Businesses need to keep adjusting their strategies to efficiently cater to varied audiences and promote inclusion in the current digital context, where there is a drive to improve media access and digital accessibility.
Read More: Audio Description Services
However, audio description—an accessibility feature that improves the experience for those who are blind or visually impaired—is one component of accessibility that is sometimes disregarded. While many individuals might love a bucket of popcorn and a movie, others might require an audio description.
What is an audio description exactly?
To begin with, let’s define audio description. An extra audio track that provides a spoken descriptive narration of visual features in different media forms is called an audio description, often referred to as a video description. It is a crucial accessibility option that lets people who are blind or have other visual impairments enjoy visual experiences. A description of the visual content or items seen on screen is given through audio description.
Businesses may promote diversity and reach a wider audience by adding audio descriptions to their content. But those without vision impairments are not the only ones who can benefit from audio description. Many of the features and products we use on a daily basis now have changed from their initial design to improve accessibility. Take ramps, for example. They were originally designed to increase building accessibility. They may also be used to help with other heavy jobs like pushing strollers and hauling big baggage and transporting other heavy goods.
To improve the accessibility of diverse multimedia video material for those with hearing impairments, captions or subtitles are also produced. But captions have also shown to be among the simplest and least expensive solutions for getting over language problems in videos. Similar to this, audio description has been shown to offer a number of benefits to a far wider audience, some of which may not be immediately obvious, despite its main purpose being to aid the visually handicapped. We’ll go over a few of these advantages in this post, along with the reasons why companies ought to think about adding audio descriptions to their videos.
Different Audio Description Types
Three basic categories may be used to group audio descriptions: Real-Time, Standard, and Extended.
Typical Audio Descriptions
The most popular kind of audio description is this one, in which a narrator discusses the visual components of a media presentation on a different audio track. The conversation of the original material naturally stops at key points, and the descriptions are precisely timed to fit in between.
Longer Audio Descriptions
Extended audio explanations can go beyond the pauses that naturally occur in the audio files. This makes it possible to provide a longer and more thorough video explanation. When longer audio explanations are required, the original music or film may occasionally be momentarily halted. The video resumes when the description is finished.
Audio description in real time
Through the use of professional describers, real-time audio descriptions of live performances and events are made available to visually impaired people. This improves their involvement and comprehension of the live event. Please get in touch with us if you’re not sure what kind of video description service you might want for your visual material.
What Situations Require an Audio Description?
In a number of situations, audio or video description is necessary to adhere to accessibility rules and regulations. Broadcast television networks, for instance, are frequently required to include audio explanations for a specific proportion of their content. In a similar vein, in order to guarantee equitable access to their material, internet platforms and streaming services are progressively enforcing audio description standards. Businesses may show their commitment to inclusion and keep ahead of accessibility standards by proactively including audio descriptions.
What Makes an Audio Description Useful?
Businesses haven’t yet understood the numerous advantages of including an audio explanation into your video or other visual output. Let’s examine the justifications for firms thinking about including audio explanations in their visual material.
1. Reaching a wider audience
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 2.2 billion people worldwide are blind or visually impaired. Businesses may reach a hitherto unexplored audience and tap into this significant market segment by using audio description services. This increased reach contributes to the development of a devoted client base in addition to expanding the pool of potential customers. Businesses may set themselves apart from rivals and gain a reputation for social responsibility by offering an inclusive experience.
2. Encouraging inclusion and accessibility
In addition to being morally right, accessibility and inclusion are also wise economic decisions. Businesses demonstrate their commitment to accommodating people with partial blindness and visual impairments by using audio description. By removing obstacles, this inclusive strategy guarantees that a wider audience can access and enjoy the information. Businesses foster a favorable brand image and promote an inclusive society by ensuring that their resources are accessible to all. Furthermore, customers of today often choose businesses that place a high priority on diversity and accessibility.
3. Improving the viewing experience and user engagement for people with autism
People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) typically struggle to interpret social signals and on-screen expressions. A developmental disorder resulting from brain abnormalities, autism spectrum can produce a variety of visual problems. For such people, a secondary audio track that describes the primary visual components of the narrated movie might be helpful in addition to the main audio track.
Even for viewers without visual problems, the audio explanation offers another level of immersion. Audio description enhances the visual experience and provides a more realistic environment by explaining visual features including activities, facial emotions, and landscape.
4. Flexibility: this enables you to look away
People may interact with video information without having to see it visually thanks to audio description. People are increasingly preferring to watch movies, TV shows, live performances, and television programs with audio descriptions enabled in recent times. This gives consumers the freedom to interact with the video material while going about their regular lives—cooking, driving, or doing other tasks—just like they would with an audiobook.
5. Adhering to rules and regulations regarding accessibility
Accessibility rules and regulations have been adopted in several nations throughout the world, requiring businesses to ensure that their visual material is accessible to those with impairments. A company’s reputation may suffer and legal repercussions may arise from noncompliance with these regulations. Businesses can lower their risk of legal liability by ensuring they comply with online content accessibility guidelines and satisfy all accessibility requirements by using audio description. Making information accessible on your own is a proactive way to show that you are committed to diversity and accessibility standards compliance.
6. Improving internet exposure and SEO
To increase their online presence, firms must prioritize search engine optimization, or SEO. Certain pages and videos can also have their SEO rating raised by using an audio description. The audio description transcript is detectable by search engines like Google and YouTube, enabling the material to show up in pertinent search results.
Improved brand exposure and even sales can result from organic traffic sent to a company’s website or social media accounts by using audio description, which increases visibility. It’s recommended to think about working with a qualified descriptive video service provider if you need help with your wants. Our expertise lies in integrating audio description in the most optimal and productive way feasible, guaranteeing your viewers an excellent experience.
In a time when inclusion and accessibility are more important than ever, companies should understand how important it is to provide audio descriptions in their content. By doing this, companies guarantee compliance with several digital accessibility norms and regulations in addition to improving the accessibility of their contents.
Including audio description is not only a morally and practically sound choice, but it also has several advantages for companies. The benefits of audio description in today’s environment go beyond helping those who are visually impaired, as was originally intended.
Biashara zinahitaji kuendelea kurekebisha mikakati yao ili kukidhi kwa ufanisi watazamaji mbalimbali na kukuza ujumuishaji katika muktadha wa sasa wa dijiti, ambapo kuna msukumo wa kuboresha upatikanaji wa vyombo vya habari na upatikanaji wa dijiti. Hata hivyo, maelezo ya sauti - kipengele cha upatikanaji ambacho huboresha uzoefu kwa wale ambao ni vipofu au wenye ulemavu wa kuona - ni sehemu moja ya upatikanaji ambayo wakati mwingine hupuuzwa. Ingawa watu wengi huenda wakafurahia kula popcorn na kutazama sinema, wengine huenda wakahitaji maelezo ya sauti. Maelezo ya sauti ni nini hasa? Kuanza na, hebu kufafanua maelezo ya sauti. "Audio track ambayo hutoa maelezo ya kuelezea ya maneno ya vipengele vya kuona katika aina tofauti za vyombo vya habari inaitwa ""maelezo ya sauti"" (au ""maelezo ya video")."" Ni chaguo muhimu la upatikanaji ambao unaruhusu watu ambao ni vipofu au wana ulemavu mwingine wa kuona kufurahia uzoefu wa kuona. Maelezo ya maudhui ya kuona au vitu kuonekana kwenye skrini ni alitoa kupitia maelezo ya sauti. Biashara zinaweza kukuza utofauti na kufikia watazamaji wengi kwa kuongeza maelezo ya sauti kwa maudhui yao. Lakini si wale tu wasio na kasoro za kuona wanaoweza kufaidika na maelezo ya sauti. Vifaa na vifaa ambavyo tunatumia kila siku vimebadilishwa kutoka kwa muundo wao wa awali ili kuboresha upatikanaji. Kwa mfano, fikiria barabara za chini. Mwanzoni zilikuwa zimebuniwa ili kuongeza upatikanaji wa majengo. Pia wanaweza kutumika kusaidia katika kazi nyingine nzito kama vile kusukuma strollers na kubeba mizigo mikubwa na usafirishaji wa bidhaa nyingine nzito. Ili kuboresha upatikanaji wa vifaa mbalimbali vya video vya multimedia kwa wale walio na ulemavu wa kusikia, maelezo mafupi au maandishi ya chini pia hutengenezwa. Lakini maelezo mafupi pia yameonyeshwa kuwa kati ya suluhisho rahisi na nafuu zaidi kwa kupata juu ya matatizo ya lugha katika video. Kwa mfano, maelezo ya sauti yana faida nyingi kwa watazamaji wengi, ingawa baadhi ya faida hizo hazionekani mara moja, ingawa lengo lake kuu ni kuwasaidia watu wenye ulemavu wa kuona. Tutapitia baadhi ya faida hizi katika chapisho hili, pamoja na sababu kwa nini makampuni yanapaswa kufikiria kuongeza maelezo ya sauti kwenye video zao. Aina tofauti za Maelezo ya Sauti Makundi matatu ya msingi yanaweza kutumika kuunganisha maelezo ya sauti: Wakati halisi, Kiwango, na Kuongezwa. Maelezo ya Sauti ya kawaida: Aina maarufu zaidi ya maelezo ya sauti ni hii, ambayo msimuliaji anajadili vipengele vya kuona vya uwasilishaji wa media kwenye wimbo tofauti wa sauti. Mazungumzo ya habari ya awali kwa kawaida hukoma katika sehemu muhimu, na maelezo yamechaguliwa kwa usahihi ili kuendana kati ya hayo. Maelezo ya sauti ya muda mrefu Maelezo ya sauti ya muda mrefu yanaweza kwenda zaidi ya mapumziko ambayo hutokea kwa kawaida katika faili za sauti. Hii inafanya iwezekane kutoa ufafanuzi wa video mrefu na kamili zaidi. Wakati maelezo ya sauti marefu yanahitajika, muziki wa awali au filamu inaweza kusimamishwa mara kwa mara kwa muda. Video inaendelea wakati maelezo yamekamilika. Maelezo ya sauti katika wakati halisi: Kwa kutumia wahariri wa kitaaluma, maelezo ya sauti ya wakati halisi ya maonyesho ya moja kwa moja na matukio yanapatikana kwa watu wenye ulemavu wa kuona. Hii inaboresha ushiriki wao na uelewa wa tukio la moja kwa moja. Tafadhali wasiliana nasi kama huna uhakika ni aina gani ya huduma ya maelezo ya video unaweza wanataka kwa ajili ya vifaa yako ya kuona. Ni Hali Gani Zinazohitaji Maelezo ya Sauti? Katika hali kadhaa, maelezo ya sauti au video ni muhimu kufuata sheria na kanuni za upatikanaji. Kwa mfano, mara nyingi mitandao ya televisheni ya utangazaji inahitajika kuingiza maelezo ya sauti kwa sehemu fulani ya yaliyomo. Kwa njia hiyo hiyo, ili kuhakikisha upatikanaji wa usawa wa vifaa vyao, majukwaa ya mtandao na huduma za utiririshaji zinaimarisha hatua kwa hatua viwango vya maelezo ya sauti. Biashara zinaweza kuonyesha kujitolea kwao kwa ujumuishaji na kuendelea mbele ya viwango vya upatikanaji kwa kujumuisha maelezo ya sauti kwa bidii. Ni Nini Kinachofanya Maelezo ya Sauti Yawe Yenye Manufaa? Biashara bado hawajaelewa faida nyingi za kujumuisha ufafanuzi wa sauti katika video yako au pato lingine la kuona. Hebu kuchunguza haki kwa ajili ya makampuni kufikiri kuhusu kujumuisha maelezo ya sauti katika nyenzo yao ya kuona. 1. Uwe na mtazamo wa kweli Kwa mujibu wa Shirika la Afya Duniani (WHO), watu bilioni 2.2 duniani kote ni vipofu au hawana uwezo wa kuona. Biashara zinaweza kufikia watazamaji ambao hawajachunguzwa hadi sasa na kutumia sehemu hii muhimu ya soko kwa kutumia huduma za maelezo ya sauti. Hii kuongezeka kufikia inachangia maendeleo ya msingi wa wateja wa kujitolea pamoja na kupanua dimbwi la wateja wa uwezekano. Biashara zinaweza kujitenga na washindani na kupata sifa ya uwajibikaji wa kijamii kwa kutoa uzoefu wa kujumuisha. 2. Uwezekano wa kupata Kuendeleza ufikiaji na ufikiaji: Mbali na kuwa sahihi kiadili, ufikiaji na ufikiaji pia ni maamuzi ya kiuchumi ya busara. Biashara zinaonyesha kujitolea kwao kwa kukaribisha watu wenye upofu wa sehemu na ulemavu wa kuona kwa kutumia maelezo ya sauti. Kwa kuondoa vizuizi, mkakati huu wa ujumuishaji unahakikisha kwamba watazamaji wengi wanaweza kupata na kufurahia habari. Biashara kukuza picha nzuri ya brand na kukuza jamii ya umoja kwa kuhakikisha kwamba rasilimali zao ni kupatikana kwa wote. Kwa kuongezea, wateja wa leo mara nyingi huchagua biashara ambazo huweka kipaumbele cha juu kwenye utofauti na upatikanaji. 3. Uwe na mtazamo wa kweli Kuongeza uzoefu wa kutazama na ushiriki wa watumiaji kwa watu wenye autism: Watu wenye ugonjwa wa autism (ASD) kwa kawaida hupata shida ya kutafsiri ishara za kijamii na usemi kwenye skrini. Ugonjwa wa ukuzi unaosababishwa na kasoro za ubongo, ugonjwa wa autism unaweza kusababisha matatizo mbalimbali ya kuona. Kwa watu kama hao, wimbo wa sauti wa sekondari unaoelezea vipengele vya msingi vya kuona vya filamu iliyoelezwa inaweza kuwa na msaada pamoja na wimbo wa sauti kuu. Hata kwa watazamaji wasio na matatizo ya kuona, ufafanuzi wa sauti hutoa kiwango kingine cha kuzamishwa. Maelezo ya sauti huongeza uzoefu wa kuona na hutoa mazingira halisi zaidi kwa kuelezea sifa za kuona ikiwa ni pamoja na shughuli, hisia za uso, na mandhari. 4. Uwe na uhakika Kubadilisha: hii inakuwezesha kutazama mbali Watu wanaweza kuingiliana na habari ya video bila kuihitaji kuona kwa macho shukrani kwa maelezo ya sauti. Watu wengi wanafurahia kutazama sinema, vipindi vya televisheni, maonyesho ya moja kwa moja, na vipindi vya televisheni vyenye maelezo ya sauti. Hii inatoa watumiaji uhuru wa kuingiliana na vifaa vya video wakati wa kwenda juu ya maisha yao ya kawaida - kupika, kuendesha gari, au kufanya kazi nyingine - kama vile wangefanya na kitabu cha sauti. 5. Uwe na mtazamo mzuri. Sheria na kanuni za upatikanaji zimepitishwa katika mataifa kadhaa ulimwenguni kote, zikihitaji biashara kuhakikisha kwamba vifaa vyao vya kuona vinaweza kupatikana kwa wale wenye ulemavu. Sifa ya kampuni inaweza kuathiriwa na athari za kisheria zinaweza kutokea kutokana na kutofuata kanuni hizi. Biashara zinaweza kupunguza hatari ya dhima ya kisheria kwa kuhakikisha wanashikilia miongozo ya upatikanaji wa maudhui ya mtandaoni na kukidhi mahitaji yote ya upatikanaji kwa kutumia maelezo ya sauti. Kufanya habari kupatikana kwa wewe mwenyewe ni njia ya proactive ya kuonyesha kwamba wewe ni kujitolea kwa utofauti na kufuata viwango vya upatikanaji. 6. Uwe na uhakika Ili kuongeza uwepo wao mtandaoni, kampuni lazima zipe kipaumbele injini ya utafutaji optimization, au SEO. Kurasa fulani na video pia zinaweza kuwa na kiwango chao cha SEO kilichoinuliwa kwa kutumia maelezo ya sauti. Maelezo ya sauti ya maandishi yanaweza kuonekana na injini za utafutaji kama vile Google na YouTube, na kuwezesha nyenzo kuonekana katika matokeo ya utafutaji husika. Kuongeza mwonekano wa chapa na hata mauzo inaweza kutokea kwa trafiki ya kikaboni iliyotumwa kwenye wavuti ya kampuni au akaunti za media ya kijamii kwa kutumia maelezo ya sauti, ambayo huongeza mwonekano. Inashauriwa kufikiria kufanya kazi na mtoa huduma ya video ya ufafanuzi mwenye sifa ikiwa unahitaji msaada na mahitaji yako. Uwezo wetu unategemea kuunganisha maelezo ya sauti kwa njia bora na ya uzalishaji iwezekanavyo, kuhakikisha watazamaji wako uzoefu bora. Katika wakati ambapo ujumuishaji na upatikanaji ni muhimu zaidi kuliko hapo awali, kampuni zinapaswa kuelewa jinsi ilivyo muhimu kutoa maelezo ya sauti katika maudhui yao. Kwa kufanya hivyo, kampuni zinahakikisha kufuata kanuni na kanuni kadhaa za upatikanaji wa dijiti pamoja na kuboresha upatikanaji wa yaliyomo. Kuingiza maelezo ya sauti sio tu chaguo la maadili na vitendo, lakini pia ina faida kadhaa kwa kampuni. Faida za maelezo ya sauti katika mazingira ya leo zinaenda zaidi ya kuwasaidia wale ambao ni wenye ulemavu wa kuona, kama ilivyokusudiwa awali.