1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) [A]

Level A

For prerecorded audio-only and prerecorded video-only media, the following are true, except when the audio or video is amedia alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such.

  • 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 video-only content.>

Explanation

Audio-only content like a podcast or song must have a text description, so someone who can’t hear the audio can still understand it.

Video-only content like a silent movie must have either a text description or an audio description, so someone who can’t see the video can still understand it.

Responsibilities

  • Content
  • Design
  • QA

Requirements

  • Audio only content that communicates information (like a podcast) has a text transcript;
  • Video-only content that communicates information (like a silent movie) has a text transcript that describes the video or a audio described version.

Common mistakes

  • Audio-only content that communicates information does not have a text transcript;
  • Video-only content that communicates information does not have a text transcript or an audio described version;
  • The text transcript for audio-only content does not include all spoken dialogue and sound effects;
  • The text transcript for video-only content does not include descriptions of all important visual information;
  • The text transcript for audio-only or video-only content is not clearly labelled as such;
  • The audio description for video-only content does not include descriptions of all important visual information.

Official resources

Other resources