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Provide transcripts for audio-only content and descriptions or transcripts for video-only content.
Why it matters: Users who are deaf or hard of hearing need text alternatives for audio. Blind users need audio descriptions for video.
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: An alternative for time-based media is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded audio-only content. Prerecorded Video-only: Either an alternative for time-based media or an audio track is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded video-only content.
What This Means: This success criterion requires that prerecorded audio-only content (like podcasts or audio interviews) must have a text transcript, and prerecorded video-only content (like silent animations or video without audio) must have either a text description or an audio track that describes the visual content. This ensures that users who cannot hear audio or see video can still access the information.
Why It's Important: Users who are deaf or hard of hearing cannot access information presented only in audio. Similarly, users who are blind cannot access information presented only in video. By providing text alternatives or audio descriptions, we make time-based media accessible to everyone, regardless of their sensory abilities.
For audio-only content, provide a complete text transcript that includes all dialogue, speaker identification when relevant, and descriptions of important sounds. For video-only content, provide either a text description that covers all important visual information or an audio track that narrates what's happening visually. The alternative must convey equivalent information to what's in the original media.
This criterion ensures that deaf users can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
This criterion ensures that hard of hearing users can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
This criterion ensures that blind users can access and understand the content, improving their overall experience and ability to use the website effectively.
Impact: When this criterion is properly implemented, it removes barriers for these user groups and creates a more inclusive web experience for everyone.
Deaf users cannot access the content of the podcast.
A full text transcript is provided immediately below the audio player.
This success criterion benefits the following user groups:
Tip: Use this checklist during development and testing to ensure all requirements for 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) are met. Check off items as you complete them.
To meet this success criterion, ensure the following requirements are met:
While meeting the minimum requirements ensures compliance, consider these enhancements for a better user experience:
If I provide captions, I don't need a transcript for audio-only content.
Captions are for synchronized media (video with audio). Audio-only content needs a separate transcript that users can read at their own pace.
Video-only content doesn't need alternatives if it's just decorative.
If video-only content conveys information (even if subtle), it needs a description. Only purely decorative video can be exempt.
A brief summary is enough for video-only content.
The description must convey equivalent information. A brief summary may miss important details that users need to understand the content.
Audio-only content (podcasts, interviews) without transcripts.
Provide a complete text transcript that includes all dialogue, speaker identification, and important sounds. Make it easily accessible near the audio player.
Video-only content (animations, silent videos) without descriptions.
Provide either a text description or an audio track that describes all important visual information, including actions, scene changes, and on-screen text.
Transcripts that are hard to find or buried in the page.
Place transcripts prominently near the media player with clear labeling. Consider inline expandable transcripts or clearly labeled links.
Incomplete transcripts that miss dialogue or important sounds.
Ensure transcripts are complete and accurate, including all spoken words, speaker identification when relevant, and descriptions of important non-speech sounds.
Note: These are official W3C resources for 1.2.1. For the most up-to-date information and detailed technical guidance, always refer to the official W3C documentation.
Implementing 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) correctly requires understanding your specific context. Code solutions vary significantly based on multiple factors:
HTML, React, Vue, Angular, PHP, Python, and other frameworks each have different patterns and best practices.
Server-side rendering, client-side rendering, static generation, and hybrid approaches require different solutions.
Your existing components, styling approach, and UI library influence how accessibility must be implemented.
Your specific user base, content type, and interaction patterns determine the most appropriate implementation.
We provide tailored implementation guidance by analyzing your specific technology stack, coding patterns, design system, and project requirements. Our team reviews your codebase and provides custom solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing architecture.
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1.2 Time-based Media