You’re watching a movie on Netflix while you’re cooking or doing something else, and suddenly everything becomes confusing. There is no dialogue or audio description, just looks, silences and disturbing music. Something important happens on the screen, but you don’t see it. Or maybe you tried to explain a scene to someone who is visually impaired, and you realized how difficult it is to describe what’s happening without words. Well, there is a “secret” function on streaming platforms that solves all this. It’s called audio description and it’s closer than you think.
What is Audio Description?
Audio description is an accessibility feature that adds additional narration between the dialogue of a movie or series to describe what is happening visually.
Imagine a voice-over that says:
“Elena looks at the fogged window as the rain slowly falls. In her hand, a crumpled letter.”
This way, even if you can’t see the screen—or are simply distracted—you don’t miss the visual development of the story.
This option, also called automatic narrator or screen narrator, is originally intended for people with visual disabilities, but offers advantages for many more users.
Where is the “secret button” to activate the audio description?
Although it does not appear as a big advertisement in the interface, Netflix and Prime Video have included this function for years. You just need to know where to look:
On Netflix:
- Start any content.
- Click or tap on the audio and subtitles icon (a speech bubble or gear).
- Search the list of audio languages.
- Choose an option that says “[Language] with audio description” or “[Language] – AD”.
On Amazon Prime Video:
- Starts playing a series or movie.
- Press “Audio and subtitle options”.
- Select the language that has added “Audio Description”.
On Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.):
- Many remote controls have a direct accessibility button (it may have a person or accessibility icon).
- You can also go to the TV settings menu > Accessibility > Activate narrator or audio description.
Why will this feature be more visible from 2025?
The European Accessibility Act requires, from June 28, 2025, that all digital services—including streaming platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime—comply with audiovisual accessibility standards.
That means:
- More audio described content available.
- Improved interfaces for finding and activating features like the narrator.
- Increased pressure on Smart TV manufacturers to include direct access from the remote control.
This law not only benefits people with visual disabilities, but also improves the experience of all users.
Who really benefits from the “secret narrator”?
Although it is designed for accessibility, the audio description may surprise you:
- Blind or low vision people: real access to audiovisual content.
- Children in the learning process: improvement in vocabulary and comprehension.
- Multitasking users: you can follow the plot while doing other things.
- Viewers of complex movies: helps understand scenes without dialogue.
Interesting, right?
Conclusion: Try it yourself
The so-called “secret button” is not magic, but it does change the way you consume content. And with the new European law, you will see it more often.
The next time you watch a movie, turn on the audio description and discover how the experience is transformed. And if you know someone who could benefit from this feature, share it with them!
