1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded)
Audio description is provided for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media.
Last reviewed: September 9, 2026
Understanding 1.2.5
Unlike 1.2.3, which offers a choice between audio description and a text alternative, this AA-level criterion requires actual audio description for prerecorded video with synchronized audio whenever the existing soundtrack doesn't convey all necessary visual information. This makes visual-only content (silent actions, on-screen text, facial expressions conveying key plot points) accessible to blind and low-vision users without requiring them to seek out a separate transcript.
How to Meet It
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from 1.2.3?
1.2.3 (Level A) lets you choose between adding audio description OR providing a full text transcript. 1.2.5 (Level AA) specifically requires the audio description track itself; a text transcript alone is no longer sufficient at this level.
What if there isn't enough silence in the dialogue to fit the description?
In that case use extended audio description, where the video is periodically paused to allow time for the narration; this is formally covered by 1.2.7 at Level AAA, but is a reasonable technique to satisfy the intent when standard AD won't fit.
Related Success Criteria
Quick Facts
- Criterion1.2.5
- LevelAA
- IntroducedWCAG 2.0
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