How do you describe a silent product video for someone who cannot see it?

Identify what the picture explains

For a hypothetical case-opening clip, the useful information may be that a lid lifts, a compartment becomes visible and an accessory remains outside the case. Record those actions in their actual order. “An elegant product reveal” describes style but does not explain the content.

W3C distinguishes description of visual information from captions of audio. Choose an appropriate descriptive transcript, integrated narration or another supported alternative with an accessibility reviewer. A single written note does not establish full accessibility conformance.

Create an action-to-description map

Keep the wording factual and concise. Describe only information necessary for understanding rather than every decorative light movement.

Download the video action timeline CSV worksheet and fill it with your own authorized evidence in a spreadsheet editor. The included row is clearly fictional, not a measured result. Version, scope, reviewer and status fields support a manual handoff; Itemlume does not automatically inspect your store, verify facts or certify accessibility.

Fit the chosen alternative

If narration is added externally, leave enough time for the essential description. If a separate transcript is used, make it easy to find beside the player. Ensure that the destination actually supports the chosen track or alternative. Itemlume does not produce an audio-description track automatically.

Review equivalent understanding

Ask an appropriate reviewer whether the alternative communicates the same essential product story. Correct unsupported implications in both the video and the description. Use feature evidence and real versus generated footage when the clip combines different evidence types.

A descriptive alternative example

A fictional silent clip shows a case opening to reveal an empty compartment while an accessory stays beside it. A useful description explains that sequence and the accessory’s separate position. It should not say the case includes that accessory unless the actual offer establishes it. Place the chosen alternative near the player and have a reviewer confirm that it communicates the essential action. The result is not a new performance demonstration; it is another accurate way to understand the same illustrative scene.