· Compliance · 3 min read
WCAG 2.1 vs. 2.2 for Video: What Media Companies Need to Know
WCAG is the technical standard behind most video accessibility regulations. Here is what changed between 2.1 and 2.2, and what it means for your video content and players.
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are the technical foundation for most video accessibility regulations worldwide. The ADA Title II rule references WCAG 2.1 Level AA. The European Accessibility Act aligns with WCAG standards. Understanding these guidelines — and the differences between versions — is essential for media companies.
WCAG and Video: The Basics
WCAG organizes accessibility requirements into three conformance levels:
- Level A: Minimum accessibility (essential requirements)
- Level AA: Standard accessibility (what most regulations require)
- Level AAA: Enhanced accessibility (aspirational for most organizations)
For video content, the key success criteria are in Guideline 1.2: Time-Based Media.
Video-Related Success Criteria
| Criterion | Description | Level | WCAG Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2.1 | Audio-only or Video-only (pre-recorded) | A | 2.0+ |
| 1.2.2 | Captions (pre-recorded) | A | 2.0+ |
| 1.2.3 | Audio description OR media alternative (pre-recorded) | A | 2.0+ |
| 1.2.4 | Captions (live) | AA | 2.0+ |
| 1.2.5 | Audio description (pre-recorded) | AA | 2.0+ |
| 1.2.6 | Sign language (pre-recorded) | AAA | 2.0+ |
| 1.2.7 | Extended audio description (pre-recorded) | AAA | 2.0+ |
| 1.2.8 | Media alternative (pre-recorded) | AAA | 2.0+ |
| 1.2.9 | Audio-only (live) | AAA | 2.0+ |
The critical one for most media companies is 1.2.5: Audio description for all pre-recorded video content. This is a Level AA requirement, which is the standard that ADA Title II, EAA, and most other regulations reference.
What Changed from WCAG 2.1 to 2.2
WCAG 2.2 was published in October 2023. It added 9 new success criteria, but none of them directly modify the video/audio description requirements. The time-based media criteria (1.2.x) remain unchanged.
However, several new criteria affect how video players and media platforms are built:
New in WCAG 2.2 (Relevant to Media)
2.4.11 Focus Not Obscured (Minimum) — Level AA When a user interface component receives keyboard focus, it must not be entirely hidden by author-created content. This affects video players with overlapping controls, pop-ups, or cookie banners that might obscure the play/pause button or accessibility controls.
2.4.13 Focus Appearance — Level AAA When an element receives focus, the focus indicator must meet minimum size and contrast requirements. This affects custom-styled video player controls.
3.2.6 Consistent Help — Level A If a page provides help mechanisms (contact information, chat, FAQ), they must appear in a consistent location. Relevant if your media platform has accessibility help or AD information pages.
3.3.7 Redundant Entry — Level A Users should not have to re-enter information they have already provided. Relevant for media platforms with account creation, subscription, and accessibility preference flows.
3.3.8 Accessible Authentication (Minimum) — Level AA Authentication must not rely on cognitive function tests (CAPTCHAs). Media platforms must ensure login flows are accessible.
Practical Implications for Media Companies
If You Are Targeting WCAG 2.1 AA (Most Regulatory Requirements)
Your video content needs:
- Captions for all pre-recorded content (1.2.2)
- Audio description for all pre-recorded content (1.2.5)
- Captions for live content (1.2.4)
- Accessible video player with keyboard navigation and screen reader support
If You Are Targeting WCAG 2.2 AA (Best Practice)
Add:
- Ensure video player controls are not obscured when focused
- Make authentication flows accessible
- Provide consistent help mechanisms
- Avoid requiring users to re-enter accessibility preferences
If You Are Targeting WCAG 2.2 AAA (Maximum Accessibility)
Add:
- Sign language interpretation for pre-recorded content (1.2.6)
- Extended audio description where standard AD is insufficient (1.2.7)
- Enhanced focus indicators on all player controls (2.4.13)
Which Version Should You Target?
For regulatory compliance: Check which version your applicable regulation references. ADA Title II specifies WCAG 2.1 Level AA. The EAA aligns with WCAG standards without specifying a version, but national implementations typically reference 2.1.
For best practice: Target WCAG 2.2 Level AA. The additional criteria are not burdensome, and they future-proof your platform against upcoming regulatory updates that will likely adopt 2.2.
The Bottom Line
The core audio description requirement has not changed between WCAG versions — it has been a Level AA requirement since WCAG 2.0. What has changed is the broader accessibility ecosystem around video: how players are built, how authentication works, and how help is provided.
For media companies, the message is straightforward: audio description is required at Level AA regardless of which WCAG version applies. The sooner you implement it, the more prepared you are for any regulatory framework.