Writing Integrated Visual Descriptions in Video Scripts
Writing Integrated Visual Descriptions in Video Scripts records a distinct W3C-supported accessibility writing task while keeping implementation mechanics outside the writing guidance.
For suitable new videos, write the main script so the speaker naturally states the important visual information instead of relying on viewers to see it.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Use integrated description where it fits the content naturally; stories or visually dense material may still require a separate described version or description track.
Further guidance
Content
When scripting a suitable new video, write the spoken content so that important visual information is stated naturally rather than depending on “as you can see” or an unexplained visual reference.
Practical Application
When planning a new video, weave essential visual facts into the spoken script wherever that sounds natural so the primary audio already communicates information that would otherwise require separate description.
Purpose
Integrating necessary visual information into the main audio can make the video understandable without requiring a separate description track.
Reader Check
If someone listened without seeing the screen, would the spoken script still convey the visual fact needed to understand the point?
Worked Example
Instead of silently showing a chart while saying “The trend is clear,” script the speaker to say “The line rises from 20 in January to 35 in June,” when those values are the important visual information.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Description of Visual Information (opens in a new tab)World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) · W3C WAI guidance for writing descriptions of visual information needed to understand video.