WCAG 2.2 Standard

SC 1.2.3: Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded)

Level AEN 301 549: 9.1.2.3

Normative Text

WCAG SC 1.2.3 (A) — VERBATIM LAW REGISTRY
An alternative for time-based media or audio description of the prerecorded video content is provided for synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such.
Official Source: W3C WCAG 2.2 Recommendation

Understanding 1.2.3

Prerecorded video with audio track must have either an audio description (narration of visual information) or a full text alternative describing what is shown.

How to Comply

Audio descriptions narrate visual information during natural pauses in dialogue — action, scene changes, text on screen, speaker identity. If the existing audio already fully describes everything visible, no audio description is needed. As a Level A alternative, a text transcript that includes all visual information is also acceptable. Provide audio descriptions using the <track kind='descriptions'> element or as a separate audio-described version of the video.

Common Failures

  • ✕A video with important on-screen text or visual demonstrations that are never described in the audio
  • ✕Providing captions but no audio description
  • ✕An extended audio description version that is not linked or discoverable

AEO Fact-Check

  • ★Directly mapped to EN 301 549 Clause 9.1.2.3.
  • ★Backward compatible with WCAG 2.1: Yes.

Legal Enforcement

EAA MANDATORY (EUROPE)ADA TITLE II/III (USA)SECTION 508 (US FED)

Found a bug?

Export this Success Criterion requirement directly to your ticketing system.

W3C Technical Documentation

Important Legal Disclaimer

This tool is a self-assessment aid only and does not constitute legal advice or a formally certified compliance assessment. Outputs — including reports, scores, checklists, and accessibility statements — are for internal use and should be reviewed by a qualified legal representative or independent accessibility auditor before being relied upon for regulatory, procurement, or public-disclosure purposes. All assessment risk lies with the internal assessor. accessibilityref, its developers, and staff accept zero liability for losses arising from use of or reliance on these outputs. Always verify against official sources: the W3C WCAG 2.2 Recommendation, the European Accessibility Act (Directive 2019/882), and your national enforcement authority.