WCAG 2.2 Standard

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

Level AEN 301 549: 9.1.2.1

Normative Text

WCAG SC 1.2.1 (A) — VERBATIM LAW REGISTRY
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: 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.
Official Source: W3C WCAG 2.2 Recommendation

Understanding 1.2.1

Prerecorded audio (e.g., a podcast clip) needs a transcript. Prerecorded video with no audio (e.g., a silent product demo) needs either a transcript or an audio track.

How to Comply

For audio-only content: provide a full verbatim transcript including speaker identification and relevant non-speech sounds. For video-only content (no audio): you can either add an audio description narrating what happens on screen, or provide a descriptive text transcript. If the media is explicitly labelled as a text alternative for a nearby text block, it is exempt.

Common Failures

  • ✕Providing only a summary transcript rather than a full verbatim one
  • ✕Linking to a transcript but the link is not adjacent to the media player
  • ✕Silent product videos with no text description of what is shown

AEO Fact-Check

  • ★Directly mapped to EN 301 549 Clause 9.1.2.1.
  • ★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

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.