accounts. Most Berkeley channels do not have this feature available at this time.

For newly created channels, please see Youtube Support for step by step instructions on adding AD content to your videos. Add audio descriptions - YouTube Support

  • Pros: Easiest option to integrate audio description content onto your website.
  • Cons: This feature is not available to most channels on campus at this time.

Second Video Upload 

You may choose to upload two versions of a video - one being the original video, and one with audio description. 

If you choose to upload two videos, you will need to add the link to the video with audio description in the description of the original video. 

Echo Labs + YouTube Integration 

Echo Labs supports a new tool that allows YouTube channel owners to add an audio described version of their video to YouTube. This meets the same requirements as the "Second Video Upload" option. 

How does this integration work? 

This integration automatically uploads a new, audio described copy of your YouTube video to your YouTube channel and adds a link to this new video in the description of the original, non-audio described video. 

Learn more: 

3Play Media Embed

3Play offers two free tools to help you add audio descriptions to your videos:

  • Access Player: This works alongside the video player you already use to add an “audio description” toggle switch, similar to closed captioning. 
  • 3Play Plugin: This lets you create a simple link or code to put videos with audio descriptions on your website. 

Important: We are currently working with 3Play Media to started testing the functionality and workflow for both the Access Player and 3Play Plugin. We will update our guidance as soon as we know more. 

Learn more about the Access Player and Plugin

  • Pros: The tool is available to use and can make it easier to streamline adding audio descriptions to your videos. 
  • Cons: Must purchase audio description from 3Play Media to integrate into your videos.

Audio Description Vendors and Pricing 

All vendors listed below include closed captioning in their audio description pricing. 

Vendor  Price per minute (Standard AD) Price per minute (Extended AD) Turnaround time
3Play Media $7.00 $11.50 5 business days
Echo Labs  $2.51 $2.51 24 hours 
Viddy Scribe $2.00 $2.00 (lower with bulk pricing)  Under 24 hours