AUDIO DESCRIPTION
Accessibility narration that opens content to every viewer.
Professional AD scripting, recording, mixing and QC — making visual content accessible for blind and low-vision audiences in 48 languages.
OVERVIEW
What are audio description services?
Audio description (AD) is a professional accessibility narration that describes key visual elements of video content — actions, settings, expressions, costumes, on-screen text and important visual details — during natural pauses in the original audio. AD makes films, TV series, documentaries and digital content accessible to blind and low-vision audiences, opening visual storytelling to viewers who would otherwise miss it.
Our audio description services support streaming platforms, broadcasters, government agencies and educational providers across 48 languages. The full AD workflow includes script writing by trained describers, voice casting with neutral and authoritative narrators, studio recording, audio editing, broadcast-compliant mixing and final QC. Every audio description is timed to fit naturally between dialogue, sound effects and music — never overlapping or competing with the original content.
With the European Accessibility Act (EAA) entering full enforcement in 2025, audio description is no longer optional for many platforms — it’s a legal requirement. As a TPN Gold certified production partner, DIGI MEDIA delivers EAA-compliant audio description that meets WCAG 2.2 guidelines, EBU recommendations and platform-specific standards. Every AD project is recorded at our Riga voice-over studio and partner facilities across Europe, ready for content owners and public sector clients across Europe. Explore our work or send a brief for a custom quote.
WHEN TO USE AD
When does your content need audio description?
Audio description is required in some cases, recommended in others. Here’s a guide to help you decide.
Required by law
EU streaming services, public broadcasters and government communications must provide AD under the European Accessibility Act 2025.
Platform requirement
Major streaming platforms and public broadcasters require AD for premium content.
Visual-heavy content
Films, documentaries, art galleries, museum tours and silent-film-style content rely on visual storytelling that needs description.
Inclusive brand strategy
Brands committed to accessibility add AD to corporate videos, advertisements and digital content to reach all audiences.
WHAT WE DESCRIBE
Audio description for every type of content
From feature films to museum exhibitions, our audio description services make every type of visual content accessible to blind and low-vision audiences.
Films & Series
Audio description for feature films, drama, comedy and streaming series with full character and scene narration.
Documentaries & Factual
AD for documentary content covering history, science, nature and biographical content.
Animation & Kids
Family-friendly audio description for cartoons, children's series and educational kids content.
Educational Content
AD for online courses, training videos and academic content for accessible learning.
Cultural Content
Audio descriptions for museum exhibits, art galleries, virtual tours and cultural experiences.
Public Broadcast
Audio description for news, public service announcements and government communications.
WHY US
Why audio description needs a specialist studio
Audio description is craft, not just narration. Trained describers, native voices and TPN Gold-certified content security make every project compliant and broadcast-ready.
OUR PROCESS
How audio description works at DIGI MEDIA
Five accessibility-focused steps from video file to broadcast-ready AD deliverables.
01
Content Analysis
We watch your content and identify visual moments that need description — actions, settings, expressions, text.
02
AD Script Writing
Trained AD writers craft concise descriptions timed to fit between dialogue and key audio cues.
03
Voice Casting & Direction
Native AD narrators selected for tone, pacing and accessibility-trained delivery.
04
Recording & Mixing
Studio recording, audio editing and broadcast-compliant mixing that respects original audio.
05
Compliance QC & Delivery
EAA, WCAG and platform-specific compliance check, then delivery in required formats.
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE
Subtitles vs. SDH captions vs. audio description — three accessibility tools
Accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. Subtitles translate dialogue for viewers who don’t speak the language. SDH captions add sound descriptions for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers. Audio description narrates visual content for blind and low-vision viewers — three complementary accessibility services, each serving different audiences.
| Criteria | Subtitles | SDH Captions | Audio Description (AD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | On-screen text (dialogue) | On-screen text (dialogue + audio) | ✓ Voice narration (visual descriptions) |
| Target Audience | Foreign language viewers | Deaf & hard-of-hearing viewers | ✓ Blind & low-vision viewers |
| What's Included | Dialogue translation | Dialogue + sound effects + speaker IDs | ✓ Visual elements: actions, settings, expressions |
| Delivery Method | Text overlay | Text overlay | ✓ Additional audio track |
| When Voice Is Used | ✗ No voice | ✗ No voice | ✓ Voice fills natural dialogue pauses |
| EAA 2025 Requirement | Optional | Required for accessibility | ✓ Required for full compliance |
| Content Fit | International releases | All videos (accessibility) | ✓ Visual-heavy content (films, drama, docs) |
| Standards | Platform-specific | EAA + WCAG 2.1 | ✓ EAA + WCAG 2.2 + ITC guidelines |
| Production Process | Translation + timing | Translation + audio tagging | ✓ Script writing + voice recording + mixing |
| Turnaround | 2-5 business days | 2-6 business days | ✓ 5-10 business days |
DECISION SUPPORT
Is professional audio description right for your content?
A quick self-check to confirm audio description fits your accessibility needs, content type, and compliance requirements — instead of DIY narration or basic AD workflows.
✓ This service is right for you if
- Your content must comply with European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2025 requirements
- WCAG 2.2 accessibility guidelines apply to your video content
- Blind and low-vision viewers are part of your audience
- Streaming platforms and broadcasters require AD for premium content
- Content is visual-heavy (films, drama, documentaries, museum tours, animation)
- Multi-language AD is needed across international markets
🎙️ Typical projects we handle
- Streaming platform originals and licensed content requiring AD per market
- Broadcast TV series, films, and documentaries with EAA-compliant AD
- Government agency videos, EU project content, and public service announcements
- E-learning courses and educational content with accessibility requirements
- Museum exhibitions, cultural content, virtual tours, and heritage videos
- Animation, kids content, and family entertainment with accessibility standards
Not sure if audio description fits your project? Send us your video, target languages, and compliance requirements — we’ll return a specific AD plan and EAA-compliant quote within 24 hours.
WHO WE HELP
Trusted by streaming platforms, broadcasters, government agencies, and education providers worldwide
From global streaming platforms delivering EAA-compliant AD for original series to national broadcasters, government agencies, and cultural institutions ensuring accessibility for blind and low-vision audiences — our audio description services deliver native AD narration across 48 languages meeting EAA, WCAG, and platform-specific accessibility standards.
Streaming Platforms
Global streaming services and OTT platforms delivering EAA-compliant audio description for original series, licensed films, and catalogue content across European territories with platform-specific AD standards.
National Broadcasters
Public and commercial broadcasters delivering audio description for TV programming, films, documentaries, and daily broadcast content meeting national accessibility quotas and EAA requirements.
Government & Public Sector
Government agencies and public sector organizations delivering AD for public communications, information videos, EU project content, and citizen-facing digital services with WCAG accessibility compliance.
Education & E-Learning
Universities, schools, and e-learning platforms delivering accessible AD for course videos, lectures, training content, and educational materials ensuring inclusive learning for visually-impaired students.
Cultural Institutions
Museums, art galleries, heritage sites, and cultural organizations delivering AD for exhibition videos, virtual tours, cultural experiences, and educational content with inclusive access standards.
Film Studios & Production Companies
Independent film studios and production companies delivering AD for feature films, documentaries, and streaming distribution deals meeting theatrical and platform accessibility standards.
Documentary Producers
Documentary production houses delivering AD for factual programming, biographical films, and educational content with visual-heavy storytelling that requires narration for accessibility.
Kids & Family Content
Animation studios and kids content producers delivering family-friendly audio description for cartoons, children's series, and educational content with kid-appropriate tone and pacing.
Corporate & Brand
Corporate teams and brands delivering AD for internal videos, DEI initiatives, and public-facing content demonstrating commitment to inclusive brand strategy and accessibility standards.
LANGUAGE CAPABILITIES
Audio description services across 48 languages
Native AD narrators across 48 languages and 63 regional versions — trained for accessibility tone, pacing and broadcast standards, recorded at our Riga voice-over studio.
For audio description we need a trained AD narrator in your language. Tell us the languages you need and we will confirm them before you book.
STANDARDS & COMPLIANCE
Audio description standards we follow
Audio description isn’t just narration — it’s a regulated, standardized service. We meet the requirements that matter for global accessibility.
EAA 2025
European Accessibility Act — legal requirement for digital media services in the EU.
WCAG 2.2
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines from W3C — digital content accessibility.
EBU R128
European Broadcasting Union loudness standards for broadcast-ready audio.
ITC Guidelines
UK Independent Television Commission AD writing and recording standards.
SEE IT IN ACTION
Inside a Digi Media audio description workflow
Every audio description project runs through our accessibility ecosystem — from content analysis and AD script writing to native narrator recording, broadcast-compliant mixing, and EAA compliance QC for streaming platforms, broadcasters, government agencies, and education providers across 48 languages.
FAQ
Audio description questions, answered
Everything streaming platforms, broadcasters and cultural partners ask about audio description services.
What is audio description?
Audio description (AD) is a professional narration that describes visual elements of video content — actions, settings, expressions, on-screen text — during natural pauses in dialogue. It makes visual content accessible to blind and low-vision audiences.
Who needs audio description?
Streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+), broadcasters, government agencies, educational platforms and cultural institutions. Under the European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2025, AD is legally required for many media services.
How is audio description different from subtitles?
Subtitles and SDH are text-based for hearing-impaired viewers. Audio description is voice narration for visually impaired viewers. Both serve accessibility but for different audiences.
How long does audio description take?
Standard turnaround is 5–10 business days per project depending on content length, complexity and number of 487 languages. Series projects run in continuous workflows.
What formats do you deliver?
Separate audio tracks (WAV, MP3), broadcast mixed deliverables and platform-specific exports for Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer and major streaming services. Compliant with EBU R128 and platform audio standards.
What's your pricing model?
AD priced per minute of source video. Custom packages for series, multi-language content and ongoing accessibility programs. Request a custom brief we respond within 24 hours.
Does AD meet EU accessibility law?
Yes all our AD complies with the European Accessibility Act (EAA) 2025 and WCAG 2.2 accessibility guidelines. We deliver content that meets EU legal requirements for accessible media.
Can AD be added to existing content?
Yes we add audio description tracks to existing video files without modifying the original. Final output includes both original + AD-enabled versions.
Who writes the AD scripts?
Trained AD describers who specialize in concise, neutral language and broadcast standards. They follow industry guidelines (ITC, BBC, Ofcom standards) to write descriptions that complement — not compete with — the original audio.
RELATED SERVICES
Complete your accessibility & video localization
Audio description works best alongside subtitles, SDH captions, and translation services. Explore the connected services that streaming platforms, broadcasters, government agencies, and education providers combine with AD for complete accessibility delivery.
LET'S TALK
Ready to add audio description?
Tell us about your content, target languages and accessibility requirements — we'll respond within 24 hours with an AD plan and EAA-compliant quote.
Response within 24 hours · Confidential · No commitment