All WCAG criteria
WCAG 1.2.1 · PerceivableLevel A

1.2.1Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)

Prerecorded audio needs a transcript. Prerecorded video-only (silent) needs either a transcript or an audio-described version.

Common failures

Patterns that fail this criterion.

  • 01Podcast episodes published without transcript
  • 02Silent product-demo videos without captions or description
  • 03Animated explainer videos with no audio narration AND no transcript
How to test

Testing approach: manual.

Manual — confirm a transcript link exists near the media or in metadata. Automated tools cannot evaluate transcript completeness.

How to fix

Remediation steps.

  1. 1

    For audio-only

    Ship a text transcript on the same page or linked from a clearly labelled "Transcript" link.

  2. 2

    For video-only (silent)

    Either provide a transcript or add an audio-described version.

Scan for WCAG 1.2.1 on your site

Find every violation in 42 seconds.

AccessProof runs axe-core 4.9.1 against your site and flags every WCAG criterion with the offending element selector. WCAG 1.2.1 is one of 49 criteria we check on every scan.

Start free auditTry free scanner — no signup
Related criteria

Often appears with…

WCAG 1.2.2 · Level A

Captions (Prerecorded)

WCAG 1.2.3 · Level A

Audio Description or Media Alternative (Prerecorded)

All 50 WCAG 2.1 Level A + AA success criteria explained.

View the full checklist