Level AAPerceivable1.2.5

WCAG 1.2.5: Audio Description (Prerecorded)

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

ADA Relevance: Level AA is the standard courts reference for ADA compliance. Failing this criterion creates direct legal exposure for ADA lawsuits.

Why Audio Description (Prerecorded) Matters

This extends 1.2.3 to require full audio description (not just a text alternative) for prerecorded video at Level AA.

How to Test for WCAG 1.2.5 Violations

Watch videos and verify that audio descriptions narrate important visual content during natural pauses in the dialogue.

How to Fix WCAG 1.2.5 Violations

Create an audio description track that narrates important visual information. This can be a separate audio track or an extended version of the video with additional pauses for descriptions.

Industries Most Affected by Audio Description (Prerecorded) Violations

These industries commonly fail WCAG 1.2.5 due to the nature of their website content and functionality:

Audio Description (Prerecorded) by Platform

Different platforms have different levels of built-in support for WCAG 1.2.5:

WCAG 1.2.5 FAQ

What does WCAG 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) require?

WCAG 1.2.5 requires that audio description is provided for all prerecorded video content in synchronized media. This is a Level AA criterion under the Perceivable principle, meaning it is required for ADA compliance (courts reference WCAG 2.1 AA).

How do I test for WCAG 1.2.5 violations?

Watch videos and verify that audio descriptions narrate important visual content during natural pauses in the dialogue.

Is WCAG 1.2.5 required for ADA compliance?

Yes. WCAG 1.2.5 is a Level AA 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 1.2.5?

Failing WCAG 1.2.5 Audio Description (Prerecorded) means this extends 1.2.3 to require full audio description (not just a text alternative) for prerecorded video at Level AA. 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 1.2.5 Violations

ADA CodeFix automatically scans for Audio Description (Prerecorded) violations and provides AI-generated code fixes — not overlay widgets.

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