1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded)

At Level A (1.2.3), a written text alternative was accepted instead of a proper audio description track. At Level AA, that option is no longer available. You need an actual audio description: a narration track added to the video during natural pauses that describes what is happening visually.

This matters for blind and low-vision users who listen to videos. Without audio description, they miss everything that is shown rather than said: facial expressions, on-screen text, visual demonstrations, and actions.

The simplest approach is to design your videos so the spoken content already describes the visual. This is called integrated description and means no separate audio track is needed.

If your video requires a separate audio description track, record it during the pauses in the original dialogue and produce a second version of the video with the description mixed in.

For screen recording tutorials, narrate every action as you perform it. Do not rely on the viewer being able to see what you are clicking.

• Tutorial video where the presenter says 'click here' or 'as you can see' without describing what is on screen
• Product demo where features are demonstrated visually but never explained in the audio

1.2.3 (Level A) allowed a written text alternative as a shortcut. 1.2.5 (Level AA) removes that option. If you are aiming for EAA compliance, which requires Level AA, you need a proper audio description track, not just a written description.