Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded):
Understanding SC 1.2.1
1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded): For prerecorded audio-only and prerecorded video-only media, the following are true, except when the audio or video is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such: (Level A)
Prerecorded Audio-only: [begin delete]A text alternative[end delete][begin add]An alternative for time-based media[end add] is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded audio-only content.
Prerecorded Video-only: Either [begin delete]a text alternative[end delete][begin add]an alternative for time-based media[end add] or an audio track is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded video-only content.
Intent of this Success Criterion
The intent of this Success Criterion is to make information conveyed by prerecorded audio-only and prerecorded video-only content available to all users. [begin change]Alternatives for time-based media that are text based make information accessible because text can be rendered through any sensory modality (for example, visual, auditory or tactile) to match the needs of the user. In the future, text could also be translated into symbols, sign language or simpler forms of the language (future).[end change]
For prerecorded video content, authors have the option to provide an audio track. This makes it possible for users with and without vision impairment to review content simultaneously. The approach can also make it easier for those with cognitive, language and learning disabilities to understand the content because it would provide parallel presentation.
See also Understanding Success Criterion 1.2.9 Live Audio-only
Specific Benefits of Success Criterion 1.2.1:
This Success Criterion helps people who have difficulty perceiving visual content. Assistive technology can read text alternatives aloud, present them visually, or convert them to braille.
[begin change]Alternatives for timed-based media that are text based[end change] may help some people who have difficulty understanding the meaning of prerecorded video content.
People who are deaf, are hard of hearing, or who are having trouble understanding audio information for any reason can read the text presentation. Research is ongoing regarding automatic translation of text into sign language.
People who are deaf-blind can read the text in braille.
Additionally, text [begin delete]alternatives[end delete]supports the ability to search for non-text content and to repurpose content in a variety of ways.
Examples of Success Criterion 1.2.1
An audio recording of a speech
The link to an audio clip says, "Chairman's speech to the assembly." A link to a text transcript is provided immediately after the link to the audio clip.
An audio recording of a press conference
A Web page includes a link to an audio recording of a press conference that identifies the audio recording. The page also links to a text transcript of the press conference. The transcript includes a verbatim record of everything the speakers say. It identifies who is speaking as well as noting other significant sounds that are part of the recording, such as applause, laughter, questions from the audience, and so on.
An animation that illustrates how a car engine works
An animation shows how a car engine works. There is no audio and the animation is part of a tutorial that describes how an engine works. Since the text of the tutorial already provides a full explanation, the media is an alternative for text and the text alternative includes only a brief description of the animation and refers to the tutorial text for more information.
A video-only file with an audio track
A silent movie includes an audio track which includes a description of the action in the video.
Related Resources
Resources are for information purposes only, no endorsement implied.
Techniques and Failures for Success Criterion 1.2.1 - Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)
Each numbered item in this section represents a technique or combination of techniques that the WCAG Working Group deems sufficient for meeting this Success Criterion. The techniques listed only satisfy the Success Criterion if all of the WCAG 2.0 conformance requirements have been met.
Sufficient Techniques
Instructions: Select the situation below that matches your content. Each situation includes techniques or combinations of techniques that are known and documented to be sufficient for that situation.
Additional Techniques (Advisory) for 1.2.1
Although not required for conformance, the following additional techniques should be considered in order to make content more accessible. Not all techniques can be used or would be effective in all situations.
Providing a transcript of a live audio only presentation after the fact (future link)
Linking to textual information that provides comparable information (e.g. for a traffic Webcam, a municipality could provide a link to the text traffic report.) (future link)
Common Failures for SC 1.2.1
The following are common mistakes that are considered failures of Success Criterion 1.2.1 by the WCAG Working Group.
Key Terms
- [begin add]alternative for time-based media[end add][begin delete]full text alternative for synchronized media including any interaction[end delete]
document including correctly sequenced text descriptions of [begin delete]all visual settings, actions, speakers, and non-speech sounds, and transcript of all dialogue combined with a means of achieving any outcomes that are achieved using interaction (if any) during the synchronized media[end delete][begin add]time-based visual and auditory information and providing a means for achieving the outcomes of any time-based interaction [end add]
Note: A screenplay used to create the synchronized media content would meet this definition only if it was corrected to accurately represent the final synchronized media after editing.
- audio-only
a time-based presentation that contains only audio (no video and no interaction)
- media alternative for text
media that presents no more information than is already presented in text (directly or via text alternatives)
Note: A media alternative for text is provided for those who benefit from alternate representations of text. Media alternatives for text may be audio-only, video-only (including sign-language video), or audio-video.
- prerecorded
information that is not live
- video-only
a time-based presentation that contains only video (no audio and no interaction)