WCAG in Plain English

All images and other non-text content (like icons, charts, audio, CAPTCHAs, or controls) must have a descriptive text alternative that conveys their meaning. Purely decorative content can be hidden from assistive technologies (e.g. using an empty alt attribute).

Prerecorded audio-only content must have a text transcript. Prerecorded video-only content must have a text or audio description.

Prerecorded videos with audio must have synchronized captions that include; all speech; relevant sound effects (like music, alarms, or laughter).

Important visual content in prerecorded videos must be described using; an audio description or; a text-based alternative.

Live video with audio must include real-time captions that cover; speech and; important sound effects (like music, alarms, or laughter).

Important visual content in prerecorded videos with audio must be described using; an audio description, unless it is already explained in the main audio track.

All prerecorded videos with audio must include a sign language interpretation.

Prerecorded videos must include extended audio descriptions if important visual content can’t be described during normal playback like important visual details, on-screen text not spoken aloud, or scenes without natural audio breaks.

Prerecorded videos must have a full text alternative—even if captions and audio descriptions are already available—that includes all speech, relevant sound effects (like music, alarms, or laughter), and important visual content.

Live audio-only content must include a real-time text alternative, such as; captions, or live transcripts.