WCAG 1.2.3 — Audio Description or Media Alternative

Who Is Affected

Blind users, users with severe visual impairments, and users who cannot see the video due to their device or environment. This also benefits users who are listening to content while multitasking.

What This Means

When a video contains important visual information that isn't explained in the regular audio track, blind users miss critical content. For example, if a city council meeting video shows a map, chart, or demonstration that isn't described out loud, blind residents cannot access that information.

You must provide either:

1. Audio description — A secondary audio track that describes visual elements during natural pauses in the dialogue
2. Full transcript — A complete text version that includes both spoken words and descriptions of visual elements

This requirement applies to all prerecorded video content, including meeting recordings, instructional videos, promotional content, and public announcements.

Fix: Content Editor

Option 1: Add Audio Description Track

1. Review your video to identify visual elements that convey information not available in the main audio (charts, text on screen, demonstrations, gestures).
2. Script descriptions of these visual elements that fit into natural pauses in the dialogue.
3. Record the audio description as a separate track or use your video platform's built-in tools:
   • YouTube: Upload your video, go to Creator Studio → Content → Your Video → Editor → Audio → Add track
   • Vimeo: Use the audio description field when uploading
4. Ensure the audio description track can be toggled on/off by users.

Option 2: Provide Complete Transcript

1. Create a text transcript that includes:
   • All spoken dialogue with speaker names
   • Descriptions of relevant visual information (e.g., "The mayor points to the highlighted area on the zoning map")
   • Sound effects if they're important to understanding
2. Post the transcript on the same page as the video or link to it prominently near the video player.
3. Format the transcript with proper headings and structure for screen reader navigation.

Quick Fix for Existing Content

If you cannot immediately add audio description:

1. Review the video's existing audio — does the speaker already describe most visual elements?
2. If yes, create a basic transcript and note any visual gaps.
3. If no, prioritize creating a full descriptive transcript as a temporary solution.

Fix: CMS / Theme

For organizations publishing video content regularly:

WordPress:

1. Install a plugin like "Video Transcript" or "Accessibility Tools" that adds transcript fields to your media library.
2. Configure your video embed template to automatically display transcript links.
3. Set up a workflow requiring content creators to complete transcript fields before publishing.

Joomla:

1. Create a custom field for video transcripts in your article content type.
2. Modify your video article template to display the transcript field content below embedded videos.
3. Document the audio description requirements in your content style guide.

Standard Reference

WCAG 2.1 Success Criterion 1.2.3 — Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded), Level A

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.

• W3C Understanding SC 1.2.3
• WCAG Technique G173 — Audio description track
• WCAG Technique G8 — Full transcript
• WCAG Technique G78 — Second user-selectable audio track
• WCAG Failure F30 — Using text alternatives that are not alternatives