Do not have the time to catch up with an episode in your favourite Netflix series? Or are you the type that prefers listening to watching? Well, Netflix has a feature that allows you to hear your favourite movies or shows like audiobooks.
The feature called Audio Description allows you to listen to movies and shows in case you do not feel like watching them or do not have the time to do so. Unfortunately the feature is only available with a list of shows and movies but there are still plenty that one can choose from (oh yes, Sherlock is one of them, and so are The Witcher and Breaking Bad). This feature is especially designed for visually impaired consumers and it involves delivering a detailed version of what is happening in the show/ movie visually and is not just about dialogues. No, it is not dull and lifeless descriptions by a seemingly lifeless voice, but actually detailed descriptions narrated in a very dramatic manner. And it works even for folks with normal vision who just want to hear rather than see the action.
So if you want to “audiobook” your Netflix experience, just follow these simple steps:
Sign up / log in (of course)
In order to watch or listen to anything on Netflix, you first need to have a Netflix account. You can either sign up for one or just use somebody else’s account just like the rest of us (as approved and recommended by Netflix India itself). Jokes apart, if you have a Netflix account all you need to do is log in. In case you are new to the world of Netflix, you would have to sign up first. The OTT platform offers a month long free trial which gives you access to its services for free, you can then select the plan that suits you accordingly. To log in or sign up visit: https://www.netflix.com/in/
Select what you want to hear
Once you have successfully logged in, you have to decide what you are in mood for: a movie or a TV show. Choose between the options, “TV Shows” or “Movies” present on the top left corner of your screen, right next to the Netflix logo.
Jump to “All Categories”
After choosing either option, you will get to a new window dedicated entirely to movies or shows as per your selection. On this window you will find the option “All Categories” on top of your screen. Tap on it.
Find “Audio Description”
Tapping on the option will offer you a list of all the genres of movies or shows on the platform. The list is pretty long and you have to scroll all the way to the bottom to find what you are looking for: Audio Description. Once you have found the option, tap on it to select the genre. This will provide you with an array of movies or shows that come with this feature. In this list, you will not only find English content but also content in other languages. Select the movie or show you wish to hear from the wide variety offered under Audio Description and you are good to go.
Search and find the show or movie
If you have a specific movie or show in mind that you want to hear or want to know if it is compatible with Audio description, you can simply hit the search icon on the top right side of your Netflix screen, type the name of the movie or show that you are looking for and then follow the steps below to see whether the movie or show has the feature or not.
Click on “Audio and Subtitles”
After you have selected the movie or show that you want to hear, hit “Play.” Once it starts playing you have to find the “Audio and Subtitles” option. It will be present on the base of your screen, right next to “Speed” and “Lock” options.
Select “Audio Description”
Tapping on “Audio and Subtitles” will open up another window on your screen with two main categories: “Audio” and “Subtitles.” In the “Audio” category you have to tap on the third and last option present in the list which will have the name of the language and “Audio Description.” So if the option is available in English, you will see “English – Audio Description.” Tap on it to turn your movie or show into an audioshow or an audio book.
And that’s all you need to tune into Netflix with just your ears. You can now follow Breaking Bad over headphones or gasp in surprise at Sherlock’s next rude response without having to grab a screen. Netflix can be all ears too!