Media testing

Identify Audio Description Needs in Video

Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated September 11, 2026

Purpose and preparation

Review visual information that a listener cannot obtain from the existing audio. Start with the video's purpose and target conformance level. Record the moments where actions, diagrams or on-screen text carry information needed to understand it.

A practical example

A tutorial silently highlights a control and displays a warning while the narrator discusses a different step.

How to check it

Listen to the video without watching and note unclear references. Then inspect the corresponding visuals to identify information absent from the soundtrack.
List the necessary visual details and available pauses. Evaluate whether the original narration can integrate them or whether a described version is needed.
Review the resulting description in context, including access through the player or an equivalent clearly identified version. Check that it does not obscure essential dialogue.

What can be missed

Repeating every visual detail can overwhelm the listener. The purpose is access to meaningful visual information, and a text alternative does not always substitute for audio description at the selected level.

Record your test

Use this worksheet to record what you actually checked. Notes stay on this device when you choose Save; they are not sent to us. Avoid personal or confidential information on shared devices.

Page and state testedBrowser, assistive technology and date

Check 1: Listen to the video without watching and note unclear references. Then inspect the corresponding visuals to identify information absent from the soundtrack.
Check 2: List the necessary visual details and available pauses. Evaluate whether the original narration can integrate them or whether a described version is needed.
Check 3: Review the resulting description in context, including access through the player or an equivalent clearly identified version. Check that it does not obscure essential dialogue.

Evidence, exceptions and follow-up

These are your observations, not automated results or a conformance certificate. A complete evaluation needs appropriate scope, supported technologies, all applicable criteria and relevant page states.

Primary sources and scope

This is independent implementation guidance with original examples. The linked standard contains the full definitions, exceptions and conformance requirements. A criterion or checklist alone does not establish legal applicability or whole-site conformance.