In EchoVideo, an audio extended description file provides spoken narration of visual elements in media, such as actions, on-screen text, scene changes, and other cues not conveyed through dialogue alone. These descriptions support blind or low-vision viewers by making visual content accessible through audio.

An extended audio description file is uploaded as a separate audio asset and linked to the media asset. When played alongside the video, it delivers additional context without modifying the original video or its primary audio track.

How Audio Description Files Support Learners

By adding an audio extended description file to your EchoVideo media, you help ensure that learners who cannot see the screen can fully understand the content. These files communicate essential visual information that would otherwise be missed, supporting inclusive learning experiences and helping institutions meet accessibility requirements.

Audio Extended Description Files vs. Audio Description Audio Tracks

EchoVideo supports both extended audio description files and audio description tracks, which serve the same accessibility purpose but differ in how they are delivered. An extended audio description file is managed as a separate upload. It synchronizes with the media, whereas an audio description track is added directly to the media as an additional selectable audio track in the player.

When to Use Each Option

Use an audio extended description file when

• You receive audio description as a separate file from a third-party provider.
• Accessibility assets are managed independently of the video file.
• You want to add audio descriptions without modifying or reprocessing the original media.

Use an audio description audio track when

• You want learners to be able to easily turn audio descriptions on or off directly in the player.
• The description audio is intended to be fully integrated into the media experience.
• Your workflow supports adding and managing multiple audio tracks in EchoVideo.

Both options provide equivalent accessibility benefits. The best choice depends on your institution’s media workflows and how accessibility content is managed within EchoVideo.