Match support to the media
Media requirements depend on whether content is live or prerecorded, whether it contains audio or video, and the conformance level. Read the exact criterion and its exceptions.
- Prerecorded audio only: provide a text alternative such as a transcript.
- Prerecorded video only: provide an equivalent descriptive text alternative or an audio track as applicable.
- Prerecorded video with audio: provide captions and, at AA, audio description for meaningful visual information not already conveyed in audio.
- Live synchronized media: provide live captions at AA.
- Published recordings: reassess the recording as prerecorded content.
A transcript does not generally replace required synchronized captions or the AA requirement for audio description.
Official guidance: Description of visual information
Create useful captions
Captions communicate speech and meaningful sounds in time with the media. Identify speakers when needed, include relevant sound information, and avoid covering essential visuals. Dialogue-only subtitles may leave out information that captions need.
Review automatic captions for names, terminology, timing, and meaning. Open captions remain visible; closed captions can be turned on or off in a supported player.
Official guidance: Prerecorded captions
Describe meaningful visuals
Communicate actions, demonstrations, charts, scene changes, and on-screen words that are necessary to understand the content. Plan the script so speakers naturally describe what matters. When existing audio already communicates all meaningful visuals, extra description is unnecessary.
For existing media, add a description track or a clearly available described version. Leave enough space in the production for descriptions to be understood.
Make transcripts useful
Use readable HTML when possible. Identify speakers, include meaningful sounds, and add visual descriptions where needed for a complete media alternative. Headings and timestamps can help people locate sections, but a transcript should also make sense on its own.
Choose an accessible player
- Test play, pause, volume, seeking, captions, and description controls with a keyboard.
- Ensure controls have meaningful accessible names and visible focus.
- Check caption size, contrast, and placement.
- Avoid autoplay that interferes with reading or screen reader speech.
- Make the transcript easy to find beside the media.
Plan accessible live events
Arrange accurate live captions and requested communication support. Provide accessible materials ahead of time, describe key visuals aloud, identify speakers, and make participation tools accessible. If sign language interpretation is provided, ensure participants can view it effectively.
Review captions and other access features before making the recording available.