WCAG 2.0 · Level A · Perceivable

WCAG 1.2.2 — Captions (Prerecorded)

Prerecorded video with audio needs synchronized captions of speech and important sounds.

WCAG 1.2.2 at a glance

Level A · Principle: Perceivable · Added in WCAG 2.0. Level A is the minimum — failing it blocks some users entirely.

What it means

Prerecorded video with audio needs synchronized captions of speech and important sounds.

Who it helps

Deaf and hard-of-hearing users, and anyone in sound-off environments.

Common failures

  • Videos with no captions
  • Auto-captions left uncorrected (errors, no speaker labels)

How to meet WCAG 1.2.2

  1. Add accurate, synchronized captions
  2. Include speaker identification and meaningful non-speech sounds

How to test it

Manual — watch with captions on and verify accuracy and sync.

Frequently asked questions

Is WCAG 1.2.2 Level A or AA?
WCAG 1.2.2 (Captions (Prerecorded)) is a Level A success criterion, introduced in WCAG 2.0. Level A is the baseline.
How do I test WCAG 1.2.2?
Manual — watch with captions on and verify accuracy and sync.

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