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For prerecorded audio-only and prerecorded video-only media, the following are true, except when the audio or video is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such:
When you have prerecorded media that contains only audio or only video, you must provide an alternative way for users to access the same information. This ensures that users who cannot hear audio or see video can still understand the content.
Examples:
Solution:
Provide complete transcripts with speaker identification and important sound descriptions
Examples:
Solution:
Provide text descriptions or audio tracks that explain all visual information
Ensures that users with hearing or vision impairments can access the same information as other users, promoting equal access to digital content.
Meets legal requirements in many jurisdictions for digital accessibility, helping organizations avoid discrimination and legal issues.
Improves experience for all users, including those in quiet environments, non-native speakers, and users with slow connections.
When audio-only or video-only content lacks proper alternatives, it creates significant barriers for various user groups:
Users who cannot hear or have difficulty hearing audio content
Cannot access information in audio-only content without transcripts
Users who cannot see or have difficulty seeing video-only content
Cannot access visual information in video-only content without text descriptions
Users who may have difficulty processing audio or visual information
May need text alternatives to better understand and process media content
Users who cannot play audio due to environmental constraints
Cannot hear audio content in libraries, offices, or public spaces
Users on slow internet connections who may disable media
May turn off audio/video to save bandwidth, missing important content
Users who may understand written text better than spoken audio
May need transcripts to better comprehend content in non-native language
Follow these steps to ensure all prerecorded audio-only and video-only content has appropriate alternatives:
Audit your website to find all prerecorded audio-only and video-only media
Classify each media file to understand what alternative is needed
Provide complete text transcripts that include all spoken content and important sounds
Provide text descriptions or audio tracks that convey the same information
Properly integrate transcripts and descriptions into your web pages
Verify that alternatives provide equivalent information access
Keep transcripts and alternatives current as content changes
Experience how audio-only and video-only content works with and without proper alternatives:
Toggle to simulate deaf/hard of hearing user experience
Silent animation would play here
(Keyboard navigation demonstration)
Complex installation video would play here
(Multiple steps, dialog boxes, buttons)
Audio file would be uploaded here