1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) (Level AA): WCAG explained. Axevoo

In plain English

This is the Level AA version of the “describe the visuals” rule. Where 1.2.3 (Level A) let you get away with a text transcript, 1.2.5 says prerecorded video must actually have audio description: narration, in the pauses, that describes the important things shown on screen.

Because most stores aim for WCAG 2.1/2.2 AA (the level ADA cases reference), this is the one that usually applies to your videos.

Who this is for

Blind and low-vision viewers, who need spoken description of on-screen detail that the regular audio skips.

How to check and fix it yourself

Close your eyes and listen to each video. If important information is only shown, not said, it needs description. The cheapest fix is at the source:

Write narration that includes the visuals:
  "Here it is in navy, with the waterproof zip on the left."   ✓ self-describing

For existing videos with visual-only info:
  add a described version or an alternate audio track.          ✓

Where we can help

We tell you which of your videos genuinely need description for AA (often fewer than owners expect) and how to add it cheaply, ideally by scripting narration that covers the visuals. It is part of the media picture in our captions and ADA guide.

Frequently asked questions

How is 1.2.5 different from 1.2.3?+

1.2.3 (Level A) lets you satisfy the requirement with either audio description or a full text alternative. 1.2.5 (Level AA) specifically requires audio description of prerecorded video. Since most stores target Level AA, plan for described video rather than relying on a transcript.

When don't I need audio description?+

If all the important visual information is already spoken in the soundtrack, no separate description is needed, the video is effectively self-describing. Audio description is only needed for visual details the audio doesn't already cover.

Is this expensive to add?+

It depends on the video. Narration-heavy product videos often already describe what's on screen. Where description is genuinely needed, you can script the narration to include the visuals, or add a described version. Planning for it before filming is cheapest.

Audio Description (Prerecorded)