Making Videos Accessible: Adding Subtitles and Audio Descriptions

Introduction

Videos are a powerful way to communicate, but without proper accessibility features, they can exclude users with disabilities. Adding subtitles and audio descriptions ensures your video content is inclusive, enhancing the experience for all viewers. This guide will walk you through best practices for making your videos accessible and compliant with WCAG and ADA standards.

Why Video Accessibility Matters

 
• Inclusivity: Subtitles benefit individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, while audio descriptions support users who are blind or visually impaired.
 
• Legal Compliance: Accessibility standards like WCAG and ADA require videos to include features like subtitles and audio descriptions.
 
• Better User Experience: Accessible videos are easier to engage with, even in environments where sound isn’t an option.

1. Adding Subtitles

Subtitles provide text versions of the dialogue and relevant audio cues in a video, making it accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Best Practices for Subtitles

 
• Accuracy: Ensure subtitles match the spoken dialogue and capture audio cues like laughter or music.
 
• Timing: Synchronize subtitles with the audio to ensure they appear at the correct time.
 
• Readability: Use a legible font, appropriate size, and sufficient contrast between text and background.

How to Add Subtitles

 
1. Use Built-In Tools: Platforms like YouTube and Vimeo offer tools for adding and editing subtitles.
 
2. Use Subtitle Creation Software: Tools like Rev, Amara, or Otter.ai can generate subtitles automatically or help you create them manually.
 
3. Export Subtitles: Save subtitles in formats like .srt or .vtt for easy integration.

2. Adding Audio Descriptions

Audio descriptions provide a verbal narration of visual elements in a video, ensuring viewers who are blind or visually impaired can understand the content.

What to Include in Audio Descriptions

 
• Key Visuals: Describe actions, settings, and important non-verbal cues.
 
• Conciseness: Keep descriptions brief to avoid overlapping with dialogue.
 
• Context: Focus on visual details that enhance the understanding of the video.

How to Add Audio Descriptions

 
1. Script the Descriptions: Write a script that includes key visual elements and fits naturally into pauses in the audio.
 
2. Record the Narration: Use a professional voiceover or text-to-speech software to create the audio descriptions.
 
3. Edit and Integrate: Use video editing software to add the descriptions as an additional audio track.

3. Choosing the Right Tools

There are several tools available for adding subtitles and audio descriptions to your videos:

Subtitle Tools

 
• Amara: Free tool for creating and managing subtitles.
 
• Otter.ai: Automatic transcription software with editing capabilities.
 
• Rev: Professional subtitle creation services.

Audio Description Tools

 
• 3Play Media: Comprehensive services for audio description and captioning.
 
• Adobe Premiere Pro: Video editing software that supports audio track integration.
 
• Verbit: AI-powered transcription and audio description tools.

4. Testing Your Accessible Video

After adding subtitles and audio descriptions, test your video to ensure functionality and usability:

 
• Test Subtitles: Verify timing, accuracy, and readability on different devices.
 
• Test Audio Descriptions: Confirm that descriptions align with the visuals and don’t overlap with important audio.
 
• Use Real Users: Gather feedback from individuals who rely on subtitles or audio descriptions to refine your content.

Conclusion

Making videos accessible by adding subtitles and audio descriptions is a vital step toward inclusivity. By following these best practices, you can create engaging content that is usable by all audiences, including individuals with disabilities. Start implementing these features today to ensure your videos meet accessibility standards and provide an exceptional user experience.