Resource guide
1.2.7 Extended Audio Description (Prerecorded)
Where a video is too fast-paced to add audio descriptions during pauses, the video should pause to allow descriptions to complete.
By Calling All Minds·Last updated April 2026
Success criterion
Conformance level
Enhanced accessibility — beyond the legal minimum.
What it means
Standard audio description (1.2.5) works by inserting narration during natural pauses in the video's audio. Some videos are so dense with dialogue or action that no suitable pauses exist. Extended audio description solves this by pausing the video itself to allow the description to finish before the video resumes.
This is a Level AAA criterion and applies to content that cannot be made accessible through standard audio description alone.
In practice
Produce a second version of the video with the video playback paused at key moments and extended descriptions inserted. Resume the video after each description completes.
Ideally, plan for audio description at the script stage to avoid the need for extended descriptions entirely.
Common failures
- Fast-paced instructional video with no description of visual content and no pauses in which to add it
AXS Audit
AXS Audit checks your site against 1.2.7 and flags issues your team can act on straight away. It covers criteria that automated scanners often miss.