Table of Contents
What is Audio Description?
Audio description (also called audio narration) is an additional audio track or narrator text that puts visual content of a film or video into words. For example, actions, facial expressions, gestures, settings, overlays, and scene changes are described if this information is not already contained in the original audio. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
The goal is to enable blind and visually impaired people to grasp essential information from the visual level equally. Audio description supplements the original audio instead of replacing it, and is typically placed during speech pauses or offered as a separate track. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
On the web, audio description is especially relevant for pre-recorded videos when understanding important visual information depends on it. In WCAG, this is anchored as success criterion 1.2.5 at conformance level AA. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
For digital accessibility, audio description is not a nice-to-have but a core component for equal access to video-based content. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Audio description makes central visual information accessible to blind and visually impaired users
WCAG 1.2.5 requires audio description for pre-recorded videos at Level AA
Without audio description, information gaps arise at scene changes, overlays, and actions
Why Audio Description is Important
Equal information comprehension: Many videos convey meaning through visual details, such as on-screen text, graphical cues, facial reactions, or non-verbal actions. Audio description makes this information audible. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Better understanding of complex content: Training videos, product demos, explanatory videos, and commercials often work with visual sequences. Without audio description, blind users miss crucial steps or results. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Rights and standards: WCAG defines specific requirements for audio description and alternatives. In Europe, EN 301 549 is established as the reference standard for accessibility in ICT environments and incorporates WCAG criteria such as 1.2.5. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Practical context: Media providers also define audio description as optional narrator performance that describes visual content such as actions, facial expressions, and scene changes. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Forms of Audio Description in Digital Context
Which implementation is appropriate depends on how much information is conveyed exclusively visually and whether sufficient speech pauses are available.
Standard Audio Description (in speech pauses)
The most common form: An additional narrator description supplements the audio track during natural pauses. It describes only what is necessary for understanding, such as scene changes, key actions, and overlays. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Extended Audio Description (with pauses in the video)
If pauses in the original audio are insufficient, the video is paused briefly at appropriate points to allow space for additional descriptions. This is described as WCAG 1.2.7 at Level AAA. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Media Alternative as Text
As an alternative, a complete media alternative can be provided that conveys all visual and audio information as text (similar to a screenplay). This is described in WCAG 1.2.3 as an option alongside audio description. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Audio Description and Accessible Web Design
Audio description addresses a clear access gap: If essential information lies exclusively on the visual level, it is not available to blind and visually impaired users without audio description. This is exactly what WCAG requirements for time-based media aim to address. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
WCAG reference: For pre-recorded videos, WCAG 1.2.5 (Level AA) applies. If the audio layer already contains all important information, no additional audio description is required. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Legal framework: In Germany, the Barrierefreiheitsstärkungsgesetz (Accessibility Strengthening Act) applies from June 28, 2025. At the EU level, Directive (EU) 2019/882 (European Accessibility Act) serves as the foundation for uniform requirements, including in the audiovisual media sector. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Best Practices: Implementing Audio Description Correctly
These points help you provide audio descriptions that are understandable, complete, and standards-compliant.
Describe only relevant visual information
Describe actions, scene changes, gestures and facial expressions, overlays, and visual cues that affect understanding. Avoid interpretations and remain precise. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Prioritize timing and comprehensibility
Place the description preferably in speech pauses. If that is insufficient, use extended audio description, where the video pauses briefly to accommodate the necessary information. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Do not forget on-screen text and graphics
Overlays (for example, product names, prices, notices, chapter markers) must be captured in content if not already spoken. Alternatively, provide a media alternative as text. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
SiteCockpit Solution
How SiteCockpit Helps with Multimedia Accessibility
For video content, the standard is clear: Audio description according to WCAG 1.2.5 is required for pre-recorded videos if relevant visual information is not contained in the audio. With easyMonitoring, you can systematically capture and continuously audit accessibility risks. With easyStatement, you document the implementation in your accessibility statement.
Relevant WCAG Success Criteria for Audio Description
WCAG defines several success criteria related to time-based media that directly relate to audio description:
WCAG 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) (Level A): Either audio description or a media alternative as text must be provided if synchronized media is involved. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
WCAG 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) (Level AA): Audio description must be provided for all pre-recorded video content in synchronized media. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
WCAG 1.2.7 Extended Audio Description (Prerecorded) (Level AAA): If speech pauses are insufficient, extended audio description must be provided, typically with pauses in the video. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
For practical implementation in the European context, EN 301 549 is relevant, as it converts WCAG criteria into audit procedures and requirements for web, documents, and software. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Frequently Asked Questions about Audio Description
Tools for Testing Audio Description
Manual Media Check: Check whether your player offers an alternative audio track for audio description and whether it covers all relevant visual information. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
WCAG Mapping: Use the WCAG Understanding pages to look up requirements, examples, and common errors for each success criterion (for example, 1.2.3, 1.2.5, 1.2.7). :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
EN 301 549 Reference: For audits and evidence in Europe, EN 301 549 is relevant as an audit baseline, as it converts WCAG criteria into audit procedures. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
Audit Your Video Content for Accessibility
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