1.2.1 – Audio-only and Video-only (Pre-recorded) (Level A)

Provide an alternative to video-only and audio-only content.

Introduction

Users who have difficulty with hearing and/or vision may need assistance with audio-only or video-only content, such as an audio file, embedded podcast or silent film.

As the popularity of podcasting continues to grow, making these accessible is an important part of a presenters job –  in conjunction with their web desginer.

By providing the same information conveyed in the audio-only or video-only content in a different format, users can access the content by other means, such as text transcripts or assistive technology.

How to Pass Audio-only and Video-only (Pre-recorded)

• Provide a text transcript that conveys the same information as audio-only media;
• Provide a text transcript that conveys the same information as video-only media; or
• Provide an audio-track that conveys the same information as video-only media.

Exceptions

You don’t need to provide an alternative if the content is itself an alternative for text.

Tips

Sometimes creating a text transcript is simple, other times you have to make a judgement call on what to include. The best bet is, as always, to be honest with your users. What does the media convey and does your transcript do the same? Could you swap one for the other?

A text transcript for a video without sound should describe what is going on in the video as clearly as possible. Try to focus on what the video is trying to say rather than getting bogged down with detail.

Alternatively, for video-only content, record an audio track that narrates the video.

Place your alternative or a link to it directly beneath your video or audio content.

Related to Audio-only and Video-only (Pre-recorded) 

• 1.2.2 – Captions (Pre-recorded)
• 1.2.3 – Audio Description or Media Alternative (Pre-recorded)
• 1.2.5 – Audio Description (Pre-recorded)
• 1.2.7 – Extended Audio Description
• 1.2.8 – Media Alternative (Pre-recorded)
• Understanding Success Criterion 1.2.1 (W3C)