Described Video & Audio Description

Described video, also known as descriptive video or descriptive audio, is a narrated voice-over that describes the main visual elements of a TV show, documentary or film for blind and low-vision audiences: settings, body language, character details and on-screen text. In the US it’s called audio description.

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Instant quote · Audio Description / Described Video at $10/min
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$900
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Turnaround 10 business days, rush 6 business days. You can add more services after starting the order.

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  • Giant (2026): Described Video by Caption Easy
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What is Described Video?

Described video, or descriptive video service (DVS), is usually included in productions for the benefit of the visually impaired so that they can conjure an image of the production in their heads. In a described video, the narrator generally discusses the following elements. $10/min

  1. 01

    Physical characteristics The physical attributes and facial expressions of each character.

  2. 02

    Scene description The time of day, location, transitions, the passage of time, and scene changes.

  3. 03

    Visual effects The setting, lighting, any dancing or choreography, and colors of each scene.

  4. 04

    Non-verbal communications Any communication that can not be heard (sign language, gestures, cues, etc.).

  5. 05

    Text on screen All subtitles, titles, credits, and logos.

  6. 06

    Between the dialogue So as not to interfere with the audio of the production itself, the described video is usually integrated into the gaps between the dialogue of the production.

Described Video options to match your delivery spec

Stereo mixdown, ready to air

Your source audio dips under each description, and the narration matches its loudness. Delivered as a stereo .wav.

Description-only mono track

The narration on its own as a mono .wav, at your film's timecode, for your mixer or a broadcaster who mixes it in.

Reel breaks or long-play

Delivered as one long-play file or split into reels to match your master.

International and domestic versions

Versions for different markets or cuts, such as changed logos, credits or titles, from the same description script. Email us what you need and we'll quote it.

Need closed captions too? Add closed captions to the same order.

The Described Video Process

  1. 1You upload your mediaOrder online and send a link to your low-res video and hi-res audio tracks. An NDA signed by Caption Easy comes with every order.
  2. 2We work and deliverOur team reviews the described video script against your picture, the narration is voiced and mixed with your source audio, and we check the mix before delivery.
  3. 3Place on timeline or deliverWe deliver a stereo mixdown .wav, and a description-only mono track if you need one, to place on the edit timeline or deliver to your client. You pay at delivery, and your film is deleted 7 days after.
  4. 4RevisionsWant a description reworded or a name pronounced differently? Tell us and we'll update your files at no charge.

Indie filmmakers love us

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  • “We used Caption Easy for our feature film's SXSW premiere & our sales agent's deliverables. The service was friendly, fast & we got everything we needed.”

    Sara SeligmanSara Seligman on IMDb (opens in a new tab)Director, Hotel Cocaine · Producer, Imposters

  • “Caption Easy produced a fantastic product - the dialogue list is detailed, accurate, easy to read and in a great format. We'll definitely use them again!”

    Chuti TiuChuti Tiu on IMDb (opens in a new tab)Producer · Actress, Yellowstone

  • “Thank you Caption Easy, we'll keep coming back.”

    Leonora DarbyLeonora Darby on IMDb (opens in a new tab)Producer, Obsession

Who needs described video?

A broadcaster or funder usually asks for it. In the US, network affiliates in the top 120 TV markets and the larger cable and satellite systems must air audio-described programming every quarter. In Canada, larger broadcasters must describe all prime-time drama, comedy, documentary, variety, reality and children’s programs, programs backed by a Certified Independent Production Fund need described video on any platform, and from December 17, 2027, streaming and on-demand services must describe all new original scripted programs (CRTC 2025-344). If your delivery schedule lists audio description or described video, get an instant quote.

Described video or audio description?

The two names come from two markets. In the US, the FCC’s term is audio description: a narrated track that describes what’s on screen in the gaps between the dialogue. In Canada, the term is described video, and the CRTC uses “audio description” for something narrower: a host or announcer reading on-screen text and graphics aloud, as in newscasts, weather reports and sports scores.

Our service covers both. If you’re delivering to a US streamer or broadcaster and your schedule asks for audio description, or to a Canadian broadcaster that asks for described video, this is the service you need: one narrated description track of your film, show or documentary, mixed with your source audio.

Questions about your Described Video? Ask us

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated November 4, 2026

How much does described video cost?

Described video and audio description for film and TV costs $10/min at any runtime: a 90-minute feature is $900, a 60-minute film $600 and a 30-minute episode $300. You pay at delivery, with no deposit to start.

RuntimePrice
Any runtime$10 per minute of runtime

Regular turnaround is 10 business days (rush 6 business days, $145 more). Prices are in USD. Prices updated November 2026.

How long does described video take?

Described video for film or TV takes 10 business days from when we receive your video and audio, at any runtime. Rush delivery takes 6 business days and costs $145 more. You choose rush when you order.

Who benefits from described video?

Described video is an essential feature to allow those who are visually impaired to enjoy a production. Because they cannot see the production for themselves, the narrated description will enable them to follow along with the action of the film/show.

What is the difference between described video and audio description?

In the US, audio description is the FCC’s term for described video: the same narrated track. In Canada they are different, because the CRTC provides a separate definition for audio description, which is as follows: “Audio description (AD) relies on a program host or announcer to provide a voice-over by reading aloud or describing key elements of programming, such as text and graphics that appear on the screen. It is often used for information based programming, including newscasts, weather reports, sports scores, and financial data.”

What is the process of making described video?

You order online and upload your low-res video and hi-res audio; our team reviews the described video script against your picture, the narration is voiced and mixed with your source audio, and we check the mix before delivery. You get a stereo mixdown .wav (and a description-only mono track if you need one) to place on your edit timeline or deliver to your client, and you pay at delivery.

I’m working on a feature film! Can that be described?

Yes. A described video can be made for all types of visual media, including movies, television shows, documentaries, mobile media, plays and musicals.

More questions about described videos (8)
Should I include described video in my production?

In a world where diversity and accessibility are increasingly being championed, filmmakers and production houses need to do their part in making productions accessible to all. Remember all those days you spent watching TV shows and movies as a kid, or even when you needed a pick-me-up as an adult? Imagine missing out on that experience solely because you are visually impaired. When something as little as described video can mean so much to the visually impaired, production houses should invest as much as necessary to include it.

Is described video mandated by law?

In the US, the FCC requires ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC affiliates in the top 120 TV markets, and cable and satellite systems with 50,000 or more subscribers on their five most-watched networks, to air 87.5 hours of audio-described programming per calendar quarter, 50 of them in prime time or children's programming. In Canada, the CRTC requires larger broadcasters to provide described video for all prime-time programs (7 to 11 pm) in drama, comedy, long-form documentary, variety, general entertainment, reality and children's programming, and smaller broadcasters at least four hours a week. Programs supported by a Certified Independent Production Fund must have described video on any platform, and by December 17, 2027, streaming and on-demand services must include described video on all new original scripted programs (CRTC 2025-344). Check your broadcaster's or funder's delivery requirements.

How is described video important to a production?

As a natural consequence of making a production more inclusive, described video has the ability to widen the audience of a production and, therefore, increase the sales and revenues it garners.

How is the narrator for a described video chosen?

We choose the narration voice to suit your production: a male or female voice, with a style and pace that fit the genre, whether it's a documentary, a drama or a children's series. Tell us if your broadcaster or distributor has a preference, and we keep the same voice across every episode of a series.

What do I need to send you for described video?

Send your low-res video and your hi-res audio, shared as a link (Frame.io, Vimeo, Google Drive or Dropbox), or upload them through the secure link we send after you order. A script and a cast list help, but they aren't required.

What files do you deliver for described video?

Described video for film and TV is delivered as a stereo mixdown .wav, with your source audio lowered under each description and the narration matched to the loudness of your source audio. We can also deliver the description on its own as a mono .wav, split it into reels, and make versions for domestic and international markets.

When do I pay for described video?

You pay for described video at delivery, with no deposit to start.

Is my film kept confidential?

Yes. An NDA signed by Caption Easy comes with every described video order, and your film is deleted 7 days after delivery.

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