Captions and Audio Descriptions
Captions
Captions are the display of text on-screen representing the dialogue and sound effects present in a video. Captions are synchronized with the video presentation and provide an accessible alternative for individuals who cannot hear the content. Captions include any spoken information as well as all relevant parts of the soundtrack, including background noises, sound effects, speaker identification, and any other audio cues that help the viewer understand the video.
Transcripts, unlike captions, are a text alternative to audio files, such as a podcast or pre-recorded radio show, and are not synchronized with the presentation. Transcripts should include speaker information or any other informational cues appropriate to understanding the recording. While transcripts may be provided for pre-recorded videos, they must be provided for audio-only content.
Guidance
- Audio should be accompanied by accurate text transcripts. Audio should not auto-play.
- Video should include at minimum accurate closed captions. Video should not auto-play.
- Synchronous interaction tools (e.g. Zoom) should have an option for live captioning if required.
Resources: Use Canvas Studio’s Captioning Features | Live Captioning and Recorded Captions with Zoom | Creating Subtitles and Closed Captions on Your YouTube Videos
Captions Quality
The Captioning Key from the Described and Captioned Media Program provides specific guidance for producing quality captions for video presentations:
- Text and formatting
- Spelling, punctuation, and grammar
- Sound effects and music
- Speaker identification
While auto-generated captions have made significant progress, they are still not as accurate as those produced by a professional captioner and may include critical errors that impact the information or context of what is communicated. Such errors may include incorrect text, a lack of correct punctuation and grammar, and missing speaker identification. Auto-generated captions may be used as a starting point from which to edit and create a more accurate captioned video.
Audio Descriptions
Audio descriptions provide a verbal depiction of the key visual elements in a video presentation. For individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or unable to view the video directly, audio descriptions communicate the important information relevant to understanding the video content. For example, a video may display a speaker’s name and title or specific instructions to follow. If this information is not included as part of the spoken dialogue, then it needs to be communicated as part of a separate audio description.
The Description Key from the Described and Captioned Media Program provides guidance for how to produce audio descriptions, including what to describe and how to describe on-screen information:
Recommended approach for existing videos
Please contact Aaron Holmes, Access Specialist at [email protected].
For new videos
One solution is to write your script so that any relevant on-screen information or cues are described in the spoken dialogue of the video, thus reducing the need for a separate audio description.
