1.2.1 - Transcript for Pre-recorded Audio-only Content

Provide a transcript for audio content that has no video (e.g., podcasts) to ensure accessibility.

Summary

Audio-only content, such as podcasts, should include a text transcript.

Requirements

  • A text transcript should be available for any audio-only content, either on the same page or on a linked page.

Common Mistakes

  • Audio-only content that conveys information lacks a text transcript.
  • The text transcript for audio-only content fails to include all spoken dialogue and sound effects.
  • The text transcript for audio-only content lacks clear labeling.

Why?

Providing a transcript ensures that the information is accessible to individuals who cannot hear.

Official wording in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

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.

See the W3C's detailed explanation of this guideline with techniques and examples.

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