1.2.2 - Captions for Pre-recorded Videos
Ensure accessibility by providing captions for pre-recorded videos.
Summary
Pre-recorded video content, such as instructional videos, ads, or interviews, must include captions that are synchronized with the audio content of the video. Captions should accurately represent all spoken dialogue and important sound effects.
Requirements
- All pre-recorded video content must have captions that are synchronized with the audio content of the video.
- Captions should include all the spoken dialogue and important sound effects from the audio part of the video.
Common Mistakes
- Failing to provide synchronized captions for the video.
- Including captions that do not cover all the spoken dialogue and important sound effects.
- Having captions that are not properly synchronized with the audio content.
Why
Providing captions ensures that individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can access the information conveyed in the video. Captions also benefit users in noisy environments or those who prefer to watch videos without sound.
Official wording in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines
1.2.2 Captions (Prerecorded): Captions are provided for all prerecorded audio content in synchronized media, except when the media is a media alternative for text and is clearly labeled as such. (Level A)
See the W3C's detailed explanation of this guideline with techniques and examples.
More Information
Useful Resources
- What are Captions? - Learn more about captions on the Nomensa blog.
- Sounding out the web: accessibility for Deaf and hard of hearing people (Part 2) - Article by The Paciello Group on accessibility for the Deaf and hard of hearing.