Audio Description (Prerecorded)
Prerecorded video in synchronized media must have a separate audio-description track that narrates important visual elements during natural pauses in dialogue.
What it requires
WCAG 2.0 SC 1.2.5 requires audio description for prerecorded video — narration that describes important visual elements (actions, scene changes, on-screen text) for blind and low-vision viewers.
For most product videos that already include voiceover narration covering the action, audio description is unnecessary because the existing narration conveys the visuals. Silent product b-roll, text-only videos, or unboxing videos with action that the audio does not cover need a separate described version.
Common Shopify failure
A product hero video with cinematic music and silent on-screen action (slow-motion drop, pour, reveal) that conveys product features without dialogue.
How to fix it
Either re-record narration that covers the silent action, or publish a separate "described" version of the video as an alternative track. AccessComply flags videos that need review.
Primary source: W3C — WCAG 2.0 Understanding 1.2.5