Audiotours

An audiotour is an audio-guided description or narration that accompanies a physical location, artwork, or exhibit. It is commonly delivered as spoken commentary, sometimes with ambient sound or music, and may accompany a map or visual cues. Audiotours can be standalone recordings or streamed via apps and websites.

How it works: Users typically obtain the tour on a device such as a smartphone, dedicated audio player, or a wearable, either by downloading files in advance or streaming content online. Many tours use GPS triggers or QR codes to start narration at specific stops; others follow a fixed route.

Content and formats: Tours may be self-guided or led by a live guide. They can be multi-language, with transcripts; formats include timed sequences, stop-by-stop narration, or impressionistic soundscapes.

Creation and distribution: Content creators script, record, and edit audio, often pairing it with maps, images, and transcripts. Distribution occurs through museum or city apps, dedicated tour platforms, or third-party providers; licensing and rights to use content vary.

Accessibility and technology: Audiotours improve accessibility for some users by providing spoken descriptions; however, they rely on user devices and power, and on accurate localization data. They can be offline or online; offline options are common for remote sites.

Applications and impact: Commonly used by museums, historical sites, city centers, architectural tours, art installations, and nature trails. They complement physical displays and improve visitor engagement, extend reach to multi-lingual audiences, and enable scalable experiences.