Provide Audio Description for Prerecorded Video Content

Disabilities Affected: Visual

Success Criterion: 1.2.5

Level: AA

Audio description must be provided for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media.

Why It Matters

This builds upon the Level A requirement (1.2.3). At Level AA, providing audio description specifically (narrating visual information during pauses) becomes a requirement, not just an alternative to a full text media alternative. This ensures blind and visually impaired users can experience the video content along with its timing and audio track, with key visual elements described.

Fixing the Issue

Create a separate audio track containing narration of important visual details (actions, characters, scene changes, on-screen text) that are not apparent from the main soundtrack. This track should be timed to fit into natural pauses in dialogue. Provide this audio description track associated with the video. Common methods include:

Offering a second version of the video file with the audio description mixed into the main audio track.
Providing the audio description as a separate track using the <track kind=”descriptions”> element in HTML5 video (support varies across browsers/players).
Using a media player that supports user selection of an audio description track.

Good Code Example

HTML5 video with a separate audio description track (using <track>):

Note: Browser/player support for <track kind=”descriptions”> varies. Providing a separate video file with integrated AD is often more reliable.

Markup

<video controls width="640" height="360">
  <source src="main-video.mp4" type="video/mp4">
  <track label="English Captions" kind="captions" srclang="en" src="captions_en.vtt" default>
  <track label="English Audio Description" kind="descriptions" srclang="en" src="description_en.vtt">
  Your browser doesn't support embedded videos.
</video>

/*
WEBVTT

00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:18.000
Narrator: The character walks towards the sunset.

00:00:25.000 --> 00:00:28.000
Narrator: On screen text reads: "The End".
*/

Bad Code Example

A video with significant visual content lacks any audio

Markup

<video controls src="visual_story.mp4" width="640" height="360">
   <track label="English Captions" kind="captions" srclang="en" src="captions_en.vtt">
   Your browser doesn't support embedded videos.
</video>

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