Audio Description for Video

Audio description provides spoken narration of important visual information for students and members of the public who are accessing a service, program, or activity, and cannot see the screen.

Under WCAG 2.1 Level AA, prerecorded videos must include audio description when essential visual information is not already communicated through narration.

In many cases, videos already meet this requirement because the speaker or narrator naturally explains what is happening on screen. Or, closed captions help satisfy certain requirements.

It is important to note that description does not have to occur at the exact moment a visual appears. As long as the information conveyed visually is explained somewhere in the narration, separate audio description may not be required. In other words, the timing of the description does not need to perfectly match the shot. What matters is that a viewer who cannot see the screen can still understand the information conveyed in the video.

Audio description also does not require describing every visual detail. The goal is to ensure that viewers who cannot see the screen receive the same meaningful information that sighted viewers receive. 

Social Media Platform Limitations

Some platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, do not support secondary audio description tracks.

If audio description is required and cannot be integrated:

• Upload an accessible version to YouTube
• Link to the accessible version in the caption or bio 

Best Practices

Plan for accessibility during scripting and storyboarding, not after editing.

Default to integrated description whenever possible by describing visuals naturally in narration.

Do not rely on automated tools alone to determine whether audio description is required.

Use transcripts and visual review together to assess whether visuals convey essential information.

When platforms do not support multiple audio tracks:

• Provide integrated description, or
• Publish a descriptive transcript, or
• Upload a second, audio-described version of the video (YouTube), or
• Host on a platform that supports multiple tracks (Vimeo).

Clearly label accessible versions (e.g., “Video with Audio Description”).

Document the decision-making process and solution used to demonstrate reasonable efforts and effective communication.