Adding Audio Description to YouTube Videos
Adding Audio Description to YouTube Videos
Faculty often use videos they did not create, such as YouTube lectures, documentaries, and publisher-provided content. When these videos are not fully accessible, instructors must take additional steps to ensure that all students can access the information.
This chapter focuses on practical strategies for adding audio description to YouTube videos, with emphasis on videos you do not own. It also includes options for videos you do control.
Chapter Overview
This chapter explains how to evaluate YouTube videos for accessibility, how to add audio description using YouDescribe, and how to create described versions when you have access to the original video. It also introduces alternative strategies when description cannot be added.
Learning Objectives
- Evaluate YouTube videos for missing visual information.
- Use YouDescribe to add audio description to videos you do not own.
- Create audio described versions when you control the video.
- Provide alternative access when needed.
- Share accessible video options clearly with students.
Key Terms
- YouDescribe
- A tool that allows users to add audio description to YouTube videos without editing the original file.
- Audio Described Version
- An alternative version of a video that includes narration describing important visual information.
- Alternative Access
- Providing another way to access content when full accessibility is not immediately possible.
Start with Evaluation
Before assigning any video, determine whether visual information is missing from the audio.
- Listen without watching the screen
- Watch with the sound off to identify visual-only meaning
- Identify charts, text, or actions not explained verbally
- Consider whether all students can access the meaning
Accessibility Check
If a student cannot understand the content without seeing the video, additional description is required.
Note: Captions and audio description serve different purposes. Captions provide access to spoken audio, while audio description provides access to visual information. Both may be required for full accessibility.
Option 1: Videos You Do Not Own (Most Common)
When using external videos, you cannot edit or re-upload them. In this case, YouDescribe is the primary solution.
Using YouDescribe
YouDescribe allows you to add audio description to YouTube videos without modifying the original file.
YouDescribe does not modify the original YouTube video. Instead, it creates a separate, accessible version with synchronized audio descriptions that must be shared via a YouDescribe link.
Instructor Tip
Drafting a written outline or transcript of the video—including key visual details—can make the description process more efficient and accurate.
AI tools can help generate a first draft of a descriptive transcript, but you must review and revise the output to ensure accuracy and alignment with the video.
- “Review the following video and draft a descriptive transcript including visual details. Here is the link: [ADD VIDEO LINK].”
Always verify AI-generated descriptions before using them.
Step 1: Copy the Video URL
- Open the YouTube video
- Copy the link
Step 2: Review the Video
- Watch the video and identify missing audio descriptions
Step 3: Open YouDescribe
- Go to YouDescribe
- Paste or search for the video
- Select the “Add Freestyle Description” option
Step 4: Add Description
- Select a description option (record narration or use text-to-speech)
- Describe key visuals clearly and concisely
- Use “Insert Inline” for short descriptions
- Use “Insert Extended” for longer explanations
- Add pauses when needed
Step 5: Save and Share
- Save the described version
- Share the YouDescribe link with students
Instructor Tip
Label links clearly, such as “Audio Described Version (YouDescribe),” and place them next to the original video.
Ensure link text is descriptive so students understand the purpose.
Accessibility Check
Automated YouTube captions are not sufficient. Provide a clean, edited transcript with accurate punctuation and speaker clarity.
Audio description and transcripts work together to ensure full accessibility.
Option 2: Videos You Do Own
When possible, design your videos with accessibility in mind by describing important visuals during the original narration.
Step 1: Identify Missing Visual Information
- Review visuals not explained in narration
Step 2: Write Description
- Describe actions, diagrams, and text
- Keep descriptions concise and clear
Instructor Tip
Create a script or outline that includes both narration and visual descriptions.
AI tools can assist in drafting descriptions, but they must be reviewed and revised to ensure accuracy and instructional value.
Step 3: Record Narration
- Use clear audio
- Match timing with the video
Step 4: Edit the Video
- Insert descriptions into pauses
- Pause video for extended descriptions if needed
Step 5: Upload and Label
- Upload as a separate video
- Label as “Audio Described Version”
- Link both versions together
When Description Is Not Possible
If you cannot add audio description, you must provide an alternative method for accessing the same information.
- Write a summary of key visuals
- Provide an alternative accessible video
- Explain visuals in course materials
- Replace the video if necessary
Important
A video should not be the only way students access required content if it is not fully accessible.
Choosing the Right Approach
| Situation | Recommended Approach |
|---|---|
| You do not own the video | Use YouDescribe |
| You own the video | Create described version |
| Cannot modify video | Provide alternative access |
Checklist
- Have you evaluated the video?
- Is visual information explained?
- Did you provide a described or alternative version?
- Is a transcript available and accurate?
- Are links clearly labeled?
Chapter Summary
Accessible video requires intentional planning. YouDescribe provides a solution for external videos, while owned videos allow full control. When neither is possible, alternative access must be provided.
Key Takeaways
- You are responsible for accessibility regardless of video ownership.
- AI can support drafting but must be reviewed for accuracy.
- YouDescribe enables description without modifying original videos.
- Transcripts and captions are essential alongside audio description.
Review Questions
- What is the best option when you do not own a video?
- When can you create a fully described version?
- What should you do if description is not possible?
- Why is labeling important?
Practice Activity
Select a YouTube video used in your course. Evaluate it and choose one approach:
- Create a YouDescribe version, or
- Write an alternative description of key visuals
Explain how your changes improve accessibility.
Further Reading
Licenses and Attribution
CC Licensed Content, Original
This educational material includes AI-generated content from ChatGPT by OpenAI. The original content created by Josh Hill, Neida Abraham, and Emiliana Olavarrieta from Hillsborough College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
Other Licensed Content
How to use YouDescribe
Emiliana Olavarrieta
License: CCBYNC
