1.2.1: Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)

What it means

Prerecorded audio-only or video-only media must have a text alternative that gives the same information. Audio-only needs a transcript; silent video needs a text description of what happens on screen.

This lets people who cannot hear or see the media still get the full message.

How to fix it

• Publish a full transcript for podcasts, audio clips, and other audio-only content.
• Describe important visual action in text for silent or video-only clips.
• Place the alternative next to the player or link to it with a clear label.
• Include speaker names and on-screen text shown in the media.

Quick examples

• Good: A recorded webinar audio file has a linked transcript covering every spoken point.
• Bad: An audio-only company update has no transcript — only the play button.
• Good: A silent product demo video includes a written walkthrough of each step shown.
• Bad: A video-only tutorial relies on viewers seeing gestures with no text description.