Can alternative text for <video> and <audio> elements be provided using the alt attribute?

Alternative text for video and audio elements cannot be provided using the alt attribute because the alt attribute is specifically designed for images within the tag. For multimedia elements like video and audio, which convey complex information beyond what can be described in a simple alternative text, the correct approach is to provide captions, transcripts, or other forms of text alternatives that maintain the content's context and meaning.

For audio content, a transcription allows users who cannot hear the audio to understand the dialogue or other pertinent information. Similarly, for videos, captions are essential to convey spoken dialogue, sound cues, and other relevant audio information that may not be apparent just from viewing the visual content. These approaches ensure that users with disabilities have equivalent access to the information presented in these multimedia elements.