The guideline
Provide synchronized closed captions for every prerecorded video that has a soundtrack, including speaker identification and non-speech sounds that carry meaning (WCAG 2.2 SC 1.2.2). Provide a text transcript alongside the video for anyone who cannot or prefers not to play media. Where the video conveys information visually that the audio track does not narrate — an on-screen chart, a demonstrated action with no verbal description — add an audio description track or an equivalent text alternative (SC 1.2.3). For live video, provide live captions (SC 1.2.4, Level AA). Treat auto-generated captions as a starting point, not a substitute, and review them for accuracy before publishing.
Common failures
- Videos and multimedia lack closed captions, text transcripts, and audio descriptions.
Where it applies
Where
Disciplines
Devices
Why it matters, how to fix it, and the research behind it
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