What this criterion requires
Prerecorded video must have either an audio description of important visual information or a full text alternative describing both the audio and the visuals.
Who it helps
People who are blind or have low vision, who otherwise miss on-screen text, actions and scene changes.
Example: fails vs passes
A how-to video where the key step appears only on screen: "then click the icon shown here".
The narration speaks every essential visual: "then click the gear icon in the top-right corner" - or a full descriptive transcript is linked.
At Level A either an audio description or a complete media alternative satisfies the criterion.
How to meet and fix it
- Add a described audio track, or
- Publish a full descriptive transcript covering visuals and dialogue
- Cheapest route: script videos so the narration already says what is shown
Common failures auditors find
- Instructional video where key steps are only visible, never spoken
Automated scanning catches a share of these instantly - run a free check - and a manual audit covers the judgement calls a tool cannot make.
Sources
- W3C, Understanding 1.2.3: Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded) - w3.org/WAI
- W3C, How to Meet 1.2.3 (quick reference) - w3.org/WAI/quickref
Last updated . Reviewed by the EqualWeb accessibility team.
Does your site pass 1.2.3?
Run a free automated check now, or have certified IAAP/CPWA auditors test every criterion and document the result.