Definition
Audio description
An audio track that describes the important visual elements of a video, for blind or visually impaired people.
Audio description adds, in the silences of a video, narration that describes what is shown on screen: actions, places, expressions. It lets people who cannot see the image follow the content.
It is expected for essential video content where the visual information is not already given by the soundtrack.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between audio description and subtitles?
Subtitles transcribe what is said and heard, for deaf or hard of hearing people. Audio description describes what is shown, for blind or visually impaired people. The two complement each other and one never replaces the other.
Is audio description mandatory?
The WCAG standard requires it at level AA for prerecorded videos whose visual information is not already carried by the soundtrack. Legal obligations that build on this standard, such as the EAA, take up this requirement.
See also
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