MiVideo: Extended Audio Descriptions (EAD) for Media in Canvas or Mediaspace

Environment

Canvas
MiVideo Mediaspace

Issue

What is an extended audio description (EAD) and how can it be added to videos in Canvas and MiVideo Mediaspace? 

Video must be uploaded to your My Media in Canvas or Mediaspace to use this service. 

EAD for YouTube passthrough videos on MiVideo is not supported.

Mediaspace Admin: EAD requires use of the latest Kaltura video player. If your Mediaspace players have not yet been upgraded please contact ITS-MiVideo via the ITS Service Center.

Resolution

What is an Extended Audio Description (EAD)?

All types of description for video provide equitable access to people who cannot see or process visual information by describing that information in text or in voice.

• Audio Description (AD) is an audio track describing visual information in the video 
  • Audio description is designed to fit within audio silences or pauses in the original video
  • To learn more about AD see the Order Audio Descriptions for Media in Canvas or Mediaspace article.
• Extended Audio Description (EAD) is a description track delivered by automatically pausing and restarting the video playback
  • Because of this system, EAD is appropriate when the description is longer, or the video has fewer audio pauses, or both
  • EAD ensures that all necessary description can fit, because the video stops to make space for it.

When is EAD Required?

EAD for online video is part of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, the digital accessibility standards that U-M uses. However, EAD is a Level AAA requirement, while content used or created at U-M must meet Level AA.

EAD is not required for all video used or created at U-M. However, for situations where using AD is not feasible, EAD is the best approach.

Can EAD be Edited?

Yes! To edit the accuracy or add additional descriptions use the MiVideo Captions Editor.

Listening to EAD in the Kaltura Media Player

EAD can be enabled/disabled in the Kaltura media player by toggling the AD icon in the lower right corner of the player and selecting Extended Audio Description.

Videos in Canvas and MiVideo Mediaspace with extended audio description contain a time coded VTT file. When EAD is enabled, these videos use Speech Synthesis, an artificial production of human speech, to synthesize sound from the VTT file. Speech Synthesis is compatible with most browsers however you can check your browser compatibility of speech synthesis API at lambdatest.com.

Example Videos with Professional EAD

Annoto: Transforming Course Videos into Exciting Interactive Learning

What is MiVideo? (Sept 2025)

Machine-generated EAD (English)

Kaltura contracts with 3Play Media for machine-generated extended audio descriptions for videos. This is a premium fee-based service. It is not free. See the pricing table for turnaround times and cost.

Important Notes

• EAD is returned as a timestamped VTT file created by AI. 
• EAD uses Speech Synthesis, an artificial production of human speech, in your browser to synthesize sound from the VTT file.

Ordering Machine-generated EAD with a shortcode

Machine-generated audio descriptions can be ordered with a shortcode. Please complete the MiVideo Captioning, Transcription & Audio Descriptions Request Form to order.

• Video must be uploaded to your My Media in Canvas or Mediaspace to use this service.
• The source video must be in English.
• EAD requests produce a timestamped VTT file.
• EAD for YouTube passthrough videos on MiVideo is not supported.
• Make any necessary edits to the video before ordering EAD. 
• The cost is based on the length of the recording (not the number of minutes of audio description created) and the turnaround time.
• The recording length can be edited down as necessary, see the Utilizing Video Editor article.
• The ITS-MiVideo team will need a shortcode and authorized signer approval to place the order.
• The ITS-MiVideo team will email the requester once the order is completed.

Professional Human-generated EAD (English)

Kaltura contracts with 3Play Media to generate extended audio descriptions for videos. This is a premium fee-based service. It is not free. See the pricing table for turnaround times and cost.

Important Notes

• EAD is returned as a timestamped VTT file created by a professional AD captioner. 
• EAD uses Speech Synthesis, an artificial production of human speech, in your browser to synthesize sound from the VTT file.

Ordering Professional EAD with a shortcode

Professional audio descriptions can be ordered with a shortcode. Please complete the MiVideo Captioning, Transcription & Audio Descriptions Request Form to order.

• Video must be uploaded to your My Media in Canvas or Mediaspace to use this service.
• The source video must be in English.
• EAD requests produce a timestamped VTT file.
• EAD for YouTube passthrough videos on MiVideo is not supported.
• Make any necessary edits to the video before ordering EAD. 
• The cost is based on the length of the recording (not the number of minutes of audio description created) and the turnaround time.
• The recording length can be edited down as necessary, see the Utilizing Video Editor article.
• The ITS-MiVideo team will need a shortcode and authorized signer approval to place the order.
• The ITS-MiVideo team will email the requester once the order is completed.

Disability Accommodations through the SSD Office

Professional extended audio descriptions can be ordered on request for disability accommodations through the SSD office. See the Human Generated Captions and Audio Descriptions For SSD Accommodation article for more details.

User-generated EAD

EAD files are uploaded and managed from the Captions tab on the edit media page in Canvas and Mediaspace.

You must create your own timed VTT file. There are third-party tools that assist with creating timed VTT files, however use caution when sharing media with platforms that do not have data protection agreements with the University.

EAD for YouTube passthrough videos on MiVideo is not supported.

What is VTT?

A VTT (WebVTT) file is a text file format commonly used for storing subtitles or captions for web-based video content. It stands for 'Web Video Text Tracks.' VTT files contain text content along with timing information, indicating when each subtitle or caption should be displayed during video playback. They are widely supported by modern web browsers and are commonly used for adding captions to HTML5 video players.

Best practices for creating EAD

• Describe content that is critical for understanding the overall meaning of the video. 
• Indicate speaker changes, facial expressions, actions and movements, and changes in settings.
• Describe important on-screen text, charts, and diagrams.
• Describe objectively without personal interpretation or options.
• Use plain language and avoid technical terms.
• w3.org has Tips for Doing Description Yourself.
• 3Play Media has a list of Quality Audio Description Standards.

Canvas

Media owners and co-editors can upload EAD for video entries.

1. Account > My Media > click the pencil icon next to the video item. 
2. Select the Captions tab.
3. Click the Add extended audio description button.
4. Select the VTT file from your hard drive. Select the language. It is recommended to give the file a label that includes "EAD".
5. Click Save.
6. EAD can now be enabled during playback.

Mediaspace

Media owners and co-editors can upload EAD for video entries.

1. Account > My Media > click the pencil icon next to the video item. 
2. Select the Captions tab.
3. Click the Add extended audio description button.
4. Select the VTT file from your hard drive. Select the language. It is recommended to give the file a label that includes "EAD".
5. Click Save.
6. EAD can now be enabled during playback.

Resources and Questions

• Check out the new Academic Technology@Michigan website for course planning resources from across U-M.
• Visit the Canvas @ Michigan site for faculty including the U-M Instructor Guide with links to additional support resources from across campus.
• Check out the Canvas and MiVideo tutorials.

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.