Success Criterion 1.2.1: Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)

Why This Criterion Matters

Audio-only content (like podcasts) and video-only content (like silent demonstrations) exclude users who cannot perceive that specific media type. Providing alternatives ensures everyone can access the information.

• Audio-only content needs text transcripts for deaf or hard of hearing users
• Video-only content needs audio descriptions or text descriptions for blind users
• Text alternatives also help users in sound-sensitive environments or with slow connections

Who Benefits

How to Meet This Criterion

For Audio-only Content (Podcasts, Audio Recordings)

Provide a complete text transcript that includes all spoken content and relevant sound effects.

<article>
    <h2>Episode 15: Introduction to Web Accessibility</h2>
    
    <audio controls>
        <source src="episode-15.mp3" type="audio/mpeg">
        Your browser does not support the audio element.
    </audio>
    
    <details>
        <summary>Read Full Transcript</summary>
        <div class="transcript">
            <p><strong>[Music intro plays]</strong></p>
            <p><strong>Host:</strong> Welcome to the Accessibility Podcast. 
            Today we're discussing WCAG guidelines...</p>
            <p><strong>Guest:</strong> Thanks for having me. 
            Let's start with the four principles...</p>
        </div>
    </details>
</article>

For Video-only Content (Silent Demonstrations, Animations)

Provide either an audio track or a text description of what happens visually.

<figure>
    <video controls aria-describedby="video-desc">
        <source src="assembly-instructions.mp4" type="video/mp4">
    </video>
    <figcaption id="video-desc">
        <h3>Video Description: Furniture Assembly</h3>
        <ol>
            <li>Unpack all parts and lay them on a flat surface (0:00-0:15)</li>
            <li>Attach the legs to the tabletop using screws (0:15-0:45)</li>
            <li>Flip the table upright and check stability (0:45-1:00)</li>
        </ol>
    </figcaption>
</figure>

<!-- No transcript or alternative provided -->
<audio src="podcast-episode.mp3" controls></audio>

<!-- Silent video with no description -->
<video src="demo.mp4" controls></video>

Common Failures to Avoid

Testing Methods

Manual Testing Checklist

1. Identify all audio-only content: Podcasts, audio clips, sound effects with meaning
2. Identify all video-only content: Silent videos, animated GIFs, demonstrations without audio
3. Check for alternatives:
   • Audio-only: Is there a text transcript?
   • Video-only: Is there an audio description or text alternative?
4. Verify completeness: Does the alternative contain all the information from the original?
5. Check accessibility: Is the alternative easy to find and access?

Transcript Quality Checklist

• Speaker names are identified
• Significant sound effects are described (e.g., [applause], [phone rings])
• Music is indicated (e.g., [upbeat music plays])
• Timestamps are included for longer content
• Technical terms and proper nouns are spelled correctly

Related Criteria