Question 1

How does ViddyScribe work?

Accepted Answer

ViddyScribe uses AI to analyze video and generate rich spoken descriptions. For uploaded videos, individuals can use Extended Audio Description, which pauses the video to make room for comprehensive descriptions. Enterprise plans also offer Standard AD, which places descriptions in natural gaps without pausing. Get Enterprise to use Standard AD or API access.

Question 2

Can I upload longer videos or get more minutes?

Accepted Answer

Individual users who need more than the Free plan can email hello@viddyscribe.com . Enterprise plans take videos up to 4 hours. For longer videos, an 8-hour limit adds 10% to your plan price. For more volume or higher limits, contact us through the enterprise request form .

Question 3

What’s the difference between Standard and Extended Audio Description, and which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Standard Audio Description places narration in natural gaps between dialogue, preserving the video’s original runtime. It’s a good choice when there is enough space to describe important visuals, or when you need a separate audio track for an existing video.

Extended Audio Description inserts pauses to make room for narration, increasing the video’s runtime. It’s useful for lectures, presentations, and other videos with important visuals but limited gaps in speech.

Choose based on your content and publishing needs, and review the descriptions to make sure they communicate the essential visual information.

Question 4

Why did my video get only a few descriptions?

Accepted Answer

Standard AD fits descriptions into pauses between speech. If people talk most of the time, there is less room for narration. Try Extended AD to add pauses, or add and adjust descriptions in the editor.

Question 5

What files can I download, and which output should I use?

Accepted Answer

The available downloads depend on your AD type and the output you chose:

AD Video (MP4): Your video with audio description baked in. Use this when publishing a complete described version, including Extended AD.
AD Audio, Mixed (Standard AD): The original soundtrack combined with audio description. Use this as an additional audio track on a compatible video platform.
AD Audio, AD only (Standard AD): Only the description narration. Use this when mixing the narration yourself in an editing application.
AD Script: The written descriptions and their timing, in VTT, SRT, JSON, or EDL.
Captions: Caption files supplied separately from the video; they are not burned into the picture.
Transcript: A text version combining spoken content with the descriptions, useful for readers who prefer to review the content at their own pace.

Dashboard generations include captions and a transcript. Download available files from the video's panel in the Library.

Question 6

Is there a free trial for commercial use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, two ways. Ask for a free trial of 7 days for up to 5 people. Videos and audio made during the trial are watermarked and for non-commercial use only. Or buy a monthly plan, and if it is not working for you, email us within 72 hours and we will verify your usage and refund the payment.

Question 7

Can I cancel or switch plans at any time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Owners and admins can manage their subscription from Billing. Your current plan remains active until the end of its billing period.

Question 8

Do you offer team accounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Enterprise plans provide shared team access, higher video and processing limits, and more control over description content and placement. Use the team request form to contact us.

Question 9

Can I add a video from a YouTube link instead of uploading a file?

Accepted Answer

Yes. YouTube and Vimeo links work on all ViddyScribe Enterprise plans: paste the link where you add videos. To only watch a YouTube video with audio description, use Realtime instead.

Question 10

How are credits calculated, and which actions use credits?

Accepted Answer

Credits are based on your original video’s length: 0.5 credits per minute for AD Script, 0.75 for AD Audio, and 1 for AD Video. Check the credit estimate before processing. Read the credits guide .

Question 11

Do unused credits roll over, and when do they expire?

Accepted Answer

Monthly plans: Unused credits do not roll over. Your allowance refreshes at the start of each billing period. Annual plans: Your credits are available to use throughout the year, and unused credits roll over indefinitely while you maintain an active annual subscription. Annual rollover depends on maintaining that subscription. If you’re planning to cancel or change to a monthly plan, contact our team to clarify how the change will affect your remaining balance.

Question 12

What happens when I run out of credits?

Accepted Answer

ViddyScribe won’t let you continue consuming credits after you’ve used your available balance. You’ll need to add credits before starting another paid action. In the new app, text and AI edits, speech updates with an included voice, and downloading ready files remain free, subject to your role and account access. Owners, admins, and billing contacts can buy more credits in the app under Settings, Billing, Buy credits. The purchase flow shows the applicable price and requires a credit card. If your organization needs an invoice, purchase order, or a larger allocation, contact our team in advance so we can help arrange the purchase.

Question 13

Does every YouTube video have audio description?

Accepted Answer

No. Only a small number of YouTube videos include a native descriptive audio track. ViddyScribe Realtime can generate descriptions for most public YouTube videos instead. See our YouTube audio-description guide .

Question 14

Do I need a browser extension to use ViddyScribe Realtime?

Accepted Answer

No. Add viddyscribe.com/ before a YouTube URL, or paste the URL directly into the Realtime page . You can also search YouTube from that page instead of pasting a link, with or without an account.

Question 15

What is the difference between captions and audio description?

Accepted Answer

Captions provide a text version of dialogue and meaningful sound cues for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers. Audio description narrates important visual information for blind and low-vision viewers. Accessible videos often need both.

Question 16

How can government agencies add audio descriptions to videos?

Accepted Answer

Agencies can create descriptions manually, hire a professional service, or use ViddyScribe to generate audio-description tracks and VTT files that work with existing video platforms. Follow our audio-description workflow .

Question 17

Can I add audio description to an existing online video without re-editing it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Publish a VTT file alongside the existing video or add a separate descriptive audio track when the player supports alternate audio. This avoids modifying or re-exporting the source video. Read the step-by-step guide .

Question 18

Can I add audio description to an existing YouTube video without losing its URL, views, or comments?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your YouTube channel has access to the additional audio-track feature. Generate Standard AD, then download AD Audio (Mixed), which contains both the original soundtrack and the audio description. Add that file as an additional audio track to the existing video in YouTube Studio. Because you’re updating the existing video, its URL, views, and comments remain attached to it. The audio track must match the existing video’s runtime, so use the same source edit. Extended AD adds pauses and changes the runtime, which means it needs to be published as a separate video. You can link that version from the original video’s description.

Question 19

How long does it take to add audio description with ViddyScribe?

Accepted Answer

Processing typically takes minutes per video. Teams can scale the workflow across dozens or hundreds of videos without waiting for a traditional production cycle for every file.

Question 20

Will ViddyScribe work with my current CMS, LMS, or video player?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ViddyScribe is platform-agnostic. Download the AD Script as a VTT file or AD Audio tracks for platforms that support them, or download the AD Video, an open-format MP4 with the audio description baked in, and add it anywhere a regular video goes.

Question 21

How do I add both captions and audio descriptions?

Accepted Answer

ViddyScribe generates AI-powered audio descriptions and editable closed captions together. Captions are made in the language spoken in the video, from 90+ supported languages, and audio description can be narrated in 98 languages; voices vary by language. Export the files your player needs, then publish captions and audio description as separate accessibility options for viewers.

Question 22

How can teams create and offer audio description affordably?

Accepted Answer

AI-assisted tools such as ViddyScribe reduce a process that traditionally took significant time and production budget to minutes per video. Production teams can review the output and deliver accessibility-ready files without rebuilding their existing workflow.

Question 23

Can ViddyScribe integrate into a production company’s workflow?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ViddyScribe works alongside existing post-production processes, allowing teams to generate, review, edit, and export audio descriptions and captions without replacing their editing or delivery tools.

Question 24

Who needs audio description, and when is it required under ADA Title II?

Accepted Answer

ADA Title II covers the services, programs, and activities of state and local governments, including public education. Under the DOJ's web accessibility rule , covered web content and mobile apps generally must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Audio description is needed when prerecorded video conveys important visual information that its main audio does not already communicate; it is not automatically necessary for every video.

Question 25

What are the ADA Title II video compliance requirements?

Accepted Answer

The DOJ's Title II web accessibility rule generally requires covered web content and mobile apps to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA. For prerecorded video, relevant requirements include captions and, where the visuals add information not present in the main audio, audio description . Other criteria can apply to the player, controls, contrast, flashing content, and media alternatives.

Question 26

Can AI-generated audio description meet ADA compliance requirements?

Accepted Answer

Potentially. WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.2.5 defines the required result rather than a particular authoring tool. AI-generated descriptions should therefore be reviewed to confirm that the published result accurately communicates the important visual information and works with the delivery player and assistive technologies.

Question 27

Are captions enough for ADA Title II compliance?

Accepted Answer

Not when important information is communicated only through visuals. WCAG treats prerecorded captions and prerecorded audio description as separate success criteria serving different access needs, so a covered video may need both.

Question 28

Does a production company need to provide audio descriptions?

Accepted Answer

When producing videos for a client subject to accessibility requirements, the production company should deliver the files the client needs to meet those requirements. For WCAG 2.1 Level AA, Success Criterion 1.2.5 requires audio description for prerecorded synchronized video unless the main audio already communicates all important visual information.

Question 29

What does WCAG 2.1 video compliance include?

Accepted Answer

The official WCAG 2.1 standard includes separate criteria for captions, audio description, keyboard access, assistive-technology-compatible controls, contrast, and flashing content. Which criteria apply depends on the content and the target conformance level.

Question 30

Does WCAG require audio description?

Accepted Answer

WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.2.5 requires audio description for prerecorded synchronized video at Level AA. No additional description is necessary when all important visual information is already conveyed in the main audio.

Question 31

How can a production company support ADA compliance for clients?

Accepted Answer

Use the official WCAG 2.1 standard as the technical baseline when it applies. Provide accurate captions, add audio description where needed, deliver content through an accessible player or compatible files, maintain sufficient contrast, control flashing content, and document the accessibility tools and review process used for each delivery.

Question 32

Is ADA Title II compliance required for private-sector videos?

Accepted Answer

ADA Title II directly covers state and local government services rather than the private sector. Some businesses and nonprofits that serve the public are instead covered by ADA Title III . Private companies may also follow WCAG because of contracts, other applicable laws, accessibility goals, or work delivered to public-sector clients.

Question 33

Do schools need to make all their videos ADA compliant?

Accepted Answer

Public schools are covered by ADA Title II, and the DOJ's web accessibility rule generally requires covered web content and mobile apps to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA by the applicable deadline, subject to limited exceptions. Schools should prioritize required, current, frequently-used, and public-facing videos while maintaining a plan for the rest of the covered library.

Question 34

Does ADA Title II apply to online classes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The DOJ's overview of ADA coverage identifies public education as a Title II state or local government service. That includes covered online classes, course videos, and distance-learning experiences offered by public schools and universities.

Question 35

How do I make online learning videos ADA compliant?

Accepted Answer

Audit required lessons and public-facing recordings. Add verified captions and descriptions for visual-only teaching moments. Publish through a keyboard-accessible player that supports transcripts and accessibility tracks. Document the tools, reviewers, and standards used.

Question 36

Who is responsible for making educational videos ADA compliant?

Accepted Answer

Responsibility is usually shared among the institution, faculty, instructional designers, IT or media teams, and accessibility or ADA compliance officers. A documented workflow makes ownership clear before content is published.

Question 37

How can I buy an Enterprise plan?

Accepted Answer

Choose a fixed monthly or annual plan on the Pricing page , sign in or verify your email, and complete the secure Stripe checkout. For a Custom plan, get in touch and we'll help you find the right plan for your needs.

Question 38

Which Enterprise plan should I choose?

Accepted Answer

Starter, Basic, Essential, and Standard cover increasing levels of ongoing usage. Choose Custom when you have higher-volume needs or a backlog to process and want volume discounts; you can switch to a lower plan afterward. Compare the current allowances on the Pricing page .

Question 39

Can I buy additional credits?

Accepted Answer

If your plan supports credit top-ups, an owner, admin, or billing contact can buy credits in the app under Settings, Billing, Buy credits. If the option is unavailable, use the enterprise request form to discuss additional capacity.

Question 40

How do monthly and annual Enterprise plans differ?

Accepted Answer

Monthly plans provide a new credit allowance each billing cycle, and unused credits do not roll over. Annual plans are billed upfront, include a larger annual credit bank and a 15% saving compared with monthly billing, and unused annual credits roll over while the annual plan remains active.

Question 41

Can I add more seats to an Enterprise team?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Enterprise plans include up to five team seats at no additional cost. If you need more, email hello@viddyscribe.com . You can add up to 5 more seats (10 in total): $20 per user per month on Starter and Basic, and $40 per user per month on Essential and Standard. Custom plans get custom seat pricing.

Question 42

Can I use ViddyScribe from ChatGPT or Claude?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your team uses the new ViddyScribe app at app.viddyscribe.com and an owner or admin has turned on ChatGPT or Claude under Settings, Team. Connect ViddyScribe in ChatGPT or Claude, sign in, pick your team, and allow access. You can then browse your library, read and edit scripts, and start new audio descriptions from a video link. Anything that uses credits shows the cost first and only starts after you confirm. See the ChatGPT and Claude guide .

Question 43

Which plans include API access?

Accepted Answer

API access is included with Essential, Standard, and Custom Enterprise plans. It is not included with the entry-level monthly Starter or annual Basic plan. See the current plan comparison for allowances and limits.

Question 44

Can I use ViddyScribe for commercial or client work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Paid Enterprise plans include commercial use and watermark-free video exports. The Free individual plan is for non-commercial use, so agencies, production companies, and other client-facing teams should use an Enterprise plan.

Question 45

Do you accept purchase orders, invoices, or tax-exempt payments?

Accepted Answer

Self-service plans are paid through Stripe. Custom procurement needs, including invoices, purchase orders, ACH or wire transfers, checks, and tax-exempt documentation, are reviewed case by case. Submit the enterprise request form with your billing requirements before purchasing.

Question 46

What happens after I purchase an Enterprise plan?

Accepted Answer

After Stripe confirms payment, you return to ViddyScribe and the subscription is applied to your account. You can see the plan on your Billing page, start using its features, and invite teammates to the shared workspace. Contact support if the plan does not appear after checkout.

Question 47

Can I invite teammates, and what roles are available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The new app supports Owner, Admin, Member, Viewer, and Billing roles. Owners and admins manage teammates and billing. Members create and edit using the shared credit balance. Viewers can review and download existing work but cannot create or edit. Billing contacts handle payments without access to the video workspace. Owners, admins, members, and viewers use a seat; billing contacts do not. Classic workspaces retain their existing roles.

Question 48

What support and onboarding are included?

Accepted Answer

Support varies by plan. Standard includes priority Slack support, and Custom adds dedicated support and tailored onboarding. If your team has specific rollout, training, or service requirements, describe them in the enterprise request form .

Question 49

What languages does ViddyScribe support?

Accepted Answer

Check the language picker in your app for the available audio-description languages and voices. Review pronunciation and timing before publishing. Caption and API language availability can differ from narration. See the API voice reference for API options, or contact us about additional language requirements.

Question 50

Can I review and edit the descriptions before generating the final audio or video?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the new app, choose AD Video or AD Audio, then check Review script before rendering or Review script before creating audio below the output cards. Click Generate to prepare the script, review and edit it, then create the final output when you are ready. Leave the box unchecked for automatic creation. Review does not change the total generation price. In classic Studio, generate the descriptions first, edit them, and check the credit estimate before creating the output.

Question 51

Do I need to change the generation settings?

Accepted Answer

The defaults are a good starting point. You can choose the language, video category, and voice, add instructions, or supply your own captions. Review the descriptions before publishing.

Question 52

Can I use my own audio description script?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In the editor, upload a description file in VTT, SRT, EDL, or JSON format. Review the wording and timing, then generate the output using your script. Check the credit estimate before processing.

Question 53

How do I delete my individual ViddyScribe account?

Accepted Answer

Open Settings, choose Account, and confirm Delete account. Deletion starts immediately and cannot be undone. We send an acknowledgment to your account email and a completion email after deletion succeeds. Download anything you need to keep first. If you need help, contact support@viddyscribe.com .

Question 54

Can I turn optional analytics on or off?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Analytics cookies and account-linked app analytics stay off until you allow them. The app can still count page views without analytics cookies or account identifiers. Use Cookie settings on the new app’s login page or Settings → General to change your choice. The website has its own Cookie settings in the footer. Choices are saved separately for each site in that browser; changing the website choice does not change the app choice. Essential storage for signing in and remembering settings remains active.

Question 55

Why does a Realtime video load when embedded videos are disabled?

Accepted Answer

The public Realtime watch page loads the YouTube video you requested through YouTube’s privacy-enhanced player. This connects your browser to YouTube, but playback waits until you choose to start it. Other optional YouTube and Vimeo embeds wait for your embedded-video preference. YouTube’s own terms apply when its player loads. Read our Cookie Policy for details.

Question 56

What Google data does ViddyScribe access when I sign in?

Accepted Answer

Google sign-in shares your name, email address, and profile picture to create and secure your ViddyScribe account. It does not give us access to your Gmail, Google Drive files, contacts, or YouTube account. You can revoke access in your Google Account settings or request deletion of your ViddyScribe account. Read the Privacy Policy for details.

Question 57

Are uploaded videos private or used to train AI models?

Accepted Answer

Uploaded content is used to process and deliver the ViddyScribe service, including through necessary contract-limited subprocessors. It is not used to train, fine-tune, or improve ViddyScribe or third-party AI models, except as expressly authorized by you. Content is retained only as needed to provide the service and support your account, and you can request deletion. Read the Privacy Policy for details.

Enterprise Platform

How to Generate AD for Your Video

How to Edit Your Audio Descriptions

How to Build with the ViddyScribe API

Reference

Teams & Permissions

Credits & Usage

Standard AD vs. Extended AD

ChatGPT & Claude

Help Center

ViddyScribe Learn: product guides, documentation and FAQs