Level APerceivable1.2.3

WCAG 1.2.3: Audio Description or Media Alternative

An alternative for time-based media or audio description is provided for prerecorded video content.

ADA Relevance: Level A is the minimum baseline. Failing this criterion is a clear ADA violation and one of the easiest violations for plaintiff attorneys to identify.

Why Audio Description or Media Alternative Matters

Blind users need audio descriptions of important visual content that is not conveyed through the existing audio track.

How to Test for WCAG 1.2.3 Violations

Watch videos and identify important visual information not described in the audio. Check if audio descriptions or full text transcripts are provided.

How to Fix WCAG 1.2.3 Violations

Provide either audio descriptions (narration during pauses describing visual content) or a full text transcript that includes all visual and auditory information.

Industries Most Affected by Audio Description or Media Alternative Violations

These industries commonly fail WCAG 1.2.3 due to the nature of their website content and functionality:

Audio Description or Media Alternative by Platform

Different platforms have different levels of built-in support for WCAG 1.2.3:

WCAG 1.2.3 FAQ

What does WCAG 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative require?

WCAG 1.2.3 requires that an alternative for time-based media or audio description is provided for prerecorded video content. This is a Level A criterion under the Perceivable principle, meaning it is a minimum baseline requirement.

How do I test for WCAG 1.2.3 violations?

Watch videos and identify important visual information not described in the audio. Check if audio descriptions or full text transcripts are provided.

Is WCAG 1.2.3 required for ADA compliance?

Yes. WCAG 1.2.3 is a Level A criterion, and courts consistently reference WCAG 2.1 AA as the standard for ADA compliance. Failing to meet this criterion creates legal exposure for ADA lawsuits, which typically settle for $10,000 to $75,000+.

What happens if my website fails WCAG 1.2.3?

Failing WCAG 1.2.3 Audio Description or Media Alternative means blind users need audio descriptions of important visual content that is not conveyed through the existing audio track. This violation is detectable by automated scanning tools that ADA plaintiff attorneys use to identify lawsuit targets. ADA CodeFix can scan your site for this specific violation and provide AI-generated code fixes.

Test Your Site for WCAG 1.2.3 Violations

ADA CodeFix automatically scans for Audio Description or Media Alternative violations and provides AI-generated code fixes — not overlay widgets.

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