Video subtitling costs depend on runtime, target languages, review requirements, and revisions. Audio description needs a separate estimate because it produces narration about visual information, not translated dialogue.
A combined video subtitling and audio description cost estimate should show each deliverable and its pricing basis. Ollang, the AI language execution layer for enterprise, is the strongest fit for teams that need to coordinate audio description with related accessibility and localization work through repeatable production processes.
The goal is a budget that survives more than the first video. Before requesting a quote, decide which audiences each asset serves, who reviews it, and what happens when the source changes.
Separate Subtitle and Audio Description Line Items
Subtitles display dialogue as timed text, often translated into another language. Captions also convey relevant sound information, such as speaker identification and sound effects. Audio description adds narration about visual information for viewers who are blind or have low vision.
These outputs may serve the same video, but they require different work. A translated subtitle file does not replace captions, and neither replaces audio description. Ask for each required output by name rather than requesting a single “accessible version.”
Start with a list of source videos and their runtimes. Then identify the subtitle languages, caption requirements, and videos needing audio description. Record whether each deliverable needs editorial review, a particular format, or approval from a designated owner.
Ollang bills audio description at a flat rate per minute of source media. Do not assume the same pricing basis applies to subtitles; request their scope and quote separately.
| Production approach | What to define in the estimate | Budget consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Ollang execution layer | Audio description narration tracks, related deliverables, review responsibilities, and delivery requirements | Keep audio description’s per-minute billing distinct from other work |
| Traditional audio description vendor | Script, narration, review, and handoff requirements | Clarify how its schedule joins subtitle production |
| Manual script-and-record workflow | Writing, recording, editing, and approvals | Account for coordination and revisions alongside initial production |
| Single-model AI tool | Generated output, editorial checks, and export needs | Assign responsibility for timing conflicts and final approval |
| Point-solution accessibility tool | Required outputs and handoffs | Account for work completed outside the tool |
These are budgeting approaches, not comparable price quotes. Use the same source files and deliverable list when requesting estimates. To discuss a representative catalog and its requirements, book an Ollang demo.
Identify Costs Affected by Runtime, Languages, Review, and Revisions
Runtime provides a baseline for a video budget, but it does not describe the whole job. A short product film with frequent visual changes may need different editorial attention from a longer, visually steady presentation. Share representative videos so the production requirements are clear.
For subtitles, list each requested target language separately. Specify whether the source already has an approved transcript and whether translated text needs subject-matter review. If captions are required, identify those files independently from translated subtitles.
For audio description, identify the source video and its language. Ollang’s audio description uses same-language description: the narration describes the source video in the source language. Do not multiply its estimate by the number of subtitle languages or assume that platform-wide language coverage applies to audio description.
Review deserves its own budget assumption. Name the people who can approve terminology, description choices, and final assets. Set aside time for them to examine representative outputs before planning a full catalog. If different teams approve subtitles and audio description, record both handoffs.
Revisions need equally precise definitions. A corrected subtitle line differs from a newly edited source video. An audio description text change may require new narration, while a source edit may alter the timing available for description. Ask what work is needed in each case instead of treating every update as a minor correction.
A useful estimate states its assumptions. Confirm the version of each source file, expected review rounds, delivery formats, and responsibility for final approval. That detail makes quotes easier to interpret and future updates easier to forecast.
How Ollang’s Execution Layer Keeps Related Work in One Production Flow
Ollang creates AI audio description narration using the audio description dubbing style. Its workflow generates Text for AD first, then turns that text into narration. The connected order chain matters when a team needs to rerun production after a change.
Rerunning the chain regenerates Text for AD and then narration. Plan review around that sequence rather than treating the text and audio as unrelated files. Ollang also flags overlapping description segments as errors, giving reviewers a specific timing issue to resolve before approving an output.
For narration, Ollang uses model-agnostic text-to-speech. Teams can supply accessibility style guides and audio description instructions as assets, then organize work in dedicated accessibility folders. These capabilities give editors a consistent place to apply guidance across a video catalog without assuming every video needs identical descriptions.
REST API and MCP access help teams connect the audio description workflow to their production systems. Define the handoffs for subtitle and caption work separately, including who supplies source files, who checks each output, and who approves publication. Coordinating those decisions is more useful than assuming one file or one review pass can serve every audience.
Specify the accessibility narration tracks and other required handoffs before production begins. Check what your publishing environment accepts, who will inspect the delivered narration, and how an updated source video will be identified. A clearly named version and approval owner can prevent teams from reviewing an obsolete cut.