Audio description
Audio description is a separate narration track that describes important visual elements of a video — actions, scene changes, on-screen text — for blind and low-vision viewers.
Detailed explanation
WCAG 2.1 SC 1.2.5 (Audio Description, Prerecorded) at Level AA requires audio description for prerecorded video content with synchronized media. For Shopify storefronts, this is most relevant for product videos that show silent action, demos with on-screen captions, or unboxing videos.
Audio description is typically delivered via a separate audio track or a "described" version of the video file. Tools like Able Player and YouTube's extended audio description feature support this; the native Shopify video block does not.
How this applies to Shopify stores
For a typical product page video that has narration covering the action, audio description is often unnecessary — the existing narration already conveys the visuals. Silent product b-roll or text-only videos do need a described track. AccessComply flags videos that need review.
Primary source: w3.org