MediaSpace: Adding Extended Audio Descriptions

Overview

Extended audio descriptions provide additional narration that describes important visual elements in a video, such as actions, scene changes, charts, or on-screen text. These descriptions are essential for users who are blind or have low vision, ensuring they can fully understand and engage with video content.

Unlike standard captions, which transcribe spoken dialogue, extended audio descriptions focus specifically on visual context. In MediaSpace, these are typically added using a properly formatted .vtt file, allowing descriptions to appear at specific timestamps throughout the video.

Providing extended audio descriptions supports digital accessibility best practices and helps align with ADA and WCAG accessibility standards.

Access MediaSpace and Select Your Video

  1. Log in to my.mines.edu using your Mines credentials.
  2. Navigate to the MediaSpace tile or go directly to mediaspace.mines.edu.
  3. Select My Media from the navigation menu.
  4. Click on the video you wish to add extended audio descriptions to.

Creating an Extended Audio Description File

  1. Open a plain text editor:
    • Windows: Notepad
    • Mac: TextEdit
  2. Mac Users (Important):
    • Go to TextEdit > Settings
    • Under the New Document tab, select Make Plain Text
    • Then create a new document

Format Your File Using WEBVTT

Your file must follow this structure:

WEBVTT

00:00:02.000 --> 00:00:04.000
Audio description 1 text goes here.

00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:08.000
Audio description 2 text goes here.

00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:12.000
Audio description 3 text goes here.

etc...

Key Formatting Details

  • WEBVTT (Required First Line)
    This is the file type declaration. MediaSpace will not recognize your file without it.
  • Timecode Format
    hours:minutes:seconds.milliseconds --> hours:minutes:seconds.milliseconds
  • Example
    00:00:02.000 --> 00:00:04.000
  • Description Text
    Place your descriptive text on the line directly below the timecode.
  • Spacing Between Entries
    Leave one blank line between each description block.

Best Practices for Writing Audio Descriptions

  • Be concise but descriptive, focus on essential visual information
  • Describe actions, not interpretations
  • Include on-screen text that is not spoken aloud
  • Time descriptions so they do not overlap with important dialogue
  • Keep phrasing natural and easy to follow
  • Prioritize clarity over detail when timing is limited

Save Your File

  1. Click File > Save As
  2. Name your file
  3. Manually type .vtt at the end of the filename
    • Remove .txt or any other extensions
    • Example: lecture-audio-descriptions.vtt

Upload Extended Audio Descriptions to MediaSpace

  1. From your video page, click Actions > Edit
  2. Select the Captions tab
  3. Click Add Extended Audio Description
  4. Click Browse and select your .vtt file
  5. Choose the appropriate language
  6. Set accuracy to 100%
  7. In the Label field, enter a clear name (e.g., “English Audio Descriptions”)
  8. Click Save

Review and Edit Your Audio Descriptions

  1. Play your video in MediaSpace
  2. Confirm that descriptions appear at the correct times
  3. If changes are needed:
    • Open your .vtt file
    • Edit timestamps or text
    • Re-upload the updated file

Managing Your .vtt Files

  • Store .vtt files in OneDrive or Teams for future updates
  • You can download existing files from MediaSpace:
    • Go to Captions tab
    • Click Download

Final Notes

  • Extended audio descriptions enhance accessibility but require intentional planning and timing
  • They are especially important for instructional videos, demonstrations, and content with heavy visual meaning where details may not have been narrated or described fully.
  • Pair extended audio descriptions with accurate captions to provide a fully accessible viewing experience

If you need assistance creating or reviewing extended audio descriptions, contact IT or submit a request through the Mines Help Center.

 

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