Users with visual impairments may rely on audio description to enjoy videos. Adding an audio description soundtrack to videos means these users get all information from the content.
How to pass
Provide an audio described version of a video’s soundtrack, selectable by the user; or
Provide an alternative version of your video with audio description.
Exceptions
You don’t need to add audio description if your video conveys all its information through the regular soundtrack. Something like a straight face-to-face interview, or a speech to-camera would probably not need audio description.
Tips
Audio description is an edited version of a video’s soundtrack that adds more information than the regular soundtrack offers during pauses. This might mean narrating movements that are not audibly explained in the video, identifying speakers or explaining visual information.
Keep this guideline in mind when creating videos to reduce your workload.
If you provided audio description for videos to meet 1.2.3, you’ve already fulfilled this guideline.
This guideline doesn’t apply to live videos or streaming.
Now you’ve read up on 1.2.5 - Audio Description (Pre-recorded), join the discussion at wuhcag.com. Myself and the Wuhcag community are always on hand to help with questions and we’d love to learn your tips and tricks for this guideline.
It’s good to be back writing weekly again, for those of you who joined us during my time away, we chat about a guidelines once a week. You can view every post I’ve sent out so far in the archives at wuhcag.substack.com.
Don’t be shy - get involved!
Luke