Including audio descriptions in live or on-demand video content helps organizations provide an enhanced user experience, comply with accessibility laws and regulations, and enhance the brand reputation by demonstrating their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Here is a closer look at why on-demand videos need audio descriptions.
Brief Introduction to Audio Descriptions:
Audio descriptions are narrated commentaries that provide essential visual details in video content. They help perceive content that has no audio cue such as content displayed during webinars, actions and expressions in a movie, and slides shown during a presentation. They are usually inserted during natural pauses in the dialogue or via a freeframe to ensure seamless viewing for visually impaired individuals to understand.
Individuals with visual impairments can fully comprehend the video content, fostering an inclusive environment that resonates with diverse audiences. Viewers can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the content by providing auditory descriptions of crucial visual elements, such as content that is not narrated, scene changes, gestures, and on-screen text.
This added layer of information enriches the viewing experience, making it more engaging and immersive for everyone leading to increased viewership and a stronger connection with diverse customer segments. Audio descriptions can clarify complex visual information, making content perceiveable to viewers with not only vision impairments, but also viewers who have learning disabilities, and those who are not physically looking at the screen but who prefer to hear the content.
Including audio descriptions ensures content is accessible to all individuals, including the estimated 285 million people worldwide who are visually impaired. This commitment to inclusivity demonstrates corporate responsibility and aligns with accessibility laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and global standards like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2). By incorporating audio descriptions, organizations can demonstrate compliance with these regulations and avoid potential legal consequences or reputational risks associated with non-compliance.
By catering to the needs of individuals with visual impairments, companies can differentiate themselves from competitors and position themselves as industry leaders in accessibility practices. This supplementary addition of engagement can lead to higher satisfaction rates and repeat viewership, fostering a positive association with the brand.
By prioritizing this practice, organizations can foster a more immersive user experience, enhance brand reputation, and demonstrate their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. At Performedia, we understand the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in the digital realm. Our team of experts can provide comprehensive audio description services for your on-demand videos, ensuring compliance with accessibility standards and delivering an immersive, inclusive experience for all audiences.
