video element must have audio description.

Rule ID Video 7
Definition video elements used for prerecorded video with synchronized audio (i.e. a movie, archived lecture) must have an audio description of the video content.
Purpose
  • Text and audio descriptions provide a means for people who cannot see the video to understand the video content.
  • Some types of learning disabilities affect visual processing, text and audio descriptions provide an alternative way to understand the video content.
  • This rule covers the requirements of both WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria 1.2.3 and 1.2.5, that is why a text description of the video content cannot be used to satisfy this rule.
Mappings
  • HTML4 Legacy Techniques (Required)
  • HTML5 and ARIA Techniques (Required)
WCAG Success Criteria

1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) (Level A, Primary Success Criterion)

Rule Category Audio/Video
Scope Element
Target Resources video elements.
  • track
  • video
Techniques
  • Use the track element to add audio descriptions to the video content.
  • Use aria-describedby to reference a text description of the video content.
Manual Checks
  • When audio descriptions are enabled on the media player, check to make sure the audio description can be heard.
  • If there is a audio description make sure the description accurately describes the video content.
  • If there is a text description make sure the description accurately describes the video content.
Informational Links