In this article, you will learn the proper steps to make video content accessible in line with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). We’ll break the process into two categories, depending on whether your video includes audio. This helps ensure an inclusive experience for both sighted and non-sighted users.
Category 1: Remediation for Videos Without Audio
If your video is purely visual (no spoken words or audio), you must remediate it by doing one of the following:
Add an audio description that explains what’s happening visually,
orProvide a text transcript that describes all visual elements
Note: If an audio track is added that covers all the necessary visual information, a separate transcript is not required.
What is an Audio Description?
Audio descriptions narrate key visual details of a video that are not explained through dialogue. This is essential for blind or visually impaired users to understand the content fully. Audio descriptions are also helpful for users with cognitive impairments who benefit from additional context.
An audio description should include:
Scene changes
Settings and atmosphere
On-screen actions or gestures
Any visuals not referenced in the dialogue
Example Video with Audio Description:
You can either:
Create a separate audio track with descriptions
Or embed the audio description directly into the original video
Category 2: Remediation for Videos With Audio
If your video already contains speech or sound, it must include a full transcript of the audio plus a description of visual elements that are important to understanding the content.
Your transcript must include:
All spoken dialogue
Speaker identification
Descriptions of visual context
Notable sound effects or music cues
Example Video with a Transcript:
📝 Transcript includes speaker tags, scene cues, and full narration.
Manual Video Remediation Available
UserWay offers manual video remediation services that ensure your content meets WCAG and ADA compliance. This includes full transcription, captions, and audio descriptions. You can request this service via the UserWay Dashboard or by visiting: https://userway.org/video
Need more help? Contact the UserWay Support Team — we're here to assist you.
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