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# 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)

- Level: A
- Guideline: 1.2 Time-based Media
- Principle: 1 Perceivable

## What it is

For prerecorded audio-only and prerecorded video-only media, the following are true, except when the audio or video is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such:

- **Prerecorded Audio-only:** An alternative for time-based media is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded audio-only content.
- **Prerecorded Video-only:** Either an alternative for time-based media or an audio track is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded video-only content.

## How to test

- Check: An alternative for time-based media is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded audio-only content.
- Check: Either an alternative for time-based media or an audio track is provided that presents equivalent information for prerecorded video-only content.
- Use the sufficient techniques below as acceptable methods when applicable.
- Confirm none of the common failures apply.

## Sufficient techniques (W3C)

- G158: Providing an alternative for time-based media for audio-only content
- G159: Providing an alternative for time-based media for video-only content
- G166: Providing audio that describes the important video content and describing it as such

## Advisory techniques (W3C)

- H96: Using the track element to provide audio descriptions

## Common failures (W3C)

- F30: Failure of Success Criterion 1.1.1 and 1.2.1 due to using text alternatives that are not alternatives (e.g., filenames or placeholder text)
- F67: Failure of Success Criterion 1.1.1 and 1.2.1 due to providing long descriptions for non-text content that does not serve the same purpose or does not present the same information

## Resources

- WCAG 2.2 SC: https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG22/#audio-only-and-video-only-prerecorded
- Understanding: https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/Understanding/audio-only-and-video-only-prerecorded.html
- Quick reference: https://www.w3.org/WAI/WCAG22/quickref/?versions=2.2#audio-only-and-video-only-prerecorded

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