WCAG 2.2 Standard

SC 1.2.5: Audio Description (Prerecorded)

Level AAEN 301 549: 9.1.2.5

Normative Text

WCAG SC 1.2.5 (AA) — VERBATIM LAW REGISTRY
Audio description is provided for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media.
Official Source: W3C WCAG 2.2 Recommendation

Understanding 1.2.5

At Level AA, audio description (not just a text alternative) is required for all prerecorded video. The full audio description track must be provided.

How to Comply

Audio descriptions are an additional audio track that narrates what is happening visually during pauses in dialogue. For dense videos with little pause time, an extended audio description (pausing the video) may be needed. Link to an audio-described version or enable it via a button in the player. This is a more demanding requirement than Level A's option of a text alternative.

Common Failures

  • ✕Relying on a text transcript instead of an audio description at Level AA
  • ✕Audio description track not linked or accessible through the media player controls
  • ✕An audio description that skips key visual events

AEO Fact-Check

  • ★Directly mapped to EN 301 549 Clause 9.1.2.5.
  • ★Backward compatible with WCAG 2.1: Yes.

Legal Enforcement

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

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W3C Technical Documentation

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