WCAG Guideline 1.2.5: Audio Description (Prerecorded) Explained
Estimated read time: 8–10 minutes
Guideline 1: Perceivable
The first principle of WCAG, Perceivable, ensures that information and user interface components must be presented to users in ways they can perceive. This means content can’t be invisible to all of a user’s senses—whether they are seeing, hearing, or feeling the content through assistive technology.
Guideline 1.2: Time-based Media
Guideline 1.2 focuses on making time-based media—like audio and video—accessible to everyone. This includes providing alternatives such as transcripts, captions, and audio descriptions so users with different abilities can access the content.
What Is Guideline 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded)?
"Audio description is provided for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media."
Guideline 1.2.5 is a Level AA requirement in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) .
- All prerecorded video content with audio must have an audio description track.
- Audio descriptions narrate important visual information for users who are blind or have low vision.
- Audio descriptions help users understand what’s happening on screen when it’s not clear from the audio alone.
This ensures everyone can access the information in your videos, regardless of vision ability.
Why Does It Matter?
- Inclusivity: Audio descriptions make video content accessible to users who are blind or have low vision.
- Legal Compliance: This is a Level AA requirement in WCAG 2.2 and referenced in accessibility laws worldwide.
- Usability: Audio descriptions help all users understand visual content, especially in complex or fast-paced videos.
For more, see WebAIM's audio description guide .
What Needs Audio Description?
- Prerecorded video content with audio (webinars, tutorials, interviews)
- Online courses and training videos
- Marketing and promotional videos
All such media must have an audio description track.
How to Provide Audio Description
- Add an audio description track to your videos
- Ensure descriptions are accurate and complete
- Make audio descriptions easy to enable and access
- Test with users and assistive technology
For more, see the W3C's audio description docs .
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- No audio description for video content
- Incomplete or inaccurate descriptions
- Hiding audio descriptions 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 audio descriptions. For more, see the FCC's Audio Description requirements .
Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 1.2.5 in WCAG 2.2
- Level A: No requirement for 1.2.5.
- Level AA: Requires audio description for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media. This is the core requirement for 1.2.5 and is mandatory for AA conformance.
- Level AAA: For Guideline 1.2.5, there are no additional requirements beyond Level AA in WCAG 2.2. Meeting Level AA for this guideline also satisfies Level AAA.
For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) .
Quick Checklist
- All prerecorded video content with audio has an audio description track
- Audio descriptions are accurate and complete
- Audio descriptions are easy to enable and access
- Tested with users and assistive technology
Summary
Guideline 1.2.5 is essential for making prerecorded video content accessible to everyone. By providing accurate audio descriptions, you support users with disabilities, improve usability, and meet legal requirements. Make audio description a standard part of your video production process.