Facebook Tests Audio Descriptions for Videos Aimed at Blind Users
(Facebook Tests Video Description Audio for Blind Users)
MENLO PARK, Calif. – Facebook announced a new test feature today. This feature automatically creates spoken descriptions of videos. The goal is to make videos more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision.
The feature uses artificial intelligence. The AI analyzes the video content. It then generates a simple audio track describing what’s happening visually. This audio track plays alongside the original video sound. Users can control the volume of this description track separately.
This test is available now for a small group of English-speaking users globally. They use screen readers on iOS and Android devices. Facebook wants feedback from this initial group. User input is crucial for improving the feature before a wider release.
Many videos shared online rely heavily on visual information. People with vision impairments often miss key details. This can include actions, gestures, scene changes, or displayed text without narration. Facebook hopes this tool bridges that gap. It aims to provide a richer experience for blind users.
The company understands accessibility is important. Making platforms usable for everyone is a priority. This video description test reflects that commitment. Facebook is actively exploring different ways to improve accessibility across its apps.
The technology is still in development. The AI-generated descriptions might not be perfect yet. Accuracy and relevance are key focus areas. Facebook engineers are working hard to refine the system. They analyze user feedback closely.
(Facebook Tests Video Description Audio for Blind Users)
Facebook plans to expand the test based on initial results. The company will also explore adding support for more languages. Making the feature available on the web version is another potential step. Further updates will depend on the ongoing test phase. The social media giant encourages users in the test group to share their experiences.