Understanding SC 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)

1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded): 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: (Level A)

• Prerecorded Audio-only: An alternative for time-based media is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded audio-only content.
• Prerecorded Video-only: Either an alternative for time-based media or an audio track is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded video-only content.

This success criterion requires that audio-only & video-only content are provided with alternative method of conveying information. A text transcript can be provided for audio track & text transcript or audio track can be provided for a video that doesn’t have an audio. Transcripts help all kind of users like blind, hard of hearing, deaf & deaf blind to perceive content & understand it easily.
An example of audio-only content is podcast. A video-only content is a video that is silent.

Points to Remember

• Provide text transcripts for audio tracks.
• Provide either text transcript or an audio track for a silent video.
• If an audio is provided for video then text transcript is not required. (Exception)

References

Understanding Success Criterion 1.2.1

See Also

• Guideline 1.2.2 – Captions (Pre-recorded)
• Guideline 1.2.3 – Audio-description or Media Alternative (Pre-recorded)
• Guideline 1.2.5 – Audio-description (Pre-recorded)