WCAG Guideline 1.2.3: Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) Explained
Estimated read time: 8–10 minutes
Guideline 1: Perceivable
The first WCAG principle is Perceivable. It means content must be available in forms users can perceive. Nothing should be invisible to all senses — sight, hearing, and touch via assistive technology all count.
Guideline 1.2: Time-based Media
Guideline 1.2 makes audio and video content accessible for all. The method is providing alternatives: transcripts, captions, and audio descriptions. Each alternative serves users who cannot access the original format.
What Is Guideline 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded)?
"An audio description or a media alternative is provided for all prerecorded video content."
Guideline 1.2.3 is a Level A requirement in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) .
- Prerecorded video content must have an audio description or a full text alternative (media alternative).
- Audio descriptions narrate important visual information for users who are blind or have low vision.
- Media alternatives provide a complete text version of the video content.
This ensures everyone can access the information in your videos, regardless of vision ability.
Why Does It Matter?
- Inclusivity: Audio descriptions and media alternatives make video content accessible to users who are blind or have low vision.
- Legal Compliance: This is a Level A requirement in WCAG 2.2 and referenced in accessibility laws worldwide.
- Usability: Media alternatives help users in situations where video can’t be watched.
For more, see WebAIM's audio description guide .
What Needs Audio Description or Media Alternative?
- Prerecorded video content (webinars, tutorials, interviews)
- Online courses and training videos
- Marketing and promotional videos
All such media must have an audio description or a full text alternative.
How to Provide Audio Description or Media Alternative
- Add an audio description track to your videos
- Provide a full text transcript describing all important visual information
- Make audio descriptions and transcripts easy to find and use
- Ensure alternatives are accurate and complete
For more, see the W3C's audio description docs .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- No audio description or media alternative for video content
- Incomplete or inaccurate descriptions
- Hiding audio descriptions or transcripts from users
- Not testing with users who are blind or have low vision
Audit your site regularly and use accessibility checkers to ensure all video content has proper alternatives. For more, see the DCMP's comprehensive Guidelines and Best Practices for Captioning Educational Video , which also covers audio description and media alternatives for accessibility.
Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 1.2.3 in WCAG 2.2
- Level A: Requires audio description or media alternative for all prerecorded video content. This is the core requirement for 1.2.3 and is mandatory for basic accessibility.
- Level AA: For Guideline 1.2.3, there are no additional requirements beyond Level A in WCAG 2.2. Meeting Level A for this guideline also satisfies Level AA.
- Level AAA: For Guideline 1.2.3, there are no additional requirements beyond Level A in WCAG 2.2. Meeting Level A for this guideline also satisfies Level AAA.
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) .
Quick Checklist
- All prerecorded video content has an audio description or media alternative
- Audio descriptions and transcripts are accurate and complete
- Alternatives are easy to find and use
- Tested with users and assistive technology
Summary
Guideline 1.2.3 ensures prerecorded video is accessible to users who are blind or have low vision. Provide an audio description track or a full text transcript for every video. Build this into your production workflow from the start.