1.2.8: Media Alternative (Prerecorded)

What it means

Prerecorded video with sound must have a full media alternative — a text document that includes everything in both the audio and video tracks. This is for people who cannot use video at all.

The text version should stand alone; readers should not need to watch the clip.

How to fix it

• Write a complete transcript plus descriptions of all meaningful visuals.
• Include on-screen text, slide content, and demonstrated steps in order.
• Publish the alternative on the same page with a clear link label.
• Update the text when the video is replaced or edited.

Quick examples

• Good: Each lesson video links to a full text lesson covering speech, slides, and demos.
• Bad: The “transcript” is three bullet points that omit half the video.
• Good: The text alternative notes who is speaking and what appears on screen at each step.
• Bad: Users must install a plugin to access any text version of the media.