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WCAG Guideline 1.2.5: Audio Description (Prerecorded) Explained

Estimated read time: 8–10 minutes

Guideline 1: Perceivable

The first WCAG principle is Perceivable. It means content must be available in forms users can perceive. Nothing should be invisible to all senses — sight, hearing, and touch via assistive technology all count.

Guideline 1.2: Time-based Media

Guideline 1.2 makes audio and video content accessible for all. The method is providing alternatives: transcripts, captions, and audio descriptions. Each alternative serves users who cannot access the original format.

What Is Guideline 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded)?

"Audio description is provided for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media."

Guideline 1.2.5 is a Level AA requirement in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) .

  • All prerecorded video content with audio must have an audio description track.
  • Audio descriptions narrate important visual information for users who are blind or have low vision.
  • Audio descriptions help users understand what’s happening on screen when it’s not clear from the audio alone.

This ensures everyone can access the information in your videos, regardless of vision ability.

Why Does It Matter?
  • Inclusivity: Audio descriptions make video content accessible to users who are blind or have low vision.
  • Legal Compliance: This is a Level AA requirement in WCAG 2.2 and referenced in accessibility laws worldwide.
  • Usability: Audio descriptions help all users understand visual content, especially in complex or fast-paced videos.

For more, see WebAIM's audio description guide .

What Needs Audio Description?
  • Prerecorded video content with audio (webinars, tutorials, interviews)
  • Online courses and training videos
  • Marketing and promotional videos

All such media must have an audio description track.

How to Provide Audio Description
  • Add an audio description track to your videos
  • Ensure descriptions are accurate and complete
  • Make audio descriptions easy to enable and access
  • Test with users and assistive technology

For more, see the W3C's audio description docs .

Common Mistakes to Avoid
  • No audio description for video content
  • Incomplete or inaccurate descriptions
  • Hiding audio descriptions from users
  • Not testing with users who are blind or have low vision

Audit your site regularly and use accessibility checkers to ensure all video content has proper audio descriptions. For more, see the FCC's Audio Description requirements .

Differences Between A, AA, and AAA for Guideline 1.2.5 in WCAG 2.2
  • Level A: No requirement for 1.2.5.
  • Level AA: Requires audio description for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media. This is the core requirement for 1.2.5 and is mandatory for AA conformance.
  • Level AAA: For Guideline 1.2.5, there are no additional requirements beyond Level AA in WCAG 2.2. Meeting Level AA for this guideline also satisfies Level AAA.

For more, see the W3C’s official documentation for 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) .

Quick Checklist
  • All prerecorded video content with audio has an audio description track
  • Audio descriptions are accurate and complete
  • Audio descriptions are easy to enable and access
  • Tested with users and assistive technology

Summary

Guideline 1.2.5 ensures prerecorded video is accessible to users who are blind or have low vision. Add an audio description track to every video. Make this a standard step in your production process.