WCAG 1.2.1: Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded)
WCAG 1.2.1 Audio-only and Video-only (Prerecorded) is a level A success criterion from WCAG 2.0. Prerecorded audio-only needs a transcript. Prerecorded video-only needs a transcript or an audio description.
People who are deaf need the words of a podcast. People who are blind need a description of silent video.
How to test
Find autoplay and embedded media. If there is speech and no picture, confirm a transcript sits next to it.
How to fix
Publish a transcript on the same page as the media, not only inside a third-party player.
Example that fails
A brand film with narration and no transcript link.
Example that passes the check
The film page includes a heading Transcript and the full spoken script.
Shopify
Put the transcript in a collapsible row on the product or page section, directly under the video.
WooCommerce
Add the transcript under the product video in the product short description or a custom tab.
WordPress
Place a Transcript heading and the text under the Video block.
Wix
Add a text box under the video element with the transcript. Do not hide it in a file nobody can open.