# Audio Description Services > Professional audio description for film, video, e-learning and digital media. WCAG 2.2 AA-aligned described video, standard and extended AD, multilingual localisation and human QC. Source: https://www.globaltranslations.org/linguistic-services/audio-description More than narrating pictures ### What Is Audio Description? Audio description is carefully timed narration that conveys meaningful visual details without repeating information already audible in dialogue or sound effects. It must be objective, concise, accurate and understandable in context. A skilled describer identifies what the audience needs to understand, chooses suitable wording and places narration around speech and essential sounds. For programmes with too little available time, extended audio description adds pauses to the video so that the necessary information can be delivered. The right approach for each video ### Standard vs Extended Audio Description #### Standard Audio Description Spoken descriptions fit into natural pauses between dialogue and important sounds, without changing the video's duration. **Best suited to:** films, interviews, corporate video, training and documentaries with sufficient space for narration. #### Extended Audio Description Video playback pauses or is extended at appropriate points when essential visual information cannot be described in existing gaps. **Best suited to:** fast-paced demonstrations, dense on-screen material and content where critical details would otherwise be missed. A complete accessibility service ### Audio Description Services #### AD Scriptwriting & Timing Identify key visual details, write natural spoken descriptions and time each segment against the source video. #### Human Audio Description Narration Record clearly articulated, appropriately paced descriptions with professional voice talent and an agreed delivery style. #### Mixing & Accessible Media Mastering Integrate AD with programme sound, preserve essential dialogue and effects, then apply the destination’s technical delivery specification. #### Multilingual AD Translation & Adaptation Adapt scripts for different languages, cultures, speaking rates and available description windows, followed by human linguistic review. #### Human-reviewed AI-assisted AD Use suitable automation only within an agreed process; have specialists verify visual accuracy, language, completeness, timing and narration quality. #### Accessibility QC & Final Review Review the script, narration, synchronisation and final mix against the agreed accessibility requirements and document corrections. Three ways to commission ### Choose Your Audio Description Workflow 01 · Scriptwriting #### Audio Description Script & Timecodes Professional visual analysis, AD scriptwriting, editorial review and timecode preparation for your production team. **Deliverable:** Reviewed script and timed description cues. 02 · End-to-end #### Full Audio Description Production Scriptwriting, narration, mix, synchronisation, accessibility QC and delivery of the agreed described media version. **Deliverable:** Final AD mix or described-video master with a QC record. 03 · Multilingual #### Audio Description Localisation Translate and adapt an existing AD script, record target-language narration and integrate it into international programme versions. **Deliverable:** Reviewed language-specific AD scripts and/or mixes. Media made for more audiences ### Where Audio Description Matters #### Film, Television & Documentaries Characters, setting, physical action, expressions and transitions that matter to the narrative. #### E-learning & Educational Video Charts, demonstrations, animations, on-screen text and instructional sequences that are essential for learning. #### Corporate & Marketing Video Product demonstrations, visual brand stories and meaningful screen information in business communications. #### Cultural & Public-sector Content Exhibitions, heritage videos, public information and educational media for accessible participation. Standards-based delivery ### Accessibility Standards We Work To Audio-description quality and accessibility are acceptance requirements in our production process. We specify the applicable standard and success criteria before production, and verify the resulting description against the approved brief. - [WCAG 2.2 — Success Criterion 1.2.5 (Level AA)](https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/#audio-description-prerecorded): audio description for prerecorded video in synchronised media. - [WCAG 2.2 — Success Criterion 1.2.3 (Level A)](https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/#audio-description-or-media-alternative-prerecorded): audio description or an appropriate media alternative for qualifying prerecorded synchronised media. - [WCAG 2.2 — Success Criterion 1.2.7 (Level AAA)](https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/#extended-audio-description-prerecorded): extended audio description when pauses are insufficient to convey essential information. - [ISO/IEC TS 20071-21:2015](https://www.iso.org/standard/63061.html): current international technical specification with professional guidance on accurate, useful audio description. - [ITU-T T.701.21 (2022)](https://www.itu.int/rec/T-REC-T.701.21-202208-I): guidance on audio description aligned with the international framework. - [Ofcom Code on Television Access Services](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/accessibility/tv-access-services): applicable broadcaster duties and best-practice guidance for UK television, where the commission falls within their scope. A documented accessibility workflow ### How We Produce Audio Description 1. 01Accessibility briefReview the video, audience, distribution channel, target language and applicable WCAG or broadcaster requirements. 2. 02Visual analysis & scriptIdentify meaningful visual cues and write accurate, concise descriptions with appropriate timecodes and pauses. 3. 03Editorial & specialist reviewCheck completeness, clarity, neutrality, accessibility, terminology and any localised wording. 4. 04Narration & sound mixRecord and synchronise descriptions, protect important programme audio and master to the required technical specification. 5. 05Final accessibility QCListen to the complete described version, verify the relevant success criteria and file properties, resolve issues and record the outcome. Ready for publishing or broadcast ### Deliverables & Quality Evidence #### Timed AD Script Approved descriptions, timing cues, pronunciation and terminology notes in the agreed language and format. #### AD Tracks or Described Video Recorded and synchronised AD audio, programme mix or described-video file in the target delivery configuration. #### Accessibility QC Record Documented checks of visual coverage, placement, intelligibility, script fidelity, mix quality and relevant acceptance criteria. **Publication formats:** Separate AD audio track, integrated described-video alternative, or delivery specification for your production platform. We confirm player support and any required technical testing before final handover. Quote an accessible version accurately ### What We Need to Start Share the programme duration, language versions, video format, target audience and publishing or broadcast destination. For precise timing and mixing, source video, dialogue and M&E tracks are valuable; scripts and terminology lists help us check content and names. We agree whether standard or extended AD is needed, how it will be delivered, what accessibility criteria apply and who is responsible for final player integration. For sensitive content, arrange secure transfer with our team before sending files. Frequently asked questions ### Audio Description FAQs For qualifying prerecorded video with synchronised audio, WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.2.5 (Level AA) requires audio description of important visual content. The complete website and media player must also meet all other applicable criteria to claim overall WCAG AA conformance. Where normal pauses in dialogue and other important audio are not long enough to communicate essential visual details. WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.2.7 addresses extended description at Level AAA. Yes. Our script-only service includes visual analysis, writing, timecodes and review. It is intended for clients who will arrange compliant narration and publication separately. Yes. We adapt description wording, timing and terminology to the intended language and culture and perform linguistic and accessibility review before narration and mixing. AI can assist approved stages, but final visual selections, accuracy, clarity, timing and narration are verified by qualified humans. Our acceptance process applies equally to human-created and AI-assisted work. Audio description narrates visual information for people who cannot see it. Captions convey speech and relevant sound information in text for people who cannot hear the soundtrack. Many projects need both. We deliver the agreed track or described-video asset to the required specification and can help define integration requirements. The client’s publishing system and controls need to support the accessible version and be tested as part of overall accessibility compliance. Our quality checks cover key visual details, timing, neutral and accurate wording, intelligibility, language accuracy, mixing and the applicable WCAG or broadcaster criteria in the approved specification. A fully considered viewing experience ### Make Your Next Video Accessible Tell us what you are publishing, which languages are needed and where it will be shown. We will specify the appropriate audio-description workflow and applicable accessibility requirements.