WCAG (Level AAA) SC 1.2.8 Media Alternative (Prerecorded) (w3.org)
Issue description
WCAG 1.2.8, “Media Alternative (Prerecorded)” is a Level AAA success criterion that addresses a crucial aspect of web accessibility often overlooked: providing a complete alternative to video content. This guideline requires that all prerecorded synchronized media, essentially any video with audio, have a text-based alternative that presents the same information. Here’s why this is important:
- Users with deafblindness: People who have both visual and auditory disabilities cannot perceive video content through either sight or sound.
- Cognitive disabilities: Some users with cognitive disabilities may find it difficult to process both audio and visual information simultaneously.
- Personal preferences: Some users simply prefer to access information in text format.
A media alternative provides a comprehensive text version of the video, including:
- Dialogue: All spoken words are transcribed.
- Sounds: Important non-speech sounds (e.g., music, laughter, sound effects) are described.
- Visual descriptions: All visual elements, including actions, characters, scene changes, and on-screen text, are described in detail.
Without this alternative, these users are excluded from accessing the information and experience provided by the video. This guideline ensures that everyone, regardless of their disabilities or preferences, has equal access to information and can engage with content in a way that suits their needs.
Related requirements
The following WCAG source criteria are often related to this as well. They can provide additional insights into specific challenges you may be encountering.
- WCAG (Level A) SC 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded)
- WCAG (Level AA) SC 1.2.4 Captions (Live)
- WCAG (Level AA) SC 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded)
- WCAG (Level AAA) SC 1.2.6 Sign Language (Prerecorded)
- WCAG (Level AAA) SC 1.2.7 Extended Audio Description (Prerecorded)
- WCAG (Level AAA) SC 1.2.9 Audio-only (Live)
Who this issue impacts
Follow the links for additional information on user impairments:
Suggestions for remediation
Remediating WCAG 1.2.8, “Media Alternative (Prerecorded)” involves providing a complete text-based alternative to your video content. This alternative should convey all the information presented in the video, including audio and visual elements, making it accessible to users who cannot perceive or process the video directly. Here’s how:
Create a text transcript
- Accurate transcription: Transcribe all spoken dialogue, including speaker identification when relevant.
- Non-speech sounds: Describe important non-speech sounds, such as sound effects, music, and laughter.
- Visual descriptions: Provide detailed descriptions of all visual elements, including:
- Actions and events
- Characters and their appearance
- Scene changes and settings
- Body language and facial expressions
- On-screen text and graphics
Format the transcript
- Structure: Use headings, paragraphs, and lists to organize the information logically.
- Clarity: Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or overly descriptive language.
- Accessibility: Ensure the transcript is available in an accessible format, such as plain text, HTML, or a downloadable document (e.g., DOCX, PDF).
Link the transcript to the video
- Clear link: Provide a clear and visible link to the transcript near the video player.
- Descriptive link text: Use link text that clearly indicates the purpose of the link (e.g., “View Transcript,” “Text Alternative”).
Tools and resources
- Transcription services: Several companies and freelancers offer professional transcription services.
- Automatic speech recognition (ASR): AI-powered tools can help generate transcripts, but they may require editing for accuracy.
- Descriptive video services: Some companies specialize in creating detailed audio descriptions and text transcripts for videos.
Example
Let’s say you have a video about baking a cake. The media alternative would be a text document that includes:
- Recipe: A written version of the recipe with ingredients and instructions.
- Visual descriptions: Descriptions of the steps involved, such as mixing ingredients, pouring batter, and decorating the cake.
- Sound descriptions: Descriptions of any relevant sounds, like the mixer whirring or the oven timer beeping.
By providing a comprehensive media alternative, you ensure that everyone, regardless of their disabilities or preferences, can access and understand the information presented in your video content. This promotes inclusivity and ensures that your content reaches the widest possible audience.
