Similar to image descriptions, video descriptions briefly describe the important visual elements of a video to better help your audience understand the content, context, and purpose. Video descriptions can be helpful for folks who do not want to or cannot consume a video’s visual elements but still want to understand the video’s context.
What to consider when writing video descriptions:
- Add video descriptions after your post copy.
- Describe the video in a few sentences. Write in chronological order of video scenes.
- Describe the setting, background, subject(s), actions, graphic elements, sounds, music, and transitions.
- If the video contains flashing imagery (3 or more flashes or flickers per second), include a flashing imagery warning in the description.
- If the video is longer, add timestamps (or chapters) to help provide an overview for the audience. This feature can also help the audience scan, skip to and/or review specific topics more easily.
- If text is overlaid onto your video, consider including a timestamp with a written transcription of the text underneath your post copy.
- Using keywords will also help with searchability online.
Video description examples:
Good video description example:
Starting with a 90s-themed bouncing animation, the Real Places of UCD's introduction is set to a fun hip-hop soundtrack. Transitioning into the video, we meet two UC Davis students, Erick and Cecilia. Wearing matching red El Centro polos, the students give a tour in English and Spanish of the Center for Chicanx and Latinx Academic Student Success Center, located on the second floor of the Memorial Union. The video also features three other staff members and showcases the center’s amenities like a computer lab, lounge area (including a hammock, study spaces, a small library, and offices. Throughout the video, additional details are shared about the center’s offerings in both graphic and audio formats.
Bad video description example:
A tour of the Center for Chicanx and Latinx Academic Student Success Center.
Why this is accessible:
- Describes the video content in chronological order
- Describes location, people, graphics, and sounds
- Introduces the subjects and the purpose of the video
Why this is inaccessible:
- Could not rely on video description to fully understand the purpose of the video
- Does not provide additional information to what would be included in the post caption