Provide Audio Description or a Text Alternative for Prerecorded Video
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Accessibility isn’t just about avoiding violations — it’s about ensuring that everyone can use your product with confidence. This guide explains each rule’s intent, highlights common issues, and shows how to fix them according to WCAG and the European Accessibility Act (EAA).
These guidelines do not replace the official WCAG standards. They’re concise, developer-focused notes to help you identify and fix issues effectively.
If the video shows something important that isn't spoken aloud, provide audio description or a full text alternative.
Why this matters and how to fix it
Why this matters
Many videos contain important visual information that is not spoken aloud — such as actions, scene changes, text on screen, or graphical instructions. Users who are blind or have low vision cannot access this information without an audio description track or an equivalent text alternative. WCAG 2.2 and EN 301 549 require an audio description or a full text alternative for prerecorded videos that convey meaningful visual content.
How to fix this issue
Create either (1) an audio description track that narrates important visual details, or (2) a full text alternative that describes the content of the video. The description must include all essential visual information such as actions, gestures, setting changes, transitions, and on-screen text. The alternative must be available at the same location as the video.
Developer guidance
Check whether your video includes important visuals that are not spoken aloud. If yes, add a <track kind="descriptions"> file or include an audio-described version of the video. If your platform does not support audio description tracks, provide a clear 'Video Description' link below the player containing a written version of all visual content. Do not rely solely on automated audio description tools.
Code examples
Incorrect Implementation
<video src="assembly-instructions.mp4" controls></video>
<!-- The video shows step-by-step actions but has no narration or description -->Correct Implementation
<video src="assembly-instructions.mp4" controls>
<track src="assembly-descriptions.vtt" kind="descriptions" srclang="en" label="Audio Description" />
</video>Real-World Examples
Before
<video src="feature-overview.mp4" controls></video>
<!-- The presenter appears on screen pointing to several chart details without announcing them verbally -->After
<video src="feature-overview.mp4" controls>
<track src="feature-overview-desc.vtt" kind="descriptions" srclang="en" />
</video>
<p class="sr-only">Description: During the demo, the presenter highlights three performance graphs. Each graph shows year-over-year growth…</p>CSS Example (Guidance)
/* Optional: provide high visibility for description links */
.video-description-link {
font-weight: 500;
text-decoration: underline;
color: #1e40b0;
}
.video-description-link:hover {
color: #1d4ed8;
}Manual testing
- 1. Identify prerecorded videos that include visual information not spoken aloud.
- 2. Check for either an audio description track (<track kind="descriptions">) or a descriptive text alternative.
- 3. Play the video with audio description enabled, if available, to confirm timing and completeness.
- 4. If using a written description, verify that it includes all significant actions, scene changes, and on-screen text.
- 5. Test with a screen reader to confirm that the audio description or text alternative is discoverable.
- 6. Ensure the description is provided at the same location as the video player.
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