Perceivable · Level A · Introduced in WCAG 2.0
WCAG 1.2.3: Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded)
Published by whatisADA / Grow Wild Agency · Updated
What this criterion means
Prerecorded synchronized media must provide audio description or a full media alternative for important visual information that the soundtrack does not communicate. This Level A criterion allows either route.
A practical example
A training video silently displays an error message before the presenter explains a fix. Add description identifying the message, or provide a sequential text alternative covering the visual and audio content together.
How to check it
- Listen to the recording without watching and list information you cannot obtain from the soundtrack.
- Compare that list against the described version or complete media alternative.
- Follow the same instructional steps using only the alternative, including any choices or interactive outcomes.
What can be missed
A dialogue transcript alone may omit the visuals. At Level AA, 1.2.5 also applies and generally requires audio description, so the text option here does not by itself satisfy the AA target.
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These are your observations, not automated results or a conformance certificate. A complete evaluation needs appropriate scope, supported technologies, all applicable criteria and relevant page states.
Primary sources and scope
This is independent implementation guidance with original examples. The linked standard contains the full definitions, exceptions and conformance requirements. A criterion or checklist alone does not establish legal applicability or whole-site conformance.