Audio description
Audio description (AD)
A separate narration track that describes visual events on screen for blind and low-vision viewers. WCAG 2.1 Level AA requires it for prerecorded video.
In depth
Audio description (AD) is a secondary audio track that narrates visual information not conveyed by the main audio: scene changes, character actions, on-screen text, costume details. AD is the visual counterpart to closed captions. WCAG 2.1 success criterion 1.2.5 requires AD for prerecorded video at Level AA. AD is typically delivered as a separate audio track in the same video container, and viewers toggle it on like a subtitle track.
When to use it
Provide audio description for any video that conveys important visual information without dialogue — sign-language explainers, recipe close-ups, instructional demos, theatrical content.
Frequently asked
Is audio description the same as a podcast version of a video?+
Related but different. AD is a supplementary track that describes visuals between dialogue. A podcast version is a standalone audio cut. Some accessible workflows use AD as the basis for a podcast version.
Do TikTok and Reels require audio description?+
Not technically — short-form social isn't held to WCAG AA in practice. But adding visual descriptions in your spoken narration improves accessibility for all viewers.